R&M recommends: Avoid overheating, compute cleverly, calculate cabling precisely / Slimline patch cords are also suitable for Power over Ethernet Wetzikon, London – R&M, the globally active developer and provider of cabling systems for high-quality network infrastructures, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is facilitating the introduction of Power over Ethernet to data centers and large networks with planning tools. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is used to power Ethernet end devices, such as switches, using data cables instead of separately laid power cables. Network cables can, however, also heat up under the influence of electricity. This in turn results in an increase in attenuation which reduces the transmission range. IT planners, technicians and data center operators must therefore carefully plan how to reduce the heating up of cables before they introduce PoE – for example with shorter links or smaller cable bundles. R&M supports planning with handy calculation tables. In addition to the configurator for fixed cables which is already available, R&M now also offers a configurator for patch cords. The free tool can be downloaded from the web: https://www.rdm.com/Home/Products-Markets/Topics-in-Focus/Power-over-Ethernet. “Power over Ethernet is spreading increasingly. Data center operators are also using the major advantages this technology provides even though this does entail the challenge of keeping the cables cool. This is not only true of the thick cable bundles behind the racks, but also the patch cords on the front,” says R&M Product Manager Roger J. Karrer. The deciding factors: the cable cross section and the PoE performance levels used. Thin cables are more susceptible to heat but users are increasingly opting for more slimline patch cords to reduce the cable volume at the front of the rack and facilitate patching. For example, the new PoE-capable R&MthinLine patch cord range is very much in demand. Its slimline cables have a total cross section of just 3.8 mm or 4.5 mm and conductor diameters from AWG28 to AWG30. This is why R&MthinLine cords are more flexible than conventional ones. They are easy to lay in tighter bending radii and are simple to store in cable guides. Roger J. Karrer emphasizes: “This combination of PoE and thin patch cords pays particular attention to the possible increase in temperature and planners are given plenty of support by the PoE patch cord configurator from R&M.” The configurator calculates the end temperature to be expected in the patch cord bundle for each planned PoE performance level. These range from 15 watts to 4PPoE (4-Pair Power over Ethernet) with a 55 or 100 watt output. With 4PPoE up to half an ampere can flow via each twisted pair, which can cause overheating in long, very chunky cable bundles. The configurator takes ten parameters, such as room temperature and the volume of the cable bundles, into consideration. Planners can derive tolerances from these and see when critical temperatures will be reached in the patch cord bundles. About R&M R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a leading global producer of future-proof products and systems for communication and data networks. The company’s close collaboration with certified partners results in pioneering connectivity solutions in the sectors LAN, Public and Telecom Networks as well as Data Centers. The Swiss family company stands for innovation, quality, and proximity to customers. More information can be found at www.rdm.com

Materials handling company FPE Global has embarked on a new acquisition drive after snapping up mixing technology specialist JW Process Equipment (JWP). The Cheadle-based firm, which focuses on the design, manufacture and servicing of materials handling equipment, said the transaction will extend its product portfolio to include new mixing solutions. In turn, the deal will offer JWP full access to FPE Global’s application specialists and its 30,000 sq ft manufacturing centre, increasing the Surrey-based firm’s capacity to service UK and overseas customers. JWP was founded by engineering entrepreneur James Winkworth in 2016. FPE Global said the transaction is the first in a series of strategic acquisitions on the horizon. David Cooper, FPE Global’s chief exec, said: “The addition of mixing technology to our business will significantly enhance our portfolio of products. “Operationally, there are excellent synergistic opportunities to support JWP in further expanding its customer base and volume.” He continued: “From a customer perspective, the acquisition allows FPE Global to provide a compelling alternative to UK and overseas customers through the design, supply and servicing of turnkey materials handling and processing solutions.“ FPE Global employs more than 60 members of staff and was backed in 2013 by private equity company NorthEdge Capital. Earlier in the year, FPE Global has announced the appointment of its new CEO. David Cooper joins FPE Global from his role as managing director of Matcon, where he led numerous strategic initiatives resulting in significant and sustained growth in revenue and profitability over almost 15 years of service. David was instrumental in helping to drive the international growth of the company across Europe, the USA, South East Asia, India and China. David, who started his new role with FPE Global early this month said: : “It is a privilege to be joining FPE Global, where we have an opportunity to build a world leading materials handling platform that delivers significant and unique value to our customers and shareholders.

The Solar Impulse Foundation has launched the World Alliance for Clean Technologies. The scheme is aiming to bring together the ‘main actors’ in clean technologies to develop profitable solutions to climate change. The company behind the first ever solar flight around the world, the Solar Impulse Foundation, has launched the World Alliance for Clean Technologies at COP22, which is aiming to bring together the ‘main actors’ in clean technologies to help tackle climate change. Solar Impulse has said that its aim is to federate key stakeholders in the area of clean technologies, including start-ups, companies, institutions and organisations producing, implementing or supporting the use of clean technologies. Together, the members will “share experiences and create synergies” in order to improve the overall value chain and demonstrate and advise on concrete solutions to support governments, corporations and institutions in reaching their environmental and health targets. The announcement comes less than four months after the landing of the first ever solar flight around the world, accomplished by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, and is the second phase of Piccard’s long-term goal to use low-carbon technologies to solve major global challenges, as well as reach the objectives of the Climate Action Agenda. The Alliance’s overarching ambition is to globally advance clean technologies, which it defines as: “any practical solution that allows to bridge the gap between ecology and economy. They are not limited to the production of renewable energy, but encompass technologies, systems, know-hows or processes that protect the environment, improve health, increase energy efficiency or save natural resources, while creating jobs, generating profit and sustaining growth”. “We need to embrace clean technologies, not because they are ‘eco-logical,’ but because they are ‘logical,’” said Bertrand Piccard, chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. “Even if climate change didn’t exist, energy efficient technologies would make sense to create jobs, generate profit and boost economic development, while also reducing CO2 emissions and protecting natural resources.”