Best Practices for Server Room & Data Center Cable Management
The best practices of cable management provide more benefits than just organization. Properly managing the cables on a server rack will increase airflow efficiency and cooling effectiveness, improving system performance and allowing easier scalability and maintenance.
Cable Management Strategy
Determining your organization’s infrastructure requirements is the first step. Make measurements of the area containing your infrastructure. Consider where equipment will be located. Will a small or large server room house the rack?
Another important factor involves the lengths and placements of cabling. Inadequate or excessive lengths of cable can result in connectivity problems and waste. Properly planning cable pathways for the routing of power and data cables will help prevent both issues.
An accurate evaluation of your infrastructure and requirements will be crucial for achieving a seamless integration. It would be wise to discuss your needs with a professional cabling team that has experience performing cable installations in data centers.
Make Usage Easier and Promote Airflow
While you develop your company’s cable management strategy, it is important to keep in mind the various factors that will play a major part in determining the routing of cables and the architecture of the infrastructure. Factors affecting airflow and temperature will influence the service life of cables and equipment.
In addition, poorly planned pathways may result in costly damage to cabling. Cables can be protected by minimizing their movements and securing them as they bend around tight corners. Proper cable organization will promote safety and ease of access for MACs (moves, additions, and changes).
Improving Cable Management Efficiency
Professionals recommend using a consistent color coding system for cables to ease and speed their identification in terms of destination, purpose, and type. Cable management tools such as vertical & horizontal hangers and trays will improve organization, aesthetics, and speed of maintenance.
Infrastructure Documentation & Optimization
Documentation of infrastructure typically uses diagrams with specifications for cable types, color coding, and patching. Data centers can also benefit from implementing Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools for maximizing the use of cooling, power, and space.
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 cables installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.
