It’s not rocket science. It’s simple math.  Quality cables in the the data center and following industry standards like TIA-942 will help you achieve more efficiency in the data center.   Data center professionals and cabling infrastructure experts are making this point more and more.

For instance, in a recent Data Center Journal article, they highlighted the importance of industry standard for cabling as one of the key elements in creating a high efficiency data center.

A structured cabling system is an effective way to have both high quality cabling and meet or exceed industry standards.

It”s the experience of many an IT pro that it’s not so much a matter of if, but when, a point-to-point cabling solution becomes disorganized and difficult to manage.  This is saying it nicely.   You’ve seen the photos. You’ve heard the nightmare stories.  Spaghetti belongs at your favorite Italian restaurant, not in your data center.

If you are not already implementing a structured cabling solution, it’s time to consider it.  Why not increase your data center’s efficiency and make your life easier?

Sure there are some costs involved with migrating to a structured cabling system, but in the long run it’s worth its weight in gold.

You can learn more about industry standards and structured cabling solutions by checking out the following:

Structured Cabling

• Migrating to a structured cabling solution, free webinar
• Download a data center structured cabling guide.

Industry Standards

• Cable standards in the data center

These links are a good start.  However, there are plenty of resources in the “cabling blueprints” section on this website.  We encourage you to get a good foundation of knowledge in these subject matters.  Going forward they will become increasingly important.

As demands for increased throughput and higher speeds continue to grow, the data center infrastructure must be flexible enough to change with those demands. According to the Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers, or TIA-942, a structured cabling system is the ideal way to future-proof your data center.

Join us for a webinar on July 25 to hear from Senior Data Center Architect for CABLExpress Rick Dallmann, who will provide the roadmap for building a structured cabling system.

In “Best Practices for Migrating to a Structured Cabling Solution,” you will learn:

• Key concepts of TIA-942
• Why data centers are migrating to a structured cabling solution
• Changes to the physical layer of the data center that take place during migration
• How to sell a structured cabling solution to organizational leadership
• Tips and best practices to consider while migrating to a structured cabling solution

We’re big proponents of using the Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers, or TIA-942. It essentially creates a “switchboard” for your cabling system. TIA-942 is a better alternative to running a patch cable from port A to port B (known as “point to point” cabling).

TIA-942 dictates that you use patch cords from the equipment to a patch panel (typically at the top of the rack) and trunking products (cables that aggregate multiple lines and are typically condensed in size) to run to a MDA (Main Distribution Area). This is the “switchboard.”

At the MDA, all of your active ports will be represented (or emulated). This allows you to make all of your MAC’s (Moves Adds and Changes) in one area with short jumper cables. Following these guidelines will allow you to grow easily and reduce installation time of new hardware. And because accidents are much less likely to occur with this model, you will also maximize uptime.

Want to know more about how TIA-942 can help make your network work? Give us a call at 1.800.913.9465.