Author: Louis Chompff

Louis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products Louis established AnD Cable Products in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company. He worked in a variety of data management positions that ranged from service, product development and sales to management. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor and has designed, patented and brought to market a variety of industry-leading rack and cable management products, which form the basis of AnD Cable Products range. Visit https://andcable.com
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Server Rack Configuration and Cable Management Best Practices

Feature - Server Rack Configuration and Cable Management Best Practices - AnD Cable Management Blog

There are only three types of currency in the world: time, money, and expertise – and we can’t afford to waste any of them. You have the expertise needed to run a data center and you hire others with the same expertise. But there are two things you can always save in your data center: time and money.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

  • How to optimize rack space.
  • The importance of proper organization and labeling.
  • How proper cable management and rack configuration is crucial for energy efficiency and equipment health.

Jump to Section:

Data center server rack configuration with proper cable management using best practices

It seems like we never have enough of either one, and time and money are often directly tied together. So how do you make the most of both every single day?

Perhaps the most important thing is to optimize wherever possible. Here are some ideas for you, things that will save you both time and money in your data center.

Use Your Rack Space Wisely

The more efficiently you use your rack space, the more you can fit in your data center. In a time when many data centers are experiencing a need for rapid growth, the ideal use of space is key. So what can you do?

  • Use the right sized racks for your equipment – Many components are moving to 23” cable management racks rather than 19” ones. Be sure you have the right server rack, so you are not wasting space and risking equipment damage.
  • Use smaller gauge cables where possible – This allows for more airflow and improved equipment efficiency while also taking up less valuable space.
  • Use Zero U cable rack managers – These will not only save you useful shelf space, but they are also easier to install, and can make repairs and changes faster too by giving technicians and installers more space to work on.

All of these things will make sure you are using your rack space in the very best way.

Avoid a Disorganized Server Rack

While racks rarely start out that way, additions, changes, and moves can result in a real mess at the rear of your server rack. Every technician has seen this from time to time, and it is not only a waste of time to sort through, but it can cost a data center in many ways.

Cables that are hanging unsupported like a curtain and not routed properly will often break at critical points, losing continuity. Connectors also suffer more wear and tear, and airflow is adversely affected, which is harder on equipment.

If you have a disorganized server rack get it cleaned up and optimize that rack as soon as you can. Use Velcro cable wraps and ties to bundle cables, and take the next time saving step, which involves labeling and organization.

Develop a Label Protocol and Label Everything

The ANSI TIA 606-B is a voluntary cable labelling standard, but one that helps data centers be as organized as possible. It involves setting up a consistent and standardized system for labelling cables and equipment. It involves using:

  • Permanent labels
  • Labels at both ends of the cables
  • Legible labels
  • Good record keeping of labeling protocols and physical locations
  • Color coding
  • A common nomenclature everyone understands

Once you have established a labeling protocol, ensure that everything is labeled. You never want to have to say, or hear someone on your team say, “I wish I had labeled that” again. Make labeling a standard procedure.

At AnD Cable Products, we offer everything from reusable cable labels to a variety of different sized Velcro cable wraps and zip ties for your cable management needs. Need something you don’t see on our website? Feel free to reach out and Request a Quote.

Optimize Your Data Center for Airflow

Whether you run cables under the floor or overhead, you need to have a plan to maximize airflow in your data center. This is easier on your HVAC system and better for your equipment overall. Any large variations in air temperature, pressure, or humidity will all impact your data center in one way or another.

This means using the right size and length cables, rack cable management in the room, and having an overall airflow plan in place. This includes all of the steps above, but adding the extra layer of understanding how each action you take will affect airflow.

Remote Monitoring and Automation

Finally, remote monitoring and automation mean fewer technicians in and out of the facility, which is easier on the HVAC systems and airflow efficiency, reducing costs. It also means you can spot problems before they start. You’ll know what is going on with cables before damage is visible to the human eye.

Not only will there be warnings and alarms related to problems, a remote monitoring system can reduce energy usage in your data center as well. This physical layer network security is often overlooked and not given the attention it should, but the right solution can save you both time and money.

There are only three kinds of currency. Time, money, and expertise. If you are going to use all of them to the best of your ability, you’ll need to save time and money in your data center. Need help or have questions about how to optimize your data center? We have answers and everything you need to get started today.

Optimizing Server Cabinet Rack Space to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Optimizing Rack Space and Air Flow in Server Racks and Cabinets

Smart optimization can help you increase rack space and realize significant equipment cost savings. Read our step-by-step guide that shows you how – and how much you could save.

  • How Much Rack Space You Could Save
  • How to Optimize for Maximum Efficiency
  • Savings for New and Retrofit Installations
  • Overall Cost and Space Savings Post-Optimization
Discover How To Optimize for Maximum Efficiency

FAQs

Why is proper server rack organization important?

Proper organization is crucial to prevent cable breakage, equipment damage, and poor airflow. A well-organized rack is more efficient and easier to maintain.

How can I optimize server rack space?

You can optimize space by using appropriately sized racks, such as 23” instead of 19”, and by using smaller gauge cables. Implementing Zero U and vertical cable managers also helps to free up valuable shelf space.

What are the benefits of proper labeling for cables and equipment?

Consistent and legible labeling helps to maintain order and makes it easier to manage the infrastructure. The article recommends following a standard like the ANSI TIA 606-B for a uniform labeling protocol.

How does cable management affect airflow?

Disorganized cables can block vents and disrupt airflow, leading to equipment overheating and increased strain on HVAC systems. Proper cable management, such as bundling cables with Velcro, ensures optimal airflow and improves energy efficiency.

What is the role of remote monitoring and automation in a data center?

Remote monitoring and automation reduce the need for physical presence, save time, and allow for the early detection of problems. This helps to improve overall efficiency and reduce costs.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cabel labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online https://andcable.com/shop/

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Rapid Data Center Growth: Keys to Rack Management Success

Rapid Data Center Growth: Keys to Rack Management Success - AnD Cable Management Blog

The COVID pandemic hit, and workers headed home for good, but not just to binge old episodes of Fringe and eat ice cream on the sofa. They headed there to work, which meant that suddenly data centers were overloaded. Operating at near maximum capacity, HVAC systems strained to keep up, and data center managers lost fistfuls of hair seeking solutions to keeping up with the exponential pace of data center growth.

Jump to Section:

Rapid Data Center Growth: Keys to Rack Management Success - AnD Cable Management Blog
Data center growth has been rapid in response to COVID-19, with remote workers needing to be online, all the time

But they recovered rapidly, developing plans for expansion and revamping of their current space, and socially distanced technicians went to work on keeping up with growth as best they could.

Now, even as recovery looms, many companies have discovered the huge advantage of remote work, and more workers will be staying in their home offices wearing athletic-leisure wear (at least from the waist down) than at any time in history.

That means the boom of data center growth is not yet over. So what are the keys to rack management success and making the most of your data center space? Here are some thoughts for you.

Assess Your Rack Management

The first step is to look at your current space. Do you have a spaghetti mess of wiring at the rear of each rack, and is your hardware suffering from previous rushed expansion and repair attempts? There is hope.

There is a very common two rack configuration in data centers. The first rack is a network rack and the second is used for horizontal cross connects. There is nothing wrong with this staple setup except that with some small and rapid changes, you can free up a great deal of space in each rack. Here’s how. 

Change Your Cable Managers

First, the cross connect rack on average contains 10 2RU cable managers managing the cables from 9 2RU patch panels with 48 ports each. A simple way to free up 20 RU of space is to replace the 2RU cable managers with Zero U Cable Management Racks.

It’s actually a simple change, and you have literally transformed your cabinet space in a matter of moments. But that isn’t all. In your two cabinet system, you typically have two 2RU cable managers, which if replaced using the above mentioned ZeroU Cable Management Racks frees up an additional 4RU of space.

