Crossroads - Siemon

Those who have ever mistakenly deleted an important file or lost work due to a computer crash know the value of backing up files at a workstation. Now imagine the magnified importance of protecting server data. Servers run most network applications and store huge amounts of information. The need for a simple server backup solution that integrates with legacy storage devices and off-loads gigabit traffic, leads many IT managers and LAN equipment manufacturers to a crossroads. Crossroads with a capital "C".

Crossroads is a leading supplier of data storage solutions. Headquartered in Austin, Texas (USA), Crossroads started out in 1994 as a consulting firm, helping corporate clients design and implement effective data storage solutions. "We saw a tremendous need for better storage solutions," says Robert Miller, Senior IT/IS Manager of Crossroads. "Customers were looking for a complete software and hardware solution that would work with their existing storage devices. We developed a solution that allows customers to protect their investment in their current storage devices and have the ability to store volumes of data without creating network bottlenecks."

"Once the decison had been made to go with fiber-to-the-desk, it was a matter of selecting the right vendor to ensure that Crossroads had the best solution. With the introduction of Siemon's MT-RJ line in combination with their Fiber Outlet Box (FOB), we found a perfect marriage - high density, easy termination, performance, and aesthetics were all there."

Crossroads has one central networking room where all data and voice traffic are controlled. Data is transmitted on fiber and voice traffic is handled on copper.

Crossroads' solution was to develop its own software and fiber optic gigabit storage routers. When installed, they create what is called a Storage Area Network (SAN). The SAN is a high-speed fiber optic backbone, which can quickly transfer massive amounts of server data to a limited number of Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) storage devices. To the average person, this technology sounds foreign, but to an IT professional required to manage high volumes of data, Storage Area Networking is a critical networking element.

With the need for data storage roughly doubling each year, Crossroads makes it easier and more cost-effective for companies to store, retrieve, manage, and protect their data. According to International Data Corporation, Crossroads' position in the storage networking market is similar to Cisco's in the conventional networking arena. Crossroads is an industry leading OEM supplier to companies such as Compaq, Dell, Exabyte, Fujitsu-Siemens, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi Data Systems, McDATA and StorageTek. They also sell directly through top resellers and distributors, including Acal Electronics, Bell Microproducts, Cranel, Datalink, ITIS Services, nStor, Pinacor, Polaris Services and Vangard Technology.

A close up of an FOB at a workstation. Each FOB has one MAX^® module for voice and three MT-RJ bezels for data.

As Crossroads continued to enjoy significant growth, the management team realized that they would soon need to expand their operations to a new facility. They located a 63,000 square foot (nearly 6,000 square meters) building, and began working with XO Spec, a Premier Siemon Certified Installer,SM to specify, design, and install their cabling system.

Ken Harder, XO Spec President, met with Crossroads managers to discuss their needs. Crossroads wanted a solution that would be both cost effective, space efficient, and provide the most bandwidth possible. XO Spec was able to present several solutions including copper, a mix of copper and fiber, and a complete fiber-to-the-desk solution. After much consideration, Crossroads ruled out a copper-based network and felt that, as a fiber network solution provider, they needed to make a statement by utilizing a full fiber-to-the-desk (FTTD) solution.

Stan Potts, Account Manager from XO Spec commented, "Once the decision had been made to go with fiber-to-the-desk, it was a matter of selecting the right vendor to ensure that Crossroads had the best solution. With the introduction of Siemon's MT-RJ line in combination with their Fiber Outlet Box (FOB), we found a perfect marriage - high density, easy termination, performance, and aesthetics were all there." He continued, "The fiber solution also allowed Crossroads to maximize their usable space on each floor. A copper solution typically needs space on each floor dedicated for a horizontal cross-connect. Because less dedicated space was needed for telecommunication cross-connections, Crossroads was able to utilize that space for other purposes."

"Crossroads' engineers drive very data-intensive applications," explained Miller. "We needed a network that would guarantee our users high performance - a fiber network would certainly allow that, but our concern was with manageability..."

Each workstation at Crossroads uses a Fiber Outlet Box (FOB) and a two-port MAX^® style faceplate. The FOB has MT-RJ outlets for data and MAX^®modules for voice.

