In this week’s post we will take a look at the main areas or segments of an Enterprise communications network.
Data Centers/Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
Data centers (sometimes referred to as main distribution frames) are a crucial part of many businesses and institutions. The MDF is where the connection from the Telco or carrier typically enters the building. Many times the MDF is located in the basement or first floor of a building. The MDF usually houses server racks, fiber patch panels, Ethernet routers and switches and uninterruptable power supplies (UPS). In a multi-floor building, the MDF is usually attached to the floor(s) above it via fiber optic cabling supporting many Gigabits of throughput per second to offer voice, video and data services to hundreds of users in the building.
Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)
An Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) is the area where the MDF connects to on each floor of a building. Depending on the size of the building and number of users, the IDF can be thought of a small MDF used to serve users on the floor it is located on.
The IDF is typically made up of an equipment rack(s), fiber and copper cabling, patch panels, Ethernet switches and UPS systems
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