Zero U Horizontal Cable Management Rack - AnD Cable Products
Our Zero U Cable Management Rack helps you keep track of your cables and manage troubleshooting – while saving you heaps of rack space

Between the two cabinets you have now freed up 24 RU of rack space. Is your configuration different? Simply think of it this way – every 2 RU cable manager you replace with a ZeroU unit frees up 2 RU of space.

For every 1 RU cable manager you replace, you gain 1 RU of space. Check out some of our best sellers below:

What else can you do to improve the utilization of your racks?

Use the Right Cables

We mentioned that 2 RU patch panels are common in the cross connect rack. In fact, there are nine of them in our example. But there is a simple change you can make to reduce the rack space you use.

Switch to 28 AWG patch cables. Because they are 36% skinnier than their counterparts, you can have the same 48 port patch panel, but substitute a compact 1RU unit instead. That cuts the amount of space you are using in half. This means your two rack system can now hold twice as many ports in the same space. Select your prefered option below – and don’t forget some cable labels for easy identification and to make troubleshooting easier:

Show me the Money

So what will this cost you? Let’s look really quickly at a breakdown if you are retrofitting your existing racks:

  • 10 ZeroU Cable Management Racks will cost you $211.00.
  • However, since you are going to free up enough room to add another 10 to the same rack, your cost will be $422.00.
  • You’ve eliminated the need for another rack, saving you $1,600.00 – $3,000.00 – or you’ve freed up space in that rack for another system.

Repeating the process of course saves you money quickly. You can also replace bulky vertical cable managers with smaller 4” units at the same time, saving yourself even more space and money.

This works the same way with new installations, reducing the space you use initially. Now you are using five cabinets rather than eight for four systems with the same number of ports.

The Cable Management Difference

One of the largest issues in rapid data center growth is floor space, airflow management, and HVAC requirements. The key to getting ahead of all of those things is the right cable management plan and efficient rack management.

Starting with ZeroU Cable Managers and the right patch cables can get your data center off on the right foot.

The Right Partnership

There are a lot of companies who sell racks, cables, and cable management equipment, but you need more than just a salesman. You need someone who understands data centers, can respond to your individual needs, and can create and ship you what you need in a timely manner.

Personal service makes all the difference. AnD Cable Products offers unique products and customized solutions should you need them. You’ll talk to a real person with real-world knowledge and experience.

Is your data center growing? Contact us today. We’re here to help you grow efficiently and manage the space you already have. We can’t wait to talk with you.

Optimizing Server Cabinet Rack Space to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Optimizing Rack Space and Air Flow in Server Racks and Cabinets

Smart optimization can help you increase rack space and realize significant equipment cost savings. Read our step-by-step guide that shows you how – and how much you could save.

  • How Much Rack Space You Could Save
  • How to Optimize for Maximum Efficiency
  • Savings for New and Retrofit Installations
  • Overall Cost and Space Savings Post-Optimization
Discover How To Optimize for Maximum Efficiency

FAQs

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected data center growth?

The pandemic led to a rapid increase in data center growth due to the shift to remote work, causing many data centers to operate at near-maximum capacity. This trend is expected to continue as companies recognize the benefits of a remote workforce.

What is a key strategy for optimizing rack space?

A key strategy is to assess your current data center space and replace standard cable managers with more efficient solutions, such as Zero U Cable Management Racks.

How much space can be saved by using Zero U Cable Management Racks?

The article provides an example where replacing ten 2RU managers and two 1RU managers with Zero U Cable Management Racks can free up a total of 24 RU of space in a typical two-cabinet system.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cabel labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online https://andcable.com/shop/

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The Spaghetti Mess – Rack Cable Management Essentials

The Spaghetti Mess – Rack Cable Management Essentials - AnD Cable Management Blog

We often talk about the importance of network cable management in data centers, and how important it is to efficiency, airflow, equipment longevity, and more. But what about on managing cables on the rack itself? 

Key Points

-The Server Rack Itself: A sturdy, properly sized server rack is the foundation of a good cable management system. Wider racks are becoming more common to accommodate larger components.

-Cable Managers, Bundling, and Labeling: Using tools like horizontal lacing bars, bundling cables with Velcro ties, and clearly labeling them are crucial for organization, reducing interference, and simplifying troubleshooting.

-Planning and Proper Cable Length: The most important element is having a detailed plan. This includes determining the number of racks and managers needed and ensuring cables are cut to the appropriate length to avoid tangling and data failures.

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Do your racks have a ‘Spaghetti Mess’ of cables?

In fact, we know (because you’ve told us) that nearly everyone has encountered the “spaghetti mess” at some point or another. This is a bad thing, not just because of how it looks, but because of the possible damage, lack of efficiency, and even increased maintenance costs.

But there are solutions, and if you understand the essentials of rack cable management, things can be pretty simple for you. You don’t ever have to look at the “spaghetti mess” in your data center again. 

Let’s start at the beginning: 

The Server Rack Itself

First of all, we all know there are different kinds of racks and different sizes. While improving technology means some things are getting smaller, server components are actually getting larger. That means that wider racks, on the order of 23” cable racks or wider are more common. You can’t use a 19” cable rack for a 23” component. The end result will not only be ugly but could be disastrous.

In addition, racks, specifically in California but in other locations as well, must be built to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. It’s a pretty major requirement, and even if you aren’t in California, there may be state or local ordinances that cover the kind of racks you can use in your data center. The rack is the foundation for a good rack cable management system.

Racks also come in different levels of quality. Always remember that cheap is probably cheap for a reason. You want racks to not only be the right size, but to be sturdy and reliable. Cheap racks that bend, fit together poorly, and that don’t work well with standard adapters and rack cable managers will end up costing you more in the long run. Make sure you have the right rack for the right job. 

Rack Cable Managers

Rack cable managers, sometimes called horizontal lacing bars, are a critical part of cable management. There are a number of varieties, both horizontal and vertical. They are often classified by the amount of space they take up on the rack. 

Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Server Rack – 23″

For example, our ZeroU rack cable management systems doesn’t take up any rack space, allowing you to be more efficient with the use of your space, reducing the overall footprint of your servers. This means using fewer racks and leaving more space for airflow. 

A good rack cable management system also gives installers and maintenance personnel space to work. They have room to get tools and their hands in where needed, meaning they can work faster and more efficiently. 

Bundling and Labeling

Bundling like cables together keeps your racks looking neat, avoiding the spaghetti mess look. But it does more than that. Running like cables together reduces electromagnetic interference, makes finding what you are looking for easier, and again reduces maintenance time. 

Bundling can be done with zip ties, and while sometimes that is appropriate, most often Velcro is a better solution. It’s reusable, can be loosened or tightened as needed when doing adds, moves, and changes. 

QuickPinch Cable Labels

The other important essential? Labeling. When was the last time you thought, “I wish I (or someone else) had labeled that?” When troubleshooting and executing repairs, a simple label can reduce the time needed to sort through cables exponentially. Also, if you properly and accurately label cables, you are less likely to forget where they should be terminated. They are less likely to get tangled as you install them, allowing you to avoid the spaghetti mess.

Cable Length and Rack Cable Management

Another simple way to avoid the Spaghetti mess? Be sure your cables are cut to the right length and terminate them appropriately. Network cables that are too long are much more likely to tangle or get wrapped around one another. 

The key is simply following the old carpenter’s rule: measure twice, cut once. You don’t want cables to be too short either. This can result in sharp bends and even breakage, and those things can result in data slowdowns or worse, failures. 

Cable Management Racks – Horizontal and Vertical Cable Managers In a Data Center Server Rack

Have a Rack Cable Management Plan

What is the most important element of efficient rack cable management and avoiding the spaghetti mess? Having a plan and having everything on hand that you need. Whether you are renovating and updating your data center, building a new one, or replacing old components, develop a plan.

