OUR BLOG

One of the most challenging aspects of data center cabling is cable management. The concept is simple – dress the cables nicely and leave them that way. However, the data center environment is extremely dynamic and there are extremely short windows of time to work with the cables.

Plus, there are typically budget constraints that leave your installation team with very few options to get the job done properly.

We help you implement it. One of the benefits to a structured cabling system is the ability to keep a clean-looking data center and get rid of messy spaghetti cabling.

Our data center architects and infrastructure design specialists have years of first-hand experience and are always up-to-date on the latest standards. And we offer products that are built to last.

Because the environment is so dynamic, cables are unplugged and plugged in frequently. This type of activity can break many cables, but not ours.

The cabling infrastructure will be under a raised floor or overhead-or both. This is where the bulk of the horizontal cabling will be installed. Most likely you will hire a reputable cabling contractor to survey the environment, plan out the cabling routes, and install the horizontal runs. Ensure that copper and fiber runs are separated, because the weight of copper cables can damage the fiber.

Also, ensure that the cabling contractor:

• Allows room for future growth
• Is careful about cable bend stress
• Uses plenum-rated cable where needed
• Is aware of and bases installation on industry standards (see the next section on standards)
• Tests the cabling consistently during installation

Color provides quick visual identification. Color coding simplifies management and can save you hours when you need to trace cables. Color coding can be applied to ports on a patch panel: patch panels themselves come with different color jacks or have colored inserts that surround the jack. Cables are available in many colors (the color palette depends on the cable manufacturer). Apply these colors to identify the role/function of a cable or the type of connection.

Below is an example color scheme for patch cables.