Navigating a River of Glass and Plastic
Project number
25015
Organization
Microsoft
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
The purpose of the project is to design and build a tool, or a series of tools, to expedite the pulling of active optical cables (AOC) in the fiber trays of new and existing datacenters. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) computing, the need to construct complex network infrastructure has exploded and new techniques for deploying cables faster need to leverage. Today, AOC data cables at Microsoft data centers sit in cables trays that are mounted above the aisleways requiring personnel to be working from heights; there is an opportunity to create a tool which not only speeds up deployment but improves safety by reducing the amount of time personnel need to work at heights.
1. The design must be compatible with cable tray widths of 6", 12", and 24".
2. It must accommodate cable diameters from 3mm to 7mm, including transceivers at the ends.
3. Variants of the design for different cables and tray widths are permissible, provided they derive from the original design.
4. Safety for personnel in usage and operation of the design is imperative.
5. The design must withstand a 3-meter drop test.
6. It must prevent damage to both the cables being installed and those already in place. Detailed specifications and testing protocols will be supplied.
7. The design should be suitable for mass production, with a target of over 1000 units annually. Cost per unit will be a key measure of success.
8. The design should enable the simultaneous pulling of at least 8 cables without causing damage.
9. It should facilitate faster cable deployment.
******This sponsor will not be present at Open House. If interested, please sign up for an interview slot here - https://bit.ly/Microsoft25015******
1. The design must be compatible with cable tray widths of 6", 12", and 24".
2. It must accommodate cable diameters from 3mm to 7mm, including transceivers at the ends.
3. Variants of the design for different cables and tray widths are permissible, provided they derive from the original design.
4. Safety for personnel in usage and operation of the design is imperative.
5. The design must withstand a 3-meter drop test.
6. It must prevent damage to both the cables being installed and those already in place. Detailed specifications and testing protocols will be supplied.
7. The design should be suitable for mass production, with a target of over 1000 units annually. Cost per unit will be a key measure of success.
8. The design should enable the simultaneous pulling of at least 8 cables without causing damage.
9. It should facilitate faster cable deployment.
******This sponsor will not be present at Open House. If interested, please sign up for an interview slot here - https://bit.ly/Microsoft25015******