  • How Many? – Determine the size and number of racks you will need and order them ahead of time. 
  • Plan Ahead – Develop a plan to manage cables and order the horizontal rack managers you will need – and vertical racks!
  • Network Cable Requirements – Determine the amount of cable and the type you will need. Order them ahead of time, but also make sure you have the terminals you will need on hand. 
  • Velcro! Need we say it again? – Make sure you have more than enough Velcro cable ties on hand to bundle cables as needed. 
  • Colored Zip Ties – While not always the best solution (see Velcro) overall, zip ties still have their place in rack cable management. Have plenty on hand to aid with cable routing. 
  • Cable Labels – have plenty of custom labels on hand and use them. Make sure every installer is on the same page as far as the way things will be labelled. 

A plan will keep the spaghetti mess from developing in the first place, saving you hours later on. 

Find a Dependable Partner

Not to brag, but AnD Cable is one of the most dependable in the industry. You want a partner with unparalleled customer service who responds quickly to your needs and can even offer custom solutions when needed. 

We’ve been working with data centers for years, and we’d be happy to be your partner whether you are updating your data center, building a new one, or simply need a long term supplier for whatever the future holds.

Get in touch and let us know how we can help you. We’re here to answer your questions. Avoid the spaghetti mess, but if you have one already, let us help you get things cleaned up. 

WHITEPAPER – Understanding Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring in Modern Networks

Understanding Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring in Modern Networks - AnD Cable Products Whitepaper

An overview of the differences between stranded and solid conductor wiring, the properties of each and the best cable type to use in a variety of typical settings.

  • Types of Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring
  • Comparison of Electrical Properties
  • Factors Impacting Attenuation / Insertion Loss
  • Choosing the Right Cable
Read Stranded & Solid Conductor Wiring Whitepaper

Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf

Zero U Position - Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf - Rack Management

All Horizontal Cable Managers

1U Mount Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf - Rack Management

19″ x 6″ deep

Front View 19" x 6" Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Server Rack - Rack Management

19″ x 2.8″ or 3.8″ deep

FAQs

Why is proper cable management important?

Proper cable management improves a system’s efficiency, prevents overheating by ensuring proper airflow, simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance, and reduces the risk of downtime caused by tangled or damaged cables.

What is the best way to label cables?

It’s recommended to label both ends of each cable. You can use a consistent labeling system with clear, easy-to-read labels. Some professionals also use color-coding to differentiate between various cable types, such as power and data cables.

What is the most important rule for cable management?

The most crucial rule is to plan your layout and cable runs before you begin. This involves determining where power and data cables will be routed, selecting the correct cable lengths, and considering future growth.

Should I use zip ties or Velcro straps?

While zip ties can be used for more permanent connections, Velcro straps are generally preferred for rack cable management. They are reusable, won’t pinch or damage the cables, and allow for easy adjustments when adding or removing equipment.

How can I improve airflow in my rack?

To improve airflow, make sure cables are neatly bundled and not blocking vents. Use cable management accessories like horizontal and vertical managers to route cables along the sides of the rack, keeping the central area clear. You should also ensure that unused rack spaces are filled with blanking plates.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cabel labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online https://andcable.com/shop/

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How Cable Management and Airflow Management Impact Each Other in Data Centers

How Cable Management and Airflow Management Impact Each Other - Cable Management Blog

Here’s the simple truth of the matter. Cable management can impact airflow management , and airflow should definitely inform the method, type, and execution of cable management. To understand how the two impact each other and what the best overall solution will be for your data center, it is important for use to take a look at cable management and airflow from a high level perspective.

Key Points

–Integrated Design is Crucial: Airflow and cable management should be planned together as a single, integrated part of a data center’s design to prevent issues like increased costs, equipment failures, and downtime.

–Poor Cable Management Impedes Airflow: Incorrectly bundled cables (e.g., with zip ties) can act as a physical barrier, disrupting the separation of supply and return air. This leads to lower fan efficiency, higher HVAC costs, and potential equipment damage.

–Proper Management Improves Efficiency: Research has shown that disorganized cables can increase component temperatures by up to nine degrees. Using tools like ZeroU rack cable managers and chimney cabinets ensures proper air intake and egress, which is critical for maintaining equipment health and energy efficiency.

Jump to Section:

How Cable Management and Airflow Management Impact Each Other
Airflow is an Important Factor in Data Centers

The Goal of Airflow Management

So what is the goal of airflow management? The goals are twofold: preventing large variations in air temperature and air pressure. This means separating supply air mass and return air mass through design.

Just grouping cables together with a zip tie does nothing to facilitate this and can actually result in a seridisruption of airflow. What happens as a result? Lower fan efficiency, higher HVAC costs, potential changes in pressure, and even equipment damage or failure.

The current problem? Because more people are working from home or adopting the work from anywhere culture as a result of COVID, data centers are having to increase capacity, and they may not have additional floorspace to accommodate more server racks. Since conventional cable management can use up as much as 25% of rack space, this means that intelligently designed rack cable management is more important than ever.

Because of this it is important that cable management and airflow be looked at as an entire package. There are two areas of cable management in a data center: cable management in the room itself, essentially the cables that run between server racks, and rack cable management.

Cable Management in the Room

Of course, we must manage the cables that run between server racks, and they have to go somewhere. There are essentially two approaches, and both can create unique issues. They are running cables under the floor or running cables overhead.

Perhaps the most common is underfloor cabling where the underfloor space is also used for cool air transport. This is usually a very efficient method for separating supply and return air masses. However. When you put more holes in the floor, say to accommodate more server racks, the risk of “bypass air” or mixing the two airflows increases.

Why not just go with overhead cable management then? In some cases, this works exceptionally well, although there are budget and logistical obstacles. The height of the cable pathway is also often an issue.

Think of it this way. If your data center uses the underfloor space for air system management and not cable management, overhead pathways are fine. If they are placed too high though, the warm return air underneath can actually get too turbulent, resulting in a mix of the supply and return air. This created a temperature bypass.

But this bypass also can increase variations in pressure throughout the data center, causing the fans and other mechanisms to work harder. It’s a delicate balance.

Rack Cable Management

There are a lot of best practices and industry standards for airflow and cable management between servers, but often rack cable management falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. That’s a mistake, as cable management at this critical point can have a huge impact on airflow management.

While this seems like it should be common sense, the practice of good rack cable management seems to be hit or miss. As early as 2002, research done by Paul Artman, David Moss and Greg Bennett (Dell PowerEdge 1650: Rack Impacts on Cooling of High Density Servers) showed that poorly bundled cables, overloading cables on a horizontal lacing bar (particularly 1U configurations) could result in as much as a nine degree increase in component temperature.

This is a good argument for ZeroU rack cable managers and other more advanced techniques. Also, more data centers are moving to 23” or larger racks as opposed to the standard 19” racks, because equipment manufacturers are constantly increasing the computing power per U space. As a result there are more cables per rack. As cable bundles get larger, they also need more space between them to increase airflow.

For some components that possess a single fan intake side and hot-switchable components on the other, there is really only one path for cables to go. Careful cable management means not only ensuring that the fan intake is not blocked, but that there is an airflow egress as well. Often specialized chimney cabinets that allow air to enter both the front and the rear of the cabinet can be used for these applications.

The Effect of Poor Cable Management

Poor cable management, whether cables between server racks or rack cable management, will negatively impact airflow management. More than just the increased costs associated with HVAC systems, poor airflow can also lead to premature equipment and cable failures, overheating, and even increased downtime.

5 Ways Effective Cable Management Benefits Your Data Center - Cable Management Blog
A ‘Spaghetti Mess’ of cables blocks network rack airflow very effectively!

Since uptime is the most important metric to most data centers, cable management solutions need to be an integral part of any planned data center and prioritized expansion.

Devising a Comprehensive Solution

What’s the solution? The best path is to be proactive rather than reactive. Plan airflow management and cable management together as part of an overall data center plan. Be sure you and your staff have the right tools and materials. This not only includes the right racks and rack cable management tools like ZeroU rack managers and chimney racks where needed, but things like Velcro, wire tags, and even colored zip ties to keep things organized.

