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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF CABLING WITH CAT 8

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Updated : October 10, 2013 0:0  ,
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In recent months, 40GBASE-T has come several steps closer to demonstrating proven viability for data centre applications. Ciaran Forde, VP – Enterprise Sales, CommScope MEA, discusses the impact of this game-changing innovation

The pressure on data centre capacity has never been greater. It is now commonplace for 10 or more virtual machines to be running on the same physical server, making a high-speed uplink essential to ensure all these applications can run without excess latency or degradation of service. As more and more servers migrate to 10GbE links to support this data deluge, 40G uplink speeds are forecast to be a requirement for server interfaces by 2018.

CommScope recently verified a proof-of-concept solution for a viable 40GBASE-T channel by utilizing prototype Category 8 RJ-45 connectors and copper twisted pair cables at an IEEE 802.3 NGBASE-T study group meeting. This proof-of-concept demonstrates that data centre operators can use Category 8 cabling to support 40 GBASE-T.

One of CommScope’s key intentions in helping to develop the industry standard for 40GBASE-T was to ensure that it could be supported and rolled out cost-effectively. The new standard will minimize the time it will take to develop new electronics for switches and servers that can support 40GBASE-T connectivity, by building on the work already completed to support 10GbE connections. Additionally, the standard will also support the ubiquitous RJ-45 connector.

The way forward

It has been proposed in some corners that Category 7A cabling offers future-proofed support for 40GbE speeds. However, Category 7A is only specified to a frequency of 1GHz and PHY industry experts have shown that higher bandwidth, in the range of 1.5-2GHz, will be required to support 40GBASE-T transmission. To date, the work of standards bodies indicates that a higher bandwidth solution than Category 7A cabling is needed in support of 40GBASE-T.

Additionally, Category 7A supports three different types of connectors that are not interoperable or backwards compatible with the RJ-45 connector. Their use in DCs will require the use of hybrid patch cords and equipment cords making operations more difficult, error prone and slowing down MACs (moves, adds, changes) in data centres.

The IEEE has made it clear that it requires a low-bulk, high-density cabling solution for 40GBASE-T, given the limited real estate in data centres.

Due to these factors, the wider cabling industry has agreed that Category 8 is the path forward for supporting 40GBASE-T. CommScope successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of Category 8 cabling for enterprise networks. This is a step along the real path towards a viable 40GBASE-T system for data center applications. Today, 10GBASE-T continues to gain broad acceptance in the server and access layers, and CommScope anticipates bandwidth growth will necessitate a 40GBASE-T solution in the future.  BASE-T technology in conjunction with RJ-45 connectivity is a widely accepted and cost-effective networking option in both data center and commercial building environments. The CommScope proof-of-concept demonstrates that data center operators will be able to extend their preferred mean of communication technology for 40G.

Evolution or extinctionWith the requirements placed on data centres increasing rapidly, the ability to flexibly adapt to future demands is crucial for data centre managers. Often this can be achieved by deploying higher bandwidth solutions in one part of the data centre, provided that these systems are backwards compatible with existing infrastructure.

Organisations that do not future-proof their data centres today, will face the need for wholesale upgrades in 3-5 years that may generate significant down-time. For this reason, data centre operators should be careful not to reduce their initial CapEx at the cost of greater OpEx during the total lifetime of their infrastructure. Purchasing better quality equipment can also reduce the need for on-going maintenance and technical support during a data centre’s lifetime. Similarly, media diversity can also play a crucial role in ensuring reliability in data centres.

40GBASE-T: Raising the value of intelligence

As the bandwidth of each individual link in the data centre rises, so does the cost of a connection failure. The huge volumes of data that will soon be running across individual cabling will mean that the failure of even one connection can have a significant impact upon a data centre’s overall performance. Unfortunately, the rapid increase in network complexity in recent years has produced many more potential points of degradation and failure in data centres – from a patchcord being accidentally unplugged to a software false alarm halting all network traffic. It is essential then that enterprises have the tools in place to proactively track and monitor data centre activity. Businesses are rapidly waking up to the reality that the less efficient methods used in the past for maintaining their networks and tracing faults are no longer adequate.

