PROGRAMS AIMED AT DEFENSE

5.1 Energy efficient Ethernet / Power over Ethernet/ Copper LAN interface beyond 10G

Interconnection speeds between networked computers continue to increase exponentially, with each new generation of connection interfaces emerging about every six years. Ethernet, or IEEE 802.3, is in most cases the dominant connection standard. About eight years ago, 100 megabits-per-second (100M) Ethernet was the technology in data centers and Local Area Networks (LANs). Today, 1 gigabit-per-second (1G) dominates, with 10G beginning to emerge. In the future, 40G and eventually 100G will become benchmark connection technologies. As interconnection speeds between computers increase, so does the threat of substitution of copper cables with fiber optic.

To combat this substitution threat, copper data cable makers need a simple, high-speed copper interface that is compatible with existing Ethernet standards. Working with member companies, ICA funds basic research to determine the practical data capacity of copper data cables. At the same time, ICA has supported efforts within international standards bodies to establish copper-based interface standards, which computer equipment makers can use to design successive generations of servers, switches, and routers.

While fiber optic cable is often advantageous in long data connections (generally those of 100m or more), for the vast majority of data center and LAN connections, conventional twisted-pair copper cables not only have the capacity to compete favorably with optical fiber, but can continue to provide reliable connections at speeds of up to 100G at low cost. According to industry data and at current rates of technology development, 100G connections will support the needs of data centers for at least 10-15 more years.

A product roadmap leading to 100G demonstrates copper cables are resistant to obsolescence and provides cablemakers the ability to defend a market of nearly 10 million kilometers (and growing) of data cable, or an annual market of over 150,000 tonnes of copper.

In addition, copper data cables offer the ability for enhanced energy efficiency and to provide power directly to network devices where it is too expensive or otherwise impractical to provide power with conventional utility wires.

ICA, collaborating with cable makers, connector suppliers, network equipment makers and fabricators of communications microchips, has successfully worked with international standards bodies to create low-cost, energy-efficient data connections and standards, including the ability to provide power to small devices at the edges of the network. This collaborative research has provided mutual benefits along the entire supply chain: it has preserved a significant market for producers of oxygen-free copper wire rod, provided cablemakers with an upgrade path that will enable them to preserve their investment in copper data cable production, and provides end users with better performance from the same familiar connection medium they have been using for years.

The success of ICA and the W&C industry efforts can be illustrated with a timely anecdote. In the current economic environment, where most cable shipments are down by 15 to 20% or more, sales of premium, high-performance copper data cable continues to hold up and even grow—a testament to the real value provided by copper data cables to the information technology industry.

5.2 Structured wiring

Smart Wiring™ was initiated by ICA’s Copper Development Centre (CDC) in Australia nine years ago and has demonstrated the long-term value of commercially oriented, technology- driven initiatives.

A group of key stakeholders drawn from the electrical, cabling, home automation and public sectors worked together under the leadership of CDC to develop the industry-guaranteed, technology-independent cabling format that defined Smart Wiring™.

In essence, Smart Wiring™ provides data, telephony, and television services, and is based on the use of high-speed copper cables – like Coaxial and Cat 5 or 6 wired in a star pattern. It offers options like home networking, security and entertainment.

This approach proved highly successful, and a survey of 900 of Australia’s biggest builders last year showed that Smart Wiring™ was used in over a third of all new homes and major renovations – four times the uptake compared with just three years ago.

A consortium of high-profile partners – including Telstra, Clipsal and Foxtel – helps to give it commercial credibility and reach, while allowing participating companies to pursue their own market strategies.

Networks of accredited Smart Wired® builders, electricians and home integrators/designers helped to ensure accessibility with consumers through direct marketing, education and servicing.

Formal course requirements helped to cement it into the building industry. National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) have been crucial in defining qualifications and standards. An online presence is built around an independent web, site-www.smartwiredhouse.com.au.

CDC Australia is now working with partners and government to embed Smart Wiring™ into the Building Code as the residential wiring framework, including data, communication, security, audiovisual, home automation and the emerging issue of energy management.

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