If you do have to do a sudden expansion due to increases in demands, bring in the whole team and listen to everyone’s ideas. Use industry best practices where possible, but understand that creative solutions and innovation may be necessary in extraordinary times.

Do you have questions about effective rack cable management, or do you need tools and supplies to get started? Contact us here at AnD Cable. We have the materials you need and the know how to help you select the best product for your situation.

WHITEPAPER – Understanding Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring in Modern Networks

Understanding Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring in Modern Networks - AnD Cable Products Whitepaper

An overview of the differences between stranded and solid conductor wiring, the properties of each and the best cable type to use in a variety of typical settings.

  • Types of Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring
  • Comparison of Electrical Properties
  • Factors Impacting Attenuation / Insertion Loss
  • Choosing the Right Cable
Read Stranded & Solid Conductor Wiring Whitepaper

Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf

Zero U Position - Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf - Rack Management

All Horizontal Cable Managers

1U Mount Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf - Rack Management

19″ x 6″ deep

Front View 19" x 6" Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Server Rack - Rack Management

19″ x 2.8″ or 3.8″ deep

FAQs

What is the most important first step to effective cable management?

The first and most important step is to proactively plan for cable and airflow management as an integrated part of a data center’s design, rather than reacting to problems after they occur.

Why is proper cable management so critical for a data center?

Poorly managed cables can create a “spaghetti mess” that blocks airflow, leading to lower fan efficiency, higher HVAC costs, and potential equipment damage from overheating. It can also lead to premature equipment and cable failures and increased downtime.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in data center cable management?

Common mistakes include using tight zip ties that can damage cables, not using blanking panels to prevent air recirculation, and not using cable management accessories like trays and clips to organize cables and allow for proper airflow.

How do cable management and airflow management relate to each other?

Effective cable management is a critical contributor to effective airflow management. By keeping cables organized and out of the way, you can ensure that cool air gets to the equipment and hot air can be properly exhausted, preventing them from mixing.

What tools or methods can help with effective cable management?

Effective management involves using solutions like ZeroU rack cable managers and specialized chimney cabinets. It also includes using appropriate fasteners like Velcro ties instead of plastic zip ties, and implementing a consistent labeling protocol for all cables.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cabel labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online https://andcable.com/shop/

Looking for other Cable Management Blogs? Top 5 Cable Management Blogs

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The Impact on Data Center Services – Before and After COVID

The Impact on Data Center Services - Before and After Covid - Cable Management Blog

The COVID pandemic has impacted nearly every industry, and while some have been impacted negatively, others are thriving. The key to all of these things is the ability to adapt. Nowhere is this truer than in data centers. The impact of COVID on data center services has been significant, and those in this “essential industry” can’t work remotely for the most part.

Key Points

–Increased Demand: The global shift to remote work, virtual learning, and online entertainment during the pandemic caused a massive surge in internet traffic and the use of digital services. This led to a significant increase in demand for data center services, including cloud computing and data storage.

–Accelerated Digital Transformation: The pandemic acted as a catalyst for digital transformation efforts across many industries. Companies that had been slow to adopt cloud-based solutions were forced to accelerate their move to the cloud to support remote operations and meet changing consumer demands.

–Operational and Supply Chain Challenges: While demand for data center services soared, operators faced new challenges. They had to implement strict health and safety protocols to protect on-site staff, which sometimes included creating reserve teams and limiting access to facilities. Additionally, the pandemic caused disruptions in the global supply chain, which could lead to delays in the construction and maintenance of data centers.

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The Impact on Data Center Services - Before and After Covid - Cable Management Blog
The Impact on Data Center Services – Before and After Covid

The truth is, troubled industries like airlines, hotels, travel sites, and restaurants were not huge consumers anyway.

“The upside cases are actually higher than any of the drawdowns coming in from the troubled sectors,” said Sami Badri, Senior Equity Analyst at Credit Suisse said during a CAPRE presentation. “These troubled sectors were not big customers in the first place, whereas the newer industries that represent a large cash flow stream for data center services are flexing even larger than they ever have before. This is creating a new high-tide environment for demand for the overall tech sector.”

While the financial impact has been positive overall, it has created an increased demand, which has an direct impact on what data centers are and how they operate. What has that impact been, and what are data centers doing about it?

Increased Demand in Unusual Places

“Almost as soon as lockdown started,” David Issel, the asset manager at a Comcast data center known as a “headend” told us, “this place was running at 95%. Fans and our HVAC system was at capacity.”

The Work from Home or rather Work from Anywhere demands of COVID have increased the need for residential reliability and speed on a larger scale. What was evenings of surfing and streaming are now days filled with workers tethered to their home offices, computers, standing desks, and dependent on their routers and home WiFi in ways we never would have thought of in January of 2020.

Data Centers Services have been quick to respond and increase capacity. “Even though the components are getting smaller, the units themselves are getting larger,” Issel told us. “We’re using 23” racks instead of 19” racks, and that means it’s more important than ever to conserve space.”

The other issue? It takes people to add hardware and capacity to a data center, but only so many people can be present in the facility and still remain socially distanced and adhering to mask requirements. Keeping employees safe is a top priority.

Changing Attitude in Lagging Industries

“Some industries have never been well architected to handle work from home or organize a virtual workforce,” Badri told us. “Three of those sectors are healthcare, government and education. We’ve been hearing that government IT spending pledges alone are up more than 20 percent. Education budgets are also increasing and shifting up. Other categories playing catch-up include healthcare, which has been a very big pain point for the U.S.”

This includes things like telemedicine, schools that are either operating 100% virtually or at least offering distance options to students and parents alike. Higher education is struggling the most, as universities train staff, shift to online platforms, and prepare for an entirely new education platform.

While even the Federal government has been lagging in using technology, local, regional, and state governments find themselves even further behind. The question is whether these industries will continue to advance digitally or whether, as the impact of COVID inevitably recedes, the demand will recede with it.

The Need for Speed

Consumers and others often confuse bandwidth and speed. However, there is a need for both, as more people are online at the same time than under normal circumstances. This is bandwidth, or the capacity of the network to handle volume.

Speed is about how fast data can be delivered. Both are vital for consumers. Imagine a neighborhood populated with day traders whose income can be impacted by millisecond delays. That same neighborhood might be filled with school children doing school work online during work hours.

For data centers and companies like Comcast and other internet providers, it is about the ability to scale. “We’ve got plans for getting ahead, and we’re working on expanding HVAC and capacity,” David Issel told us about his particular headend.

This need for speed may mean that new data centers and headends need to be built in order for companies to keep up.

Coming 5G and Other Advancements

A digital revolution and a move to more remote operations, companies like Zoom, Slack, and other communication platforms were things many thought would take years to manifest. Due to COVID, this digital revolution has manifested in months instead.

But there was already a revolution on the horizon. The 5G and IoT revolution was already putting pressure on data centers to adapt and be ready for a new, faster normal. 5G is about more than just speed though. It makes a data center more flexible in more ways.

“The flexibility includes things such as the desegregation of the control and user plains of the network and also migration towards distributed baseband processing and the radio access network (RAN). In turn, this leads to opportunities for virtualization of RAN network functions and it enables the convergence of the RAN into the data center space,” Mike Wolfe, Vice President of Wireless Network Engineering at CommScope explained in a recent DCD article, How 5G will Affect the Structure of Data Centers?

“What this means is there could be a lot of smaller data centers, distributed geographically in such a way that’s going to make them a little bit more difficult to manage. Connectivity will be important in terms of how we do that,” Jamie Birdnow, also of CommScope shared in the webinar.

While it is safe to say that data center services will require huge changes to accommodate and enable 5G, there is still a lot that is unknown.

