Proper cable management is integral to the performance and effectiveness of a network. Managing and maintaining cables and cords provides the critical support, reliability, and flexibility needed to sustain and grow network capabilities.
The infrastructure—or products—that manage your cables are a large contributor to proper cable management and the integrity of your network. These products come in many shapes and forms. Pathway products, vertical and horizontal managers, jumper trays, etc. all play an important role in getting cable safely and efficiently from point A to point B. When organized cables can be easily traced from start to finish, making moves, adds and changes (MACs) is easier. This saves valuable time and money.
Here are four basic steps (and points to consider) that will help to ensure your infrastructure properly manages and maintains cables and cords, and provides the critical support, reliability and flexibility needed to sustain and grow your network.
1. Select a two- or four-post rack.
- What is your environment (are you in a seismic zone)?
- What is your budget?
- What type of equipment will be supported?
- Does it require two- or four-point support, threaded or square-punched mounting, or a high load support?
2. Choose a vertical cable manager.
- What type and how much cable will be used (don’t forget about power cords)?
- Is a feature-rich solution needed?
- Or is a more basic solution required?
3. Add horizontal cable managers.
- Do you need a 1U, 2U or 3U manager?
- Do you need the extra capacity of a double-sided manager?
- Or is a more simple solution using jumper trays, wire management panels, rings or fingers sufficient?
4. Choose accessories.
- Additional products may be needed to manage large amounts of cable. These include cable spools, lashing bars, Saf-T-Grip Strips, brackets and more.
To learn more about Chatsworth Products’ (CPI) cable management and infrastructure products, download the Cable Management Brochure, or download the Quick Reference Guide.
Brittany Mangan, Digital Content Specialist