Network Cable Management Best Practices
Poor network cable management can cost you money. It makes repairs difficult and results in more downtime. Messy data center also makes scaling harder, especially if you don’t have a plan for adding new cables.
As your managed services provider, SecureTech can sort out your data center and implement a server rack cable management solution. Take a look at the tried and tested methods we use in all of our designs and solutions for fast repairs and proper airflow to learn how we can best support you.
Why does Network Cable Management matter?
Before getting into our network cable labeling best practices, it’s important to know why cable management matters. Simply put, without airflow to your hardware, servers will crash, electricity bills will increase and your hardware will have a shorter lifespan. The solution? Keep cables out of the way to allow for proper cooling.
Additionally, as you scale operations, you’ll need to add hardware to existing racks. If you don’t have a management system in place, adding cables to an already disorganized center will lead to more clutter.
Letting cables hang loose in the back of your server racks is a common attempt at cable management. However, with this lack of support, cables can break, putting more strain on connectors.
We use the Right Cable Management Equipment
One of the first things we do when optimizing a data center is looking at the server rack cable management equipment in use. We can recommend the best racks for your hardware and pick cable management features that match the length of the cables we use.
We make more Network Cable Storage
Messy Data centers often lack storage space. When possible, we’ll install cable management shelves.
These shelves are an extension of your server racks. You’ll get a surface with cable slots in the back of your server racks, eliminating the need to use valuable rack space for your cables. Also, these shelves will provide more support for the weight of the cables while the slots help with organization.
For small data centers, we often install vertical organization products so you can use the space on the sides of your server cabinets too. You can contact us if you are struggling with Data center cable management.
We implement a Network Cable Labeling system
In a 2020 survey, 25% of global enterprises reported that the cost of their server downtime is between $301,000 and $400,000 per hour. Proper labeling can speed up repairs and reduce costs, helping technicians find the right power or data quickly.
We make use of the best way to label network cables through SecureTech’s propietary Network Cable Management system that utilizes color coding and labeling. We recognize that every network is unique and your cable management needs may not be the same as the next company’s so we build the solution that works best for your business. With our consistent guidelines, we create a labeling protocol that works for your needs.
Some of the practices we’ll use when developing your cable labeling protocol include:
- Placing labels on all the cables in the best place for your configuration.
- Using color-coded cables so you can identify them quickly.
- Installing durable labels that won’t fall or fade.
- Being consistent in the way we label and color code cables.
- Documenting this entire protocol for future reference.
Best Cable Management Services by SecureTech
SecureTech is the best cable management services provider in the San Antonio, TX area. We offer a wide range of solutions to solve your IT challenges. This includes data center organization and network cable management.
Don’t let messy cables reduce airflow or slow down repairs. Get in touch with us today to find out more about rack cable management best practices!
Small and midsize business owners are caught in the middle. On one side, you have technology solutions that are changing rapidly. On the other, you have the costs associated with keeping a full-time IT staff. While your IT support team is great, a better use of your money is investing in and growing your business. How then can you keep pace with technology? By partnering with a managed service provider (MSP)!
Integrating an MSP into your technology solution can give your business an edge over the competition in server rack cable management.