For example, we don’t know is how applications are likely to develop over a number of. Some things will not evolve as expected, and there are surprises. Autonomous cars will require far more sophistication than remote surgeries.

The key is to understand that data centers were already in a state of change, and the COVID crisis has only accelerated that.

The Bottom Line in Data Center Services

The data center industry has experienced a focus shift due to COVID, and as with any revolution during a crisis, it comes with challenges. That means the efficient use of space, the expansion of capacity more rapidly than planned, and employing other techniques to “future proof” data center services.

Virtual connectivity is a must,” Badri told us. “It’s no longer a debate. It’s now a case of survival and relevance and productivity. You’re starting to see permanent shifts.”

That speaks back to David Issel and Comcast, not only scrambling to catch up and expand, but to prepare for whatever tomorrow may bring.

A key to Issel’s success is his partnership with Louis and AnD Cable Products. Not only does his data center depend on their products and reliability, but they’ve also worked together to create custom hardware that is “perfect for the application,” Issel told us.

It’s these types of cooperation and efficiency, like the ZeroU Horizontal Cable Managers AnD Cable Products offers, which allow technicians to work more easily, increase the life of cables, and more.

If you want to “future proof” your data center services and you are looking for a physical hardware supplier that will be there for you as you expand and adapt, contact us at AnD Cable Products today. We’d love to talk about how we can best work together.

Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf

Zero U Position - Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf - Rack Management

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Front View 19" x 6" Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Server Rack - Rack Management

19″ x 2.8″ or 3.8″ deep

FAQs

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect data center demand?

The pandemic caused a massive and sudden surge in demand for data center services. With a global shift to remote work, virtual education, and online entertainment, data centers became critical infrastructure, seeing unprecedented increases in internet traffic and cloud service usage.

What were the main operational challenges for data centers during the pandemic?

Data centers, deemed essential businesses, had to maintain uptime while facing significant operational challenges. These included implementing new health and safety protocols, limiting on-site staff, and navigating disruptions in the global supply chain for critical equipment.

Did the pandemic accelerate any pre-existing trends in the data center industry?

Yes, the pandemic dramatically accelerated digital transformation efforts that were already underway. It pushed many companies to adopt cloud computing and other digital solutions much faster than they had planned, solidifying the importance of a scalable and agile digital infrastructure.

How did data centers adapt their physical operations to ensure business continuity?

To keep services running and protect staff, data centers introduced measures like restricting physical access to facilities, creating remote “skeleton crews,” and increasing the use of remote monitoring and management tools. They also adopted “no-touch” solutions, such as remote-hands services, to perform maintenance and installations.

What is the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the data center industry?

The pandemic solidified the data center’s role as a critical utility and is expected to have a lasting impact. It has driven continued growth in cloud adoption, increased focus on cybersecurity, and spurred innovations in remote management and automated operations.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cabel labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online https://andcable.com/shop/

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Using Data Center IoT to Automate and Improve Operational Efficiency

Using IoT Improve Data Center Operational Efficiency - Cable Management Blog

In order to meet demand, data centers are facing the need for physical expansion of their capabilities, such as the addition of new server racks, greater capacity HVAC systems and more. The problem is that those needing to making physical changes cannot do so remotely. Fortunately, there is a solution, which combines traditional data center infrastructure management (DCIM) with the application of the Internet of Things (IoT). Once implemented, data center IoT can help minimize the need for on site interventions, reduce costs and enable better data collection.

Key Points

–IoT for Automation: Combining traditional data center infrastructure management (DCIM) with IoT automates operations, which is crucial for meeting increased demand, especially with the rise of remote work.

–Cost Savings and Efficiency: Implementing IoT can lead to cost savings in three main areas: monitoring air flow, HVAC, and space; improving resiliency systems like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS); and reducing the need for on-site staff through remote monitoring.

–Data-Driven Insights: IoT devices are more cost-effective and easier to deploy than wired monitors. They can collect vast amounts of data from numerous locations, which provides data-driven insights for both facilities management and IT teams, helping to predict maintenance needs and support “self-healing” infrastructure.

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Using IoT Improve Data Center Operational Efficiency - Cable Management Blog

The Case for Data Center Automation Grows Stronger

Data centers face a number of unique challenges at the moment. Those that were operating at 75-80% capacity prior to COVID-19 have suddenly found themselves operating at 95% thanks to widespread work from home requirements driving a jump in demand. Not only do data centers need to meet current demand levels, with continuing uncertainty around when things will ‘get back to normal,’ the need to consistently deliver over an extended period of time.

In order to physically expand however, Technicians need to be on site, installing new server racks, horizontal cable management racks, additional cabling, and maximizing data center floor space. And they have to do all this while maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and protecting the health of every essential worker who needs to be on site.

Enter DCIM and the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the first real application of using operational technology towards data center automation. The idea is to implement monitoring and repair solutions with minimal human intervention after the initial installation. What does this look like?

Using IoT to Drive Automation

The Internet of Things is in the driver’s seat when it comes to changes in DCIM. IoT Devices are cheaper to create and install. Wired monitors are more difficult to deploy, generally cost more, and lack the efficiency of wireless monitoring devices. To your bottom line, data center IoT devices can collect more data from numerous locations and end points for less cost.

Also, since they are wireless, IoT devices can be monitored from anywhere. But that’s not all. Even pre-COVID there was a growting trend towards data center automation, remote access and management. More data means better predictive analytics when it comes to future maintenance needs and even setups for self-healing infrastructure.

It’s critical that as much data as possible is gathered, collected, and controlled correctly, and those tasks are perfectly suited for IoT solutions. The more data center automation that is already in use, the less it will cost to upgrade to a more robust monitoring system.

This is where the maturity of the DCIM comes in: the more up to date the DCIM, the easier it is to keep current. But it’s not just about the IoT and devices. You still need skilled people at the heart of it – automation doesn’t catch everything. But that being said, there are at least three areas where implementation of data center IoT will save you money.

Potential Cost Savings

Where will cost savings come in to play? There are essentially three areas:

  • The monitoring of air flow, HVAC, and utilization of space – More on this in a moment.
  • Resiliency systems, like UPS systems – Individual batteries can fail or require too much electricity to maintain a charge and degrade system performance on backup power.
  • The human element – While you need skilled people to deploy and analyze data, the disruption of HVAC equilibrium and additional space needs can be offset by remote monitoring.

Some changes are so subtle, they won’t be caught by human monitoring anyway, particularly battery performance and other issues. Without integrating a data center IoT you might not even know there is a problem unless you are specifically looking for it.

The Effect of the Physical Layer on IoT

Is system management new? No. But there are new ways to manage passive assets like HVAC that make data centers more efficient and profitable. But in addition, there are two camps of thought about the data center, and the IoT can help bridge that gap.

The data center itself often falls under facilities management. That team is concerned with physical security, power usage, fire suppression and more. The IT department, on the other hand, wants the data center to deliver data and services, and do it quickly. The facilities side may not be monitoring data performance, and the IT side may not be considering power management at all.

This is where the IoT shines. Remote systems monitoring allows facilities management to see the impact changes they make may have on overall performance, and the IT department can see the limitations of the physical layer, and make data driven decisions about usage and proposed changes.

Components of a Good Physical Layer Monitoring System

Many DCIM systems are designed by the IT side of the data center and lack the robust physical layer monitoring that is necessary in a modern data center. What makes a good physical layer monitoring system? There are several factors involved.

  • 100% Wireless – A wireless system that can monitor hundreds of sensors simultaneously will work for even large data center environments
  • Real-time Monitoring and Event Storage – Real-time, user set alarms and alerts and event storage on the cloud for later analysis
  • Low-Maintenance IoT Devices – Small, maintenance-free devices with long battery life
  • 3-D Visualizations – That allow effective monitoring with no infrastructure changes
  • Energy-Reducing System – Allowing data centers to save more than 20% on power usage

A good system will have custom data center IoT devices and sensing probes available for specific use, and a cloud server where data can be easily accessed, analyzed, and managed.