The answer lies in “Intelligent Infrastructure solutions” – systems that provide the missing link between network management tools and the traditionally passive structured cabling infrastructures that connect network devices together. Intelligence provides better, real-time monitoring of the physical network layer, helping IT professionals and network managers to ensure the security of their network by quickly eliminating blind spots, detecting and locating network breaches, and  constantly keeping track of all moves, adds or changes within the network.

As the data rates of individual links in data centres increase, IT managers also need to “sweat the assets” they have, as the individual connections are becoming more valuable. To this end, Intelligence inside the data centre also improves operational efficiencies across the board, providing visibility into what resources are available, what data speeds can be supported and, if maintenance is needed, what ports are available and what systems can easily be moved.

The combination of 40GbE data rates with the optimization possible through Intelligent Infrastructure is a potent one. It will allow data centre operators and enterprise IT directors to ensure minimal risk and maximum performance from their IT systems well into the future. Towards this end, it’s crucial that planning for the future starts today.

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Dhruva to Rebrand as Ryan Across the Middle East, Signaling Unified Global Brand

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Dhruva will adopt the Ryan brand across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2026, uniting the practice with Ryan’s global identity and international platform.

Dhruva, a leading tax consultancy firm in the Middle East, and Ryan, a leading global tax services and software provider, today announced that Dhruva will transition to the Ryan brand across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rebranding will be completed by the end of 2026, bringing the practice under Ryan’s global identity and reinforcing its position as part of the world’s leading global-scale specialist in business tax.

The transition marks the next phase of the strategic joint venture announced in 2025 and reflects the continued integration of Dhruva’s regional capabilities with Ryan’s global platform, technology, and international resources. Clients across the Middle East will continue to benefit from the same trusted advisory teams, enhanced by access to Ryan’s worldwide expertise and service capabilities.


“The Middle East has been a strategic growth market for us for many years, and we have built a strong advisory practice founded on deep client relationships, technical excellence, and local market understanding,” said Dinesh Kanabar, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dhruva Advisors and Vice Chairman, Ryan.

“The transition to the Ryan brand marks a significant milestone in our journey and reflects the strength of our partnership. By combining our regional expertise with Ryan’s global scale, technology, and international capabilities, we are creating an even stronger platform to support clients across the region as they navigate an increasingly dynamic and evolving tax landscape.”


“The Middle East is one of the most important growth markets for tax advisory services globally, and we are investing in the region with a long-term view,” said Tom Shave, President of Ryan’s European and Asia-Pacific Operations. “Uniting under the Ryan brand strengthens how we serve clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe—bringing seamless access to our global expertise, technology, and international resources through one trusted platform. This transition marks an important milestone in our integration and reinforces our commitment to the region’s future.”


Ryan will continue to invest in its Middle East operations, expanding its team, capabilities, and regional presence across key markets, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. The practice provides comprehensive tax advisory services spanning corporate tax, value-added tax (VAT) and indirect tax, transfer pricing, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) tax structuring, research and development (R&D), and cross-border compliance.


“The response from our clients over the past year has been the clearest validation of this partnership,” said Nimish Goel, Leader, Middle East, Dhruva, a Ryan Affiliate. “From the outset, our teams have been integrating Ryan’s global capabilities in technology, specialized expertise, and best practices into the work we already lead in the region. Adopting the Ryan brand is the natural next step. It is the same people and the same trusted relationships, now carrying the name of the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes.”


The rebranding will be implemented in phases during the second half of 2026, with signage, visual identity, and digital properties transitioning to the Ryan brand across the region.

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GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC and Palmon Group unveil new temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in JAFZA

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GFH Partners Manrre REIT (CEIC) PLC (“Manrre” or “the Fund”), managed by GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”),  together with its development manager Palmon Group FZCO (“Palmon Group”), today announced the opening of a specialised temperature-controlled chemical warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), further expanding the Fund’s Grade A logistics portfolio.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mr Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GC, alongside senior officials and dignitaries from Jebel Ali Free Zone, GFH Partners, and Palmon Group.

