6 Data Center Cable Management Best Practices

Most IT teams recognize the critical importance of data center cable management. Disorganized “spaghetti” cabling can cause serious problems, including increased operational overhead, slower implementations, troubleshooting challenges, and even unplanned downtime. Poorly managed patch cables can also impede airflow, increasing energy costs and potentially causing equipment to overheat.

However, many traditional data center cable management solutions are no longer effective in today’s highly complex IT environment. Increasing rack densities and multi-hop connections mean there is more to track. Manual, spreadsheet-based methods are no longer adequate. And many organizations are slowly moving from copper to fiber-optic cabling, creating a hybrid infrastructure with a mixture of requirements.

In light of these issues, organizations should take the time to carefully plan and implement the cabling infrastructure and develop an ongoing maintenance strategy. Here are six best practices that help address the top data center cable management challenges.

6 Data Center Cabling Best Practices

1. Consider Cable Management When Designing the Network

Cable management is influenced by many network design decisions, including port density and the positioning of switches in the rack. Will copper or fiber be used? How quickly will network capacity be added? There are a number of factors that should be considered as early on as possible to ensure a successful implementation and streamlined management.

2. Validate the Design

It looks good on paper, but will it work? Before buying equipment or cables make sure there are enough connections and the right type of connectors. It’s easy for anyone to overlook this step, and the result is implementation delays.

3. Calculate Cable Lengths Carefully

The carpenter’s old rule of thumb — “measure twice, cut once” — applies to data center cabling as well. Having the correct length of cable for each run minimizes clutter and streamlines installation and troubleshooting. It also reduces costs.

4. Develop an Easy-to-Read Installation Plan

In many cases, the design team will hand off the implementation to an infrastructure or operations group, or even a third party. Vague or confusing installation instructions can lead to mistakes and costly rework. The installation plan should detail every cable and connector type and provide clear connection instructions.

5. Select the Right Management Solutions

Strategic investments in the right cable ties, D-ring managers, cable tray raceway systems, ladder rack runway systems, and other components can save time and money in the future.

6. Keep Documentation Up-to-Date

Inaccurate, out-of-date patch cabling documentation makes it more difficult to troubleshoot connectivity issues, maintain equipment, and provision new services.

To be fair, all of this is difficult to do with pencil and paper, Word docs, and spreadsheets. Organizations with complex, dynamic data centers may want to invest in data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software, which helps track every component and connection and enables the rendering of 3-D floor map visualizations. Some DCIM solutions can also provide cable measurements and validations, and generate useful reports for planning and change management.

It also helps to have a qualified partner to assist with your connectivity needs. At Enconnex, our roots lie in the design and engineering of products for some of the world’s largest, most complex data centers. We’re here to help you address your cable management challenges. Get in touch today.