Want to compliment your current DCIM or looking to upgrade or install a new one? Contact us about the A150 System, which includes all of the components and cloud services like those mentioned above. We’d love to talk about how we can help you make your data center more profitable through this innovative data center automation technology.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

A150 Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control System Brochure

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Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

How does IoT improve data center efficiency?

By using wireless IoT sensors, data centers can collect real-time data on air flow, HVAC, and power usage. This data allows for predictive maintenance, automated adjustments, and optimized energy consumption, which reduces operational costs and improves overall efficiency.

What are the main cost savings associated with data center IoT?

-Operational costs: Automated monitoring of air flow, HVAC, and space reduces energy waste.

-Resiliency: Real-time monitoring of systems like UPS helps prevent failures and costly downtime.

-Human resources: Remote monitoring capabilities reduce the need for on-site technicians and allow for more efficient allocation of staff.

How does IoT help with data center management?

IoT bridges the gap between facilities management and the IT department by providing both teams with data-driven insights into the physical infrastructure. This unified view helps them collaborate to identify potential issues and optimize operations.

What are some of the challenges in implementing IoT in a data center?

-Interoperability: Ensuring different devices and systems can communicate with each other.

-Data Deluge: Managing and analyzing the vast amount of data generated by thousands of sensors.

-Security: Protecting a larger network of devices from cyberattacks.

-Scalability: Handling the growing number of connected devices and associated costs.

What is the future of IoT in the data center industry?

-Edge computing: Processing data closer to the source to reduce latency.

-AI Integration: Using AI to analyze IoT data for smarter automation and decision-making.

-5G connectivity: Providing the high-speed, low-latency network needed for real-time applications.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online at https://andcable.com/shop/

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Data Center Tiers – What Level Are You?

Data Center Tiers - What Level Are You? Cable Management Blog - AnD Cable Products

Chances are, if you are in the data center business, you know about the uptime tier standard. But do you know what the data center tiers system really means, and what level you are on now? Knowing how to showcase what your data center offers will help your customers choose the option that works best for them.

The thing to remember is this: while all data centers are not created equal, neither is a Tier 4 center essential for everyone. There are over 3,000,000 data centers in the United States alone. There used to be a unique designation for Cloud Data Centers (CDC) but that has been disappearing in recent years. Even if you haven’t officially been rated, you can determine your level from the information you’ll find here.

Key Points

–Tier Classification System: Data center tiers were developed by the Uptime Institute to classify a facility’s reliability and performance. The system is progressive, with each higher tier (Tier I to Tier IV) including the requirements of the tiers below it while adding more redundancy and fault tolerance.

–Redundancy and Uptime: Higher tiers offer greater redundancy and uptime. A Tier I data center has a single path for power and cooling with no redundancy, leading to the lowest uptime. In contrast, a Tier IV data center is fully fault-tolerant with multiple redundant systems, providing the highest level of uptime and resilience against failures.

–Cost vs. Reliability: The choice of a data center tier involves a trade-off between cost and reliability. While higher-tier data centers (Tier III and Tier IV) are more reliable and have less downtime, they are also significantly more expensive and complex to build and operate than lower-tier facilities.

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Data Center Tiers - What Level Are You? Cable Management Blog - AnD Cable Products

What is the Uptime Tier Standard System?

Classification of data centers into tiers stared with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and a simple four tier rating based on reliability. However as technology improved, the TIA system was not enough.

So the Uptime Institute stepped in with what was at first a four tier system that has developed into a five tier system, although Tier 5 data centers are rare as of this writing. You’ll see why shortly.

So which data center level are you?

Data Center Structure

Data centers have certain key components that contribute to their rating. Things like power, redundancy, temperature controls, humidity controls, and pressure controls all relate to reliability.

Tier 1 Data Centers

The simplest and lowest tier of data center, the tier one center essentially operates without power backups or redundancies. What does that mean?

Essentially a tier one data center is a warehouse with power and climate control. Since there are no redundancies and backups, if the power goes out, the server goes down. Downtime will also occur during routine maintenance. There is a single path for power and cooling, and no backup generator. Annual downtime cannot exceed 1729 minutes.

This kind of data center is also the cheapest to operate and therefore the least expensive for consumers. It’s good for internet based companies who don’t depend on 24/7 customer service. If a company relies heavily on data access all the time, this type of center will not work for them.

Tier 2 Data Centers

A tier two center has some redundancy. There is still one path for power and cooling, but there is a backup generator and a backup cooling system in case the power goes out.

The primary advantage to this is less downtime, by a reasonable margin. The maximum allowable downtime is 1361 minutes annually, or 99.74% uptime. This is a better option for most businesses and is generally not that much more expensive than a tier 1 center for consumers. Operating costs are marginally higher depending on the quality of the infrastructure backups.

Tier 3 Data Centers

This is perhaps the most common of tier structures for data centers. Essentially, all of the infrastructure is more complex than tier one or two. For example, all servers have multiple power sources and cooling paths. These centers must have dual uplinks at a minimum and must be dual powered.

Only 95 minutes of downtime can occur annually, and the tier 3 data center is considered N+1 Fault Tolerant, which means they have enough backup power for a 72-hour power outage.

The reason this is the most common data center tier system is that it is the most cost effective for many businesses.

Tier 4 Data Centers

The primary advantage of tier 4 data centers? Even less downtime annually, just over 26 minutes. They are also N+2 fault tolerant, and offer 96 hours of backup in case of a power outage.

This is the Cadillac of data centers. There are more redundancies, and each server is often individually dual powered. This center can essentially operate normally regardless of an infrastructure failure.

For enterprise companies who are data dependent, have 24/7 customer service and desire the most reliable system possible, this is the solution for them. It’s more expensive than tier 3 to operate and maintain, so has a higher cost to consumers.

Tier 5 Data Centers

Want to move beyond the Cadillac of systems to the Tesla model? Quite literally, tier five is the local renewable energy first cousin many data centers wish they could be. They are also the data center of tomorrow.

They must be able to run forever without water, have outside pollution detectors, and the capability to do something about that pollution. In addition, they must have permanently installed stored physical layer monitoring – such as power monitoring, securable server racks, and more.

Most must run on renewable energy to qualify, and local renewables are the norm. It’s not unusual for this type of data center to have its own solar farm.

While they are expensive to build, tier five data systems can save money in the long run, by using renewable energy. They’re the gold standard, but also the most expensive for consumers, at least at the moment.

The Right Solutions for any Tier

Here at AnD Cable Products, we have the right solution for you, no matter what data center tier you are. Our Horizontal Zero U Cable Organizers help you save space, keep cables organized, and be a more efficient data center.

Are you looking for cable and rack management solutions? Even physical layer network security? Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you and your data center efficiency.

Optimizing Server Cabinet Rack Space to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Optimizing Rack Space and Air Flow in Server Racks and Cabinets

Smart optimization can help you increase rack space and realize significant equipment cost savings. Read our step-by-step guide that shows you how – and how much you could save.

  • How Much Rack Space You Could Save
  • How to Optimize for Maximum Efficiency
  • Savings for New and Retrofit Installations
  • Overall Cost and Space Savings Post-Optimization
Discover How To Optimize for Maximum Efficiency

FAQs

What are the four data center tiers?

The four tiers, as defined by the Uptime Institute, are a progressive classification system based on reliability and redundancy. Tier I has a single path for power and cooling with no redundancy, while Tier IV is fully fault-tolerant with multiple redundant components, ensuring the highest level of uptime.

Who created the data center tier system?

The data center tier system was developed by the Uptime Institute to provide a standardized framework for evaluating a data center’s infrastructure, reliability, and performance.

What is the difference in downtime between the tiers?

he amount of annual downtime decreases significantly as the tiers increase. A Tier I data center can have up to 28.8 hours of downtime per year, while a Tier IV data center has an expected downtime of just 26.3 minutes per year.

