cable management & labelling
SPECIAL FEATURE incur the high costs down the road for upgrades , system maintenance and management and many are now looking at the network ’ s physical media infrastructure and its overall life cycle to achieve corporate goals .
A viable option is the adoption of pre-terminated structured cabling systems . Pre-terminated optical fibre and copper cabling systems are bundled , pre-terminated and pre-tested at the factory , eliminating the necessity for on site field termination . They are most suited for network installations that are planned well in advance , taking into account both current and future requirements . By adopting a preterminated system installation time can be significantly reduced .
Such a system requires minimal engineering work once the product arrives on site . The system also needs to be supportive of both copper and fibre connections . This is due to the initial planning process which involves detailed analysis before installation and determines specific cabling and termination routes along the cable trays and within the cabinets . Once the detailed plan is formulated and approved , the system ’ s cabling and connectivity components are manufactured and tested at the factory to ensure they meet all applicable industry standards prior to delivery .
Taken in their totality , the lifecycle benefits of pre-terminated systems can be significant . At the front end , benefits relate to installation time , labour cost and material reduction , as well as greater space and energy savings , network performance , quality and less waste .
Spatial awareness
It is important to use the available space effectively and as efficiently as possible when it comes to a data centre . The more space and connectivity that can be offered within any rack space will be beneficial now and for future storage needs . The data centre should therefore be designed with consideration towards the space needed now and flexible ‘ white space ’ for the future .
The growth of electronic storage has been the major factor over the last five years which has impacted on both floor space and density . Although great forward strides have been made in storage efficiency through server virtualisation this has bought about other issues . The space savings made by server virtualisation have been eradicated by the following ongoing
Data centres and data reliant businesses want systems that provide reliable performance , greater bandwidth and flexibility to accommodate future growth .
storage capacity , an increase in fibre cabling and adaptation .
Where fibre is concerned it is crucial that the cabling has adequate support over longer runs while maintaining an optimum bend radius throughout . This means that a quality fibre ducting system is required . Other considerations include capacity of the ducting , the number of fittings available with a system and if it can be adapted or added to in the future without disturbing or damaging existing cable . High density connectivity is also another way to ease pressure on space within a data centre and there are many products that can provide performance over greater distances .
Informed infrastructure
The amount of cable used within a data centre is substantial . With a mixture of power cables , fibre optic and copper cabling infrastructure within walls , under raised floors , in ceiling voids and running in overhead containment , the planning and management for this cable becomes vitally important . The performance of network cabling – be it copper or fibre – can be heavily impeded if it isn ’ t managed correctly .
It is essential that cable going into the rack maintains its optimum bend radius , without excessive pulling or stress on the cable . As soon as these are compromised , the performance of the entire network could be affected . However , by using patch panel with rear cable management , any unnecessary stress or strain on the cable can be alleviated . A rear cable management bar or a tray solution could be specified , with further protection offered by the use of a flexible conduit . It is also worth noting that front cable management within the rack with the use of bars and panels can also maintain the bend radius and aid cable and port identification .
The key to infrastructure design is maintaining the optimum bend radius throughout the network , supporting the weight of the cable wherever possible and keeping exposure to external elements such as dust and dirt to minimum with the use of lids and covers . Copper pre-terminated systems are often bundled together in a loom adding additional protection and rigidity to the cable . This can relieve a number of issues . Allowing the cable loom to be laid out in an overhead or underfloor cable tray provides for a neat and tidy network infrastructure .
When it comes to data centre design and infrastructure it is important to remember that one size doesn ’ t fit all . So it is vitally important that the right system , installation and cable management is chosen from the outset . Electrical contractors need to research the type , weight and amount of cables the system is required to carry , as well as the installation environment and the amount of space available , before making a decision . Contractors need to consider the context of the build , and develop a deep understanding of the installations environment .
37