Written by Stu Kushner

Basics of Data Center Cabling Implementation – Part 1

Data centers are managing a significant and growing volume of data generated by Internet-enabled devices. Storing and processing the input and output of data, data centers help make information readily accessible. Having a modern data center is an important aspect of every business. Through a data center, an organization has backup, cloud storage, disaster recovery, processing power, and other tools.

Evolving over time, data centers are now benefiting from technology and solutions that have decreased in cost. However, they have also become more complex, and this increasing sophistication has made it more challenging to manage a data center.

 

A data center’s cabling infrastructure can differ significantly from the general cabling of the facility housing it. Typically, data center cables are shorter in length with higher bandwidth. One cabinet may require 24 to 96 connections, utilizing copper or optic fiber cabling.

 

An improperly managed cabling infrastructure may result in disorganization within a data center when a malfunction occurs. Picture a situation where your data center is hosting software, which suddenly goes offline because of a server problem. Every minute of downtime may result in millions of dollars of lost revenue for your company. Fortunately, a data center that is well designed and managed can resolve this issue quickly and maintain business continuity.

 

The following will discuss the basics of properly implementing data cabling infrastructure.

 

Consult with Professionals

 

How cabling infrastructure will be installed will depend on the data center’s design. Prior to the allocation of space for building a data center, have discussions with the designer and the cabling installation team. As a team they should determine together the elements that will be needed and how they will be integrated with the data center.

 

These professionals will choose between top-of-rack and end-of-row cabling. They will decide whether fiber optic or copper should be used. Future proofing is important, and the data center’s potential capacity expansion in the future should be considered. If a data center’s design is well thought out, MACs (moves, additions, and changes) will be made easier to address growth, make improvements, or fix errors.

 

Part 2 will discuss Documentation, Structured Cabling, Combo of Copper and Fiber Optic, and Position & Management of Cabling.

 

Progressive Office Cabling

 

Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking cost-effective solutions. Working together, Progressive teams are committed to getting your data cabling, access control, and telecom systems installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

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Stu Kushner
Stu Kushner earned an Engineering Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. From there he worked at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Hexcel Corporation and Case-Rixon as a computer design engineer and systems manager. He now works as the marketing director and project manager here at Progressive Office since its founding in 1986.

About Stu Kushner

Stu Kushner earned an Engineering Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. From there he worked at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Hexcel Corporation and Case-Rixon as a computer design engineer and systems manager. He now works as the marketing director and project manager here at Progressive Office since its founding in 1986.