Why are data center tiers important?

Tiers serve as a quick way for businesses to understand the capabilities of a data center, allowing them to choose a facility that aligns with their specific needs for uptime, security, and cost. For example, a small business might use a lower-tier data center for non-critical applications, while a financial institution would require a higher tier.

What is redundancy in the context of data center tiers?

Redundancy refers to having duplicate systems and infrastructure, such as power supplies and cooling units, to ensure continuous operation if one component fails. Higher-tier data centers have more redundancy, which is why they are more reliable and have less downtime.

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online at https://andcable.com/shop/

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5 Ways Effective Cable Management Benefits Your Data Center

5 Ways Effective Cable Management Benefits Your Data Center - Cable Management Blog

It’s easy for computer cabling to get out of control – even at your office desk disorganized cables can be a problem! So, when it comes to the many tens or even hundreds of servers in a data center, cable management is clearly an important element to get right.

Congested and disorganized cabling can quickly lead to a “spaghetti mess.” Not only is this ugly, but it can be the cause of some serious problems. Here are five reasons you should avoid cabling congestion, and how effective cable management can minimize risk and benefit your data center.

Jump to section:

  1. Avoiding Downtime / Outages
  2. Workplace Safety
  3. Future Expansion
  4. Lookin’ Good
  5. Show Me the Money!
    Cable Management Made Easier
5 Ways Effective Cable Management Benefits Your Data Center - Cable Management Blog
Congested and disorganized cabling can quickly lead to a “spaghetti mess”

1. Avoiding Downtime / Outages

One of the primary reasons for effective cable management is to reduce the risk of downtime. This is especially true when someone is working on making additions, expanding capacity or repairing existing systems.

Effective cable management allows technicians to simply unplug and plug in cables that are necessary to the action they are taking. Disorganized cables may involve “troubleshooting” steps that really involve determining what is plugged into what before work can begin.

Since you’re often paying by the hour, and all that plugging and unplugging can cause costly downtime / outages, organized cables are really a necessity in any data center environment.

2. Workplace Safety

What’s one of the things your servers need to avoid future issues? Airflow. Effective airflow prevents overheating, fire hazards and even cable breakage that can cause serious issues – or at worst, an outage.

Cables that are too long and disorganized can also quite simply be a tripping hazard, increasing the risk of workplace injuries. In addition, there is a risk of electric shock. Want to keep your employees, workplace and servers safe? Avoid cable congestion and improve your cable management.

3. Future Expansion

You are planning to expand and modernize your data center over time, right? With the internet of things, the rise of VR and AR applications, and even the adoption of 5G networks, speed has become ever more critical, and will continue to be so over time. That means you need to have the ability to add to your server stacks quickly and easily.

But congested cabling can make this problematic. You’ll have to untangle and organize what you have before you can safely add more. A simplified, organized and effective cable management system is an important element of IT infrastructure scalability, and will make future expansion that much easier.

4. Lookin’ Good

You know what else congested cabling does? It looks bad! Imagine a client visits your office and sees a mess like the one pictured above. What will they think of the rest of your company if your cabling is that disorganized?

You never know what will impress or not impress a potential client, and to be professional in every aspect of the appearance of your business is essential. If it doesn’t look good to you, it definitely won’t look good to your clients.

5. Show Me the Money!

The above are all great, but how are you going to sell better cable management to your CFO? In the long run, great cable management WILL save you money. Your business will run more smoothly, you’ll have fewer outages, less maintenance and repairs and expansions will be quicker and easier.

For many businesses, especially in a time when more and more is being done online, a reliable data center is at the heart and soul of staying in business – and a vital key to profitability. Better cable management is also a cost effective way to improve the bottom line, with benefits continuing to roll in over time.

Effective Cable Management Made Easier

Fortunately, it’s easy to see the advantages of a simpler, cleaner cabling system. Instead of the nightmare of having multiple wiring systems in place, especially when many devices are being used at the same time, a more structured cable management system will make it easier to access and work on each component.

Cable Management Racks - Horizontal and Vertical Cable Managers In Data Center Server Rack
Cable Management Racks – Horizontal and Vertical Cable Managers In a Data Center Server Rack

Here at AnD Cable Products, we have the solution for you. Our Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Racks and Vertical Cable Management Racks minimize the space you need for each server, and help keep cables neat and organized for your next move, add or change. You’ll not only avoid congested cabling, but you’ll avoid outages, have a safer system and workplace, be ready for the future, and your data center will be looking good. Besides that, you’ll save money and enjoy all the advantages of a sleek and streamlined cable management system.

Ready to change the way you manage server cables in your data center? Contact us today. We’re here to help, and we can tailor our solution to your unique situation.

Optimizing Server Cabinet Rack Space to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Optimizing Rack Space and Air Flow in Server Racks and Cabinets

Smart optimization can help you increase rack space and realize significant equipment cost savings. Read our step-by-step guide that shows you how – and how much you could save.

  • How Much Rack Space You Could Save
  • How to Optimize for Maximum Efficiency
  • Savings for New and Retrofit Installations
  • Overall Cost and Space Savings Post-Optimization
Discover How To Optimize for Maximum Efficiency

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online at https://andcable.com/shop/

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IT Infrastructure and Business Continuity

IT Infrastructure and Business Continuity - A150 Physical Layer Network Security - Cable Management Blog

If there is one thing that is certain in the current environment, it’s uncertainty. From COVID 19 to unprecedented racial tensions and unemployment crisis, we are facing a fluctuating and unpredictable economic recovery. These factors are affecting every single business, and business continuity across many sectors.

Business continuity can be disrupted by any number of events and preparing for them is often called “Black Swan” planning, disaster planning, or at its most basic, unexpected event planning. Anything from natural disaster to personal issues that disrupt the best of plans can be considered a threat to business continuity. IT infrastructure is critical to maintaining that continuity, from cashflow strategies to the protection of data. The right decisions when it comes to technology can be the difference between success and failure.

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IT Infrastructure and Business Continuity - A150 Physical Layer Network Security - Cable Management Blog

IT Infrastructure and Cashflow

For many businesses, their data is their business. When it comes to data centers, it is the only thing that keeps them going. But how does the right infrastructure help with cashflow?

  • Optimized Use of Space: Real estate costs money and using the right physical racks and cable managers means servers take up less room.
  • Flexibility: One of the keys to business survival at times like these is flexibility. Being able to shift the application or data and to lock down and suspend use of non-critical assets is vital.
  • Increased ROI: While some businesses will struggle, others will shift and have critical projects that must be prioritized. This is a great way to increase ROI in challenging circumstances.
  • Process optimization: Not only does your hardware need to be configured correctly, but your processes should be streamlined and as efficient as possible

The more efficient your IT physical layer and software performs, the greater your cost savings will be, and the more easily you can stabilize cashflow.

Adapting to New Ways of Working

If you had told anyone that the new way of working would be remote for the majority of employees in 2020, many would never have suspected that big companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook would be transitioning their workforces to work from home scenarios. However, the new reality means just that.

Not only are companies seeing increased efficiency, but they are also seeing cost savings from workplace infrastructure to the coffee pods in the break room that seem to never run dry now.

But a remote workforce creates IT challenges. Remote access to servers requires a new level of security both virtual and physical. Employees need secure VPN logins they can access from nearly any Wi-Fi connection, ways to secure and protect equipment they use remotely, and more.

Since Work from Home can include work from virtually anywhere, these factors have come front and center to the IT world. Devices from laptops to apps installed on personal phones and tablets can all be keys to a productive remote workforce. Physical items like privacy screen protectors and places to secure company devices when not in use are key. Off-site data and equipment security is a vital part of the “new business normal.”

Physical Layer Network Security

A common concern for IT personnel is the security of their remote sites. Even offices, as more employees transition to a work from home environment, will no longer have personnel standing by to “keep an eye on things.” This brings up the real value of remote monitoring.

