New Leviton Category 8 System Meets Need for 25 and 40 Gb/s Copper Networks in Data Centres

As more data centres upgrade their networks to meet increasing traffic, they require cost-effective, standards-based infrastructure options. Category 8 copper standards, published in late 2017, deliver big benefits for data centre managers migrating to next-generation networks. Category 8 solutions offer a lower cost alternative to twinaxial cable, as well as fibre cable, in most short links.

The new Leviton Atlas-X1 Category 8 Shielded System offers IT managers a versatile and cost-effective option for 25 and 40 Gb/s in the data centre access layer, using the globally adopted RJ-45 interface on the popular Atlas-X1 platform. The system is fully backwards compatible to Cat 7A, Cat 7, Cat 6A, Cat 6, and Cat 5e cabling products, and provides seamless auto-negotiation between active equipment.

“The Atlas-X1 design simplifies network migration and upgrades, and the new Altas-X1 Category 8 System provides a high-performance solution that is easy to install,” said Mark Dearing, Senior Product Manager, Copper, for Leviton Network Solutions. “The Cat 8 jacks have the same advanced features as all shielded Atlas-X1 Category 6A, 6, and 5e jacks, including icons for clear network identification, a unified form factor for easy migration, and an ultra-fast termination method. The end-to-end system delivers the highest level of performance for 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T networks, resulting in a scalable and cost-effective infrastructure that grows as your business grows.”

The complete Atlas-X1 Cat 8 system of connectors, patch cords, patch panels and cable is now available in Europe and the Middle East.

• The award-winning Atlas-X1 Jacks eliminate the need for termination/re-termination tools, and the short connector construction helps in tight spaces. The jacks feature a tine geometry that is optimised for Power over Ethernet (PoE), and patented Retention Force Technology, which protects against tine damage and maintains contact force between plug and jack, preventing arcing due to intermittent disconnects. The Category 8 Atlas-X1 jacks are compatible with Atlas-X1 Shielded QuickPort Patch Panels, and new Atlas-X1 e2XHD Shielded Panels.
• The Atlas-X1 Cat 8 Shielded Patch Cords are dual CMR/LSZH rated, use 26-gauge conductors, and with an outside diameter of 6.2 millimeters have flexibility to support easy cable management. The shielded cable construction provides excellent alien crosstalk suppression and EMI/RFI protection.
• The 22-gauge Atlas-X1 Cat 8 S/FTP Cable has a dual CMR/LSZH rating, and is offered in EuroClass B2ca, Cca, and Dca ratings.

All Category 8 system components are manufactured by Leviton in it’s production facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom. The components and system undergo rigorous testing by independent labs and Leviton quality engineers to ensure real-world readiness for the most demanding data centre networks. In addition, Atlas-X1 Cat 8 connectivity has been third-party tested to comply with the ISO/IEC 11801 Class I channel standard, and components support PoE applications up to 100 Watts.

The new Category 8 solutions are available to customers in Europe and the Middle East through our Leviton sales team and distribution network. To learn more about the Atlas-X1 Cat 8 System, visit Leviton.com/cat8.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data centre, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry’s best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS_EU.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice, delivering the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 90 countries across the globe. From simple switches and receptacles, to networking systems and smart home automation, Leviton exceeds market needs by delivering innovative products to create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data centre connectivity solutions, LED lighting and lighting energy management systems, and security and automation applications. For Leviton, it is clear the FUTURE IS ON. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, www.facebook.com/leviton, www.twitter.com/leviton, or www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.