Patch cords are usually adopted to cross connect installed cables and connect communications equipment to the cable plant, which serves as an ideal and desirable option in a network. However, it also can become the weakest link in fiber network infrastructure as well. As a result, to achieve a well-performed and reliable network, the significance of proper patch cord management cannot be underestimated.
The Importance of the Patch Cord
As we take a brief look at a glossy brochure or participate in a trade show display, patch panels that presented to us are always tidy and well-dressed. While in the telecommunication closet, however, things are totally different: the patch panels in reality sometimes more closely resemble a "rat's nest"-a term that is frequently used to describe messy cables.
In addition, patch cord systems are the lifelines of IT operations, which means that any mishandling or excessive stress on these critical connection paths can have catastrophic results. Moreover, Improper patch cord management can result in cable damage and failure. This can lead to data transmission errors and performance issues as well as system downtime.
In the past decades, the demand for high-speed enterprise networks accelerates rapidly, so does the need for high-density modular patch panels and patch cords that populate them. Since the space available in wiring closets and equipment rooms are always limited, and cable administrators often pay little attention to this most disorganized part of any cabling infrastructure: the patch cord management system, the importance of patch cord management is greater still.
The Criteria of a Proper Patch Cord
To apply appropriate patch cord management, the very first step is selecting the right patch cord to ensure excellent performance of the network. Because patch cable is inexpensive, it is easy to be taken for granted so as to be tested improperly and treated badly. When choosing the proper patch cable, one must take these three criteria into consideration:
1. Patch cord type must match the type of fiber in the cable plant. For multimode cable, use only 50/125 patch cords with 50/125 fibers in cables and 62.5/125 patch cords with 62.5/125 fibers in cables. However, since there are several types of each size fibers, it is unnecessary to match the fiber type exactly. For example, you can use OM3 patch cords on OM2 or OM4 cable plants.
2. Choose patch cords with proper cable jacket color codes. This can be very helpful to avoid mismatching fibers.
3. Choose patch cords with the correct matching connectors. Choose connector types that match the connectors on patch panels and equipment. As many cable plants use one type of connector and the equipment another, one may need to stock hybrid patch cables with different connectors on each end to make the connection.
The Benefits of Patch Cord Management
After discussing the criteria of selecting the right patch cord, let’s take a glimpse at the potential benefits brought by effective patch cord management. It is known to all that proper management of data and power cabling within an IT enclosure will deliver a number of merits that will enhance the system availability and improve the bottom line.
Reduced signal interference —the elimination of crosstalk and interference between cables will enhance system performance.
Improved maintenance and service ability—easier access to internal rack components reduces maintenance time and improve safety.
Enhanced cooling performance—cooling efficiency within the rack is enhanced due to proper positioning of cables to avoid air flow blockage.
A roadmap for growth—effective patch cable management solutions provide the ability to scale and adapt to changes in the IT infrastructurewhile minimizing service time.
Tips for Proper Patch Cord Management
In this part, the article would focus on providing some constructive and realistic suggestions that contribute to efficient patch cord management.
Start with proper planning
After you have decided on the number of cabling and connections needed, it’s time for you to consider where the cables should be routed within the cabinet. And the next step is to choose the proper cable management components required to guarantee all the wiring and connections performing well. It is of great importance to make sure that enough space is offered to all the patch cords applied within your rack. Once the patch cords and connections are established accurately, the possibility of a successful installation is enhanced greatly.
Keep growth in mind
As the demand for high-density network increases dramatically in recent years, it is hence inevitable for growth in the data center environment. Even you are just installing the first phase of your racks, you’d better consider planning ahead for installing additional cabinets, servers and network components, which in turn will be beneficial as you integrate additional racks and components in the future. Accommodating growth and building flexibility is a vital challenge to data center operators. So, appropriate planning for the future will help avoid cabling issues down the line.
Change is inevitable
Your rack installations may change configurations numerous times during their life cycles. Properly installed patch cords will help facilitate change-outs and other component additions and movement within the rack environment. This can also minimize the risk of technicians unplugging components in accident that must not be taken off-line such as switches or critical servers.
Follow industry standards
One should always follow industry guidelines such as ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC, as well as any federal, state or local regulations regarding cabling. Which cannot only assure code compliance but promises a safe, failure-free installation that will decrease system downtime and data errors to the minimum. Moreover, those industry standards also serve as a written foundation for establishing a sound infrastructure and guidelines for maintaining a high level of cable performance. A standards-based cabling system will provide the best combination of reliability today and the ability to change and reconfigure in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to achieve a well-performed and sound patch cord management, one should always keep these four suggestions in mind: an appropriate plan for cabling, the demand for growth, the inevitable change and the industry standard guidelines as well. Furthermore, we should raise our awareness of the importance towards efficient patch cord management which could be beneficial in the long run.
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