Purpose-built and developed by Palmon Group to meet stringent international safety and compliance standards, the new facility reflects the rising regional demand for certified chemical storage infrastructure that supports manufacturing, energy, industrial services, and third-party logistics. The warehouse is situated on a 180,000sq ft plot with a built-up area of 112,000 sq ft, divided into three temperature-controlled chambers that reach a maximum height of 13 metres. The warehouse has been designed with advanced Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR), and in-rack sprinkler systems to ensure safety and resilience across all operations.

The facility’s layout allows storage of a diverse range of hazard-classified chemicals. One chamber is configured for UN Class 3 and 4 chemicals, a second accommodates UN Class 5 chemicals, while the third has been developed for UN Class 6, 8, 9 and non-regulated materials. The warehouse offers capacity for 17,400 pallets and includes nine loading docks and three loading bays. The office space has been intentionally limited to three percent of the total built-up area, maximising operational efficiency and warehouse utility.

Speaking on the launch, Kunal Lahori, CEO of Palmon Group and Board Member of Manrre, said: “This new facility brings together precision engineering, regulatory compliance, and long-term value creation. Specialised chemical storage requires a high degree of control and risk management, and we have developed this warehouse to meet those expectations while offering flexibility and scalability for tenants. As one of the earliest developers in Jafza, Palmon Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s logistics and industrial growth.”

Mohamed Ali, Head of GCC at GFH Partners, said: “The opening of this warehouse marks another important milestone in the expansion of the GFH Partners Manrre REIT portfolio, particularly in mission-critical industrial and logistics assets that serve high-growth sectors. The UAE continues to see strong demand for specialised storage solutions, and this facility reinforces our strategy to develop resilient, future-ready assets that deliver long-term value for our investors.”

The logistics hub is now fully operational and is leased to Safe Logistics. The new facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regulated supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as one of the region’s foremost logistics and industrial hubs.

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Big Ticket joins DP World ILT20 Season 4 as Official Partner

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A professional cricket player for the Desert Vipers in mid-swing during a match. The batsman is wearing a dark green and black patterned jersey with red accents, a red helmet, and black protective leg pads. He is holding a wooden cricket bat high in a follow-through motion after playing a shot. The background shows a crowded stadium with purple and blue seating and a "DP World" branded wicket.

Big Ticket, the largest and longest-running guaranteed raffle draw in the Middle East (known for cash prizes, dream luxury cars, gold bars and coins) has joined the DP World International League T20 Season 4 as an Official Partner.

In recent years, Big Ticket has become more than just a raffle, it has gained the reputation of being a brand built around rewarding dreams and celebrating ambition, growing into one of the region’s largest and one of the most anticipated monthly draws in the UAE.

DP World ILT20 – the 34-match cricketing extravaganza – the biggest T20 tournament in the region featuring some of the most renowned global cricket stars is currently being played at the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

A cricket player from the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders standing at the crease, ready to receive a ball. The player is dressed in a purple and gold uniform with matching gold-colored leg pads and a gold helmet. He holds the bat upward in a standard batting stance. The stadium background features blue seats, a "UAE Cricket" sign, and another player in an orange uniform in the distance.

DP World ILT20 Head of Partnerships Ishan Chopra: “We are delighted to welcome a UAE born raffle giant like Big Ticket as an Official Partner of the DP World ILT20. Their legacy of helping dreams come true aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering unforgettable, fan-first experiences across the league. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating moments of excitement both on and off the field, and we look forward to elevating Season 4 together. With a household name like Big Ticket on board, we are confident of unlocking even more opportunities for fans to engage, celebrate and go All In for Cricket.”

Meanwhile, DP World ILT20 match tickets across all categories are available for the remaining tournament matches. Various spectator stand tickets start at AED 20 and hospitality packages start from AED 325. Fans can also book the new Sixes Lounge experience for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.ilt20.ae or Virgin Megastores.

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