Choose an SFP module based on the fiber optic cabling that will be connected to the network switches. Stacking: If the core switch is dual-machine hot standby (both are working at the same time) for redundancy, 6 cores are sufficient (2 cores switch each use 2 cores, and 2 cores are redundant). IBDN standard suggests using 12-core cables for communication rooms within buildings and 24-core cables for main distribution rooms, which can serve as a. If you have multiple Ethernet switches that need to be connected over long distances, fiber is obviously a preferred choice. Moreover, when it comes to bandwidth, no currently available technology is better than single-mode fiber. It can provide significantly higher bandwidth and carry more data. Begin by listing what the network must support now and in five years: how many endpoints, expected link speeds (1G/10G/100G+), whether links will be point-to-point or use multiplexing (DWDM), and whether you'll use multi- fiber MPO trunks or duplex LC connections.