Another driving factor for the FTTD solution was Crossroads' willingness to invest in their physical infrastructure. "As a fiber company, Crossroads feels that technology is moving toward optical based networks. We feel that the best way to future-proof our cabling infrastructure is to install a high performance fiber cabling system that is flexible enough to adopt new technologies. Then we can forget about it; as new technology is developed, we will simply replace the active optical equipment," added Miller.

Together, Crossroads and XO Spec determined that at each workstation, one 4-pair voice grade copper cable and one 3-pair 62.5/125µm fiber cable would be required. They used a two port MAX^® faceplate with one MAX^® jack for the voice connection and one blank MAX^® module for future growth. For data, three MT-RJ bezels in the FOB were installed. This solution provided the immediate functionality Crossroads needed, and allowed for future growth.

From the beginning, XO Spec worked with Crossroads, the architects, and the contractors to specify clear pathways, place conduit for the fiber runs, make sure bend radius guides were in place, and above all - maintain a clean work environment.

Leo Chavez, installer at XO Spec, examines the MT-RJ connections in a Siemon RIC fiber enclosure. In total, over 4,000 Siemon MT-RJ terminations were installed at Crossroads, all of which are managed in this networking room.

"XO Spec terminated over 4,000 MT-RJ connectors at Crossroads. At any installation - especially when you're working with tight deadlines - there are bound to be a small percentage of errors with the installation. Our most common problem was reversing the polarity of the fiber as we terminated the MT-RJ plugs. Fortunately, Siemon's MT-RJ adapter has a living hinge design that allowed us to correct the polarity of the MT-RJ connector behind a faceplate, bezel, or adapter plate without discarding the plug and having to re-terminate the fiber. It was great to work with a product that has features and benefits for the installers. It saved installation time and minimized product scrap," remarked Leo Chavez, Certified Installer^SM from XO Spec.

As XO Spec was completing the installation, Crossroads began moving into the facilities. XO Spec had the opportunity to work with the IT/IS department to ensure that the installed cabling infrastructure provided the performance and maintenance benefits that Crossroads required.

"Crossroads engineers drive very data-intensive applications," explained Miller. "We needed a network that would guarantee our users high performance - a fiber network would certainly allow that, but our concern was with manageability. The Siemon MT-RJ solution allowed us to collapse the backbone to one central networking room where we could easily manage the cabling infrastructure."

The total positive impact that one central networking room has on an IT/IS department can not be over emphasized. Having one location to trouble shoot user problems or administer moves, adds, and changes greatly improves the department's overall effectiveness.

The central networking room, in combination with the small design of the MT-RJ, also brought another benefit to the table. Miller explained, "Instead of having to buy several lower-end switches, we could concentrate on buying a few, more expensive, higher-end switches. The higher-end switches come with more intelligent methods of directing traffic and we are just now realizing how much of a benefit that is."

Packet prioritization was another benefit that these higher-end switches provided Crossroads. This means that the active equipment is intelligent enough to give priority to critical applications. For example, a system user performing diagnostic reports on the network receives more priority than another user browsing the Internet. Crossroads began to utilize this feature as soon as they moved into their new facility.

"...The Siemon MT-RJ solution allowed us to collapse
the backbone to one central networking room where
we could easily manage the cabling infrastructure."

The performance benefits of the fiber-to-the-desk solution were immediate as well. Crossroads has been able to fully utilize a centralized 100BASE-FX network and maintain a Gigabit Ethernet environment at the server level. This allows Crossroads to maximize the efficiency of their network and allows them to transfer data at incredible speed.

"We were able to realize these performance improvements immediately. On average, our users can expect to transfer 10 megabytes in three seconds on our network" added Miller. "This enables Crossroads' engineers to reduce the design time for a particular server or software package and improve the time-to-market for Crossroads' products."

"We feel that by making a substantial investment in our cabling system infrastructure, and realizing its benefits, Crossroads will be able to maintain a technological edge that will continue to benefit our customers" remarked Miller. "The performance, manageability, and longevity of the Siemon Cabling System^® all work together to bring value to our customers. We're very pleased with our investment."