A150 Remote Physical Layer Network Security Monitoring Elements
A150 Remote Physical Layer Network Security Monitoring Elements

The diagram above describes simply the way a remote physical layer network security monitoring system would work. Sensors and cameras would be deployed depending on the needs of the facility, and the data would be sent to a controller. This data could then be monitored by nearly any devices with an internet connection.

Everything in the environment could be monitored, including:

  • Humidity
  • Temperature
  • The presence of water
  • Power usage
  • Server tampering or movement
  • Server room doors and entry points
  • AC Unit Status

And more. All of these factors trigger remote alerts and even physical alerts like sirens or light alarms on site. This ensures that data centers and servers are monitored even from a distance, and various items can be controlled from that same application, allowing the user to take action on the data they receive.

Without physical security, the usefulness of IT for continued business continuity is clearly threatened. “We basically work the same way as home security systems, but for business IT,” says Jumie Yuventi, VP Product Management of the A150 Physical Layer Network Security system. “Data center management platforms take the responsibility of 24×7 real time monitoring, warning notifications (by emails and /or SMS), data analysis and data archiving, so IT and facility managers can sleep better at night knowing A150 is keeping an eye on everything.”

The New Digital Outreach

You can be doing everything in your power to ensure data security both on and off site, and you can be doing your best to create opportunities to stabilize your cashflow and keep your business working.

But how do you communicate these things? The days of a simple meeting in a conference room with a slide presentation are now gone, and remote digital selling has taken its place. This means that not only do you have to communicate the new way things are working to your employees and internal partners, but to your customers and clients as well.

Consumers want to know now, more than ever, that you can be trusted with their data, that you are doing everything to make sure it is secure, and that your employees are safeguarding your data at all times.

The shift to remote selling, remote working, and remote monitoring has brought about changes that will affect nearly every business for years to come. To ensure business continuity, you must adapt and evolve with the changing times. Tools like efficient cable management and physical security are an important part of that process.

Want to understand how your physical layer can be both more efficient and more secure? Contact us today!

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

A150 Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control System Brochure

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

  • Introducing the A150 System
  • A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
  • A150 System Features
  • System Controller Hardware and Specifications
  • Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors
Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online at https://andcable.com/shop/

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4 Cable Improvements That Increase Data Center Efficiency and Build Scalability

4 Cable Improvements That Increase Data Center Efficiency and Build Scalability

The data center of the future is needed now. Added to rising growth in a world lived increasingly online, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and 5G are driving greater demand for data speed and volume. How can you ensure your data center is operating at peak performance now – and has the capacity to sustain performance as demand grows? Building for scalability is the key. Fortunately, those elements that create data center efficiency now lay the groundwork for your ability to respond well in the future.

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4 Cable Improvements That Increase Data Center Efficiency and Build Scalability

Building Data Center Efficiency

When we talk about scalability in data centers, we are actually talking about two different things. The first is the physical layer, which includes new data servers, switches, storage devices and cable managers. By optimizing server rack space and ensuring effective network cable management, efficiency and uptime can be improved, reducing the footprint required for server hardware and lowering equipment costs.

The second, and more complex, is the infrastructure that supports increasing data rates and volumes. With AR, VR, 5G and the IoT demanding data rates and speeds never seen before, data centers need to respond strategically to remain competitive. Given the escalating growth rate, it’s safe to say that decisions made today will have a dramatic impact on capacity to deliver unprecedented volumes of data, both in and out. For peak data center efficiency, you need to be dense (physical), fast (the right cabling), and cost effective. This includes transitioning from 40G to 100G and eventually the emerging 400G ethernet capability. It not only means more fiber cable, but an increased number of connections. The following factors will affect data center efficiency and scalability directly.

Bandwidth

The demand for speed and higher bandwidth has instigated a migration from OM3 and OM4 multimode cabling to the faster and more efficient OM5. OM5 has some serious advantages over OM3/4, including:

  • Color – OM5 is ‘lime green’ in color, while the OM3/4 is usually aqua colored
  • Compatibility – Jacket size remains at the industry recognized standard (2mm), so it can be retrofitted with OM3/4 without a major change in infrastructure
  • Scalability – OM5 has the capacity to support current data needs and the 400G needs of the future
  • More efficient – OM5 is more efficient at longer distances

It’s worth noting that OM5 is more expensive currently, as cables have to be custom made, whereas OM3/OM4 are production cables, pre-made by the thousands and in all stock lengths.

Because of this, perhaps the best feature of OM5 is its compatibility with OM3/4. There is no need to change the entire network at once, so changes can be made incrementally as the needs of the data center change.

The main thing to remember is that scalability demands the ability to increase bandwidth at need. Hence the time to plan for what’s next is now.

Insertion Loss

The simplified version of insertion loss is this: the more connectors you have, the greater potential there is for loss of speed. A lower insertion loss means a stronger signal. Data centers should understand their insertion loss margin.

This margin is the actual insertion loss experienced vs. the standard insertion loss, and it can be affected by a number of things. So how do you reduce insertion loss?

  • Rack optimization – The right rack and cabling solutions will reduce the distance data has to travel, decreasing loss
  • Air flow – Temperature controls, or factoring in realistic temperatures, help manage insertion loss expectations
  • Connectors fit for purpose – The right connection components will also reduce loss, and the expected loss of these components should be factored in when being calculated

Efficient data center that are set up to be denser and reduce the distance data has to travel, have lower potential for insertion loss. Note the word “potential.” Since many factors, from the quality of cabling and connections, to the efficiency of rack and cabling solutions can have an impact, its necessary to look at this factor from several angles.

Skew

Skew is the difference between the time it takes light to travel on different fibers. Too much skew can result in data loss or errors.

The standards for skew are tight in parallel optical cabling solutions, as low as .075 n-s (nanoseconds). The simple reason for this, is that skew can affect the longevity of optical cables and how scalable they are when it comes to higher data rates and volumes – two of the primary factors in scalability.

This is another factor that can get complicated at times, and is influenced by the length of cables, the type of cable used and more. The key is to know what to look for in parallel optical circuits: low skew components with tight tolerances over the distance you need to run them.

Physical Layer Optimization

We’ve mentioned that for peak data center efficiency, you need to be dense, fast and cost effective, enabling you to be scalable and respond rapidly to future data volume and speed needs. While cabling and connectors are important, the fourth factor is making the best use of your physical layer.

Fundamental to this is the optimization of server racks and cable management systems. This means optimizing your server configuration. One of the smartest ways to do so, is to replace your 1RU and 2RU horizontal managers with intelligently designed Zero U cable managers, which use no additional rack space. The patented system design by AnD Cable Products can take you from using four racks to three through smart rack optimization.

Multiply that by the number of server racks in your system, and you’re looking at real space savings. Add better cable management and more efficient cables, and you can reduce your physical footprint, and equipment costs, significantly.

Cable management systems need to help regulate air flow, ensure devices are easily accessible and allow for cable identification and tracking.

The choices you make now around how you optimize your rack and cable management, bandwidth, insertion loss and skew can set you apart and ensure your readiness to meet the needs of tomorrow.

How are you preparing to meet the future, today? Have questions about your current rack systems, cables, and even system security? AnD Cable Products can help – Contact us today.

Understanding Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring in Modern Networks

Understanding Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring in Modern Networks - AnD Cable Products Whitepaper

An overview of the differences between stranded and solid conductor wiring, the properties of each and the best cable type to use in a variety of typical settings.

  • Types of Stranded and Solid Conductor Wiring
  • Comparison of Electrical Properties
  • Factors Impacting Attenuation / Insertion Loss
  • Choosing the Right Cable
Read Stranded & Solid Conductor Wiring Whitepaper

Shop Our Network Cables Range Now

About the Author

Louis Chompff - Founder, AnD Cable Products, Rack and Cable ManagementLouis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online at https://andcable.com/shop/