JAF International
  • Home
  • Solutions
    • Rack Integration >
      • Assembly
    • Networking Solutions >
      • Gigabit Ethernet Switch
      • 10 Gigabit Ethernet
      • 40 Gigabit Ethernet
    • Compute Solutions >
      • Data Center Optimized
      • General Purpose
      • Enterprise Workloads
      • High Density Compute
      • AMD EPYC Servers
      • GPU Systems >
        • 4U PCIe Root Architectures
    • Storage Solutions
    • OEM Solutions
  • Services
    • Data Center Services
    • IT Services
    • Hardware Maintenance
    • RMA Request
  • About Us
    • Career Opportunities
    • Request Quote
    • Partners
    • News and Events
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

Blog

Networking & Storage Solutions

Mistakes To Avoid When Running Network Cables

10/28/2015

7 Comments

 
Picture
Network cabling is one of the aspects of rack integration that need to be done properly and can be a tricky affair. Gone were the days when people without prior training and knowledge were tasked to run cable by virtue of their main appointments or responsibilities. For instance, electricians and telephone techs were tapped into as resources because they were the go-to as cabling people. However, data and network cabling is less forgiving and cannot tolerate a lot of error. Here are some of the mistakes one should avoid when installing network cables for their servers and racks.

Not adhering to cabling standards

There are more than seven individual wires inside a cabling jacket and it is a bad idea to terminate any of them at random, even if you are consistent between cables or adhere to the original scheme at both ends. Cabling standards are something that needs to be followed as they take into consideration just how the cables are placed in the jacket and twisted. If you deviate from these standards, you risk introducing inefficiency and noise which have a negative impact on the overall network and servers.

Not testing the cabling infrastructure

This is an important step that can't be missed when the cabling is installed. You should ensure that every cable installed is test with the appropriate tools to ensure they are suitable for its intended purpose. This can include verifying the cable specifications and length match your servers' needs. For instance, if you require transmission speeds of up to 1 Gigabyte per second, you will need to verify that the cable's properties will support that capability.

Running cables near fixtures and devices that cause interference

You should keep in mind that noise can be easily introduced onto data cabling compared to conventional electrical wires. Motors and even fluorescent lighting are some of the sources that shed magnetic and electrical interference, and can wreak havoc on your cabling infrastructure. You will have to ensure in the planning stage that the data cable pathway avoids these kinds of hazards.

Not using cable management at all

Including cable management into the main picture is often regarded as something that is optional. Although there are some costs tied to adding ladder racks which are a form of rack-based cable management, it will make ongoing maintenance so much easier to facilitate and handle. You should also keep in mind that cabling work does not stop after the initial installation is completed. You will have to ensure that the cables are labeled properly with color-codes to make cable identification possible and easy later on.

Skimping on climate control

Cables just like the rest of server equipment can be potentially exposed to some level of heat. If this byproduct is not managed well enough, it may quickly lead to catastrophic failure. It is pertinent to maintain even humidity and temperature levels to enable and support a reliable server environment. Hence, you should think about this on two levels. First, you should make sure the room has sufficient heating and air conditioning in general. Second, you should consider getting integrated server rack cooling systems.

Running cables in areas that have high traffic

The area that has the most cables run through it should be kept out of bounds at all times unless it is really necessary to grant an employee or contractor access. You should lock all doors and can even install a combination lock with it.

Rack integration in Redwood City requires a high level of expertise and is far more than a mere mechanical exercise. It is best to leave this integration process in the hands of professionals who possess a multitude of technical expertise to address several issues such as un-interrupted power management, cable management, thermal and environmental management and more.
7 Comments
James Bergman link
10/12/2016 12:43:04 pm

I can't imagine anyone not using cable management when installing a new cable system. It may not be totally necessary, but I think everyone knows how messy the cords behind the TV can get and how easy it is to forget which one goes where. Now, multiply this by 10 and you might get close to how things would be without cable management. I might be exaggerating a little, but it is smart to be organized and I don't think anyone can argue against that.

Reply
Max Jones link
3/21/2017 03:20:08 pm

Shoot! That's been my problem. I haven't been using cable management! I often get frustrated when trying to run cables, but I've never been taught about using the rack based cable management you talked about. I'm going to have to invest in a little bit of the additional cost that comes with adding ladder racks, and be able to have my work go a little more smoothly for me! Thanks for all the good information! I'll be sharing with co-workers!

Reply
Kenneth Gladman link
7/2/2018 01:24:17 pm

I like that you reminded everyone to take time and test the infrastructure when installed. This can save you time if you do it right after the installation is done. This way they can fix it on site if there is any issue.

Reply
Adam Joseph link
10/1/2018 09:57:22 am

While installing a network cable, cable management is considered as a good option. But, it can be expensive considerably. Cable Management is an essential process to sort and manage the cables for a longer time.

Reply
nexa electrical supplies link
2/20/2020 10:34:56 pm

thanks for providing useful information on Mistakes To Avoid When Running Network Cables

Reply
Mia Evans link
10/18/2021 05:40:35 pm

Thanks for pointing out that there should be a planning stage to ensure that the data cable would avoid any hazards. I will be looking for cabling services that can do that for me so that my phones in my house can be one downstairs and one upstairs. It will save me from running up and down the stairs when there is a call that I need to take.

Reply
Hailey Miller link
1/6/2022 11:21:15 pm

Thanks for pointing out that network cabling is one of the aspects of rack integration that need to be done properly and can be a tricky affair. I would imagine that any business owner would want to avoid incidents that can affect their operations. I think they should look for network cabling services that can help optimize their company efficiently.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

        Company
        Online Store
        About Us
        Contact Us
        Career Opportunities
        News and Events
        
Solutions
Rack Integration
Networking Solutions
Compute Solutions
Storage Solutions
OEM Solutions
        Services and Support
        Data Center Services
        IT Services
        Hardware Maintenance

        RMA Request
        Other Links
        Partners
        Request Quote