Data center cabling includes the wires, connectors, and accessories required to connect a data center’s various servers and networking equipment. Proper cabling ensures reliable connections, optimal network performance, and future scalability of the system.
Data Center Cabling Basics
Cabling is the backbone of data center communications. It ensures the performance and reliability of your data center equipment. Data center cabling systems should consider your bandwidth needs, budget, and applicable standards.
Most data centers rely on a structured approach to cable management. This involves extensive planning to select the best components and layout. It is generally a modular design that allows for easy maintenance and expansion.
Structured data center cable management systems typically use hardware that adheres to specific industry standards, such as TIA/EIS-942 and ANSI/BICSI 002-2014. They also have clearly defined cable paths that utilize trays, racks, and patch panels for organization. Clear labeling of components and pathways and proper documentation of all processes make identification, troubleshooting, and repairs simple.
This is an excellent approach for organizations that have plans for future expansion. The ability to simply maintain and expand the system offsets higher upfront costs. Additionally, a comprehensive plan helps to improve airflow around components, which can support more reliable performance.
You can also use an unstructured approach to data center cabling. This connects components point to point, with little planning or design considerations for the larger system. It is generally more cost-effective to set up compared to a structured system but can lead to complications.
For example, the lack of an overarching design and process documentation can make it very difficult to scale up an unstructured system. Additionally, there is minimal cable management, so it is less organized. That can make repairs more difficult, leading to increased downtime. Finally, unstructured systems may have some difficulty with airflow around components.
Unstructured data center cable systems may work for small operations where budget is a primary concern. However, you should consider their limitations for repairs and future expansion before choosing this approach.
Components of Cabling Systems
The main cable components in data centers are copper and fiber optic cables. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages, and they are not always interchangeable. You should decide which one best meets your needs during the initial planning stages.
Data center cabling also uses connectors and patch cables. These are used to directly connect network components over short distances. Patch cables come in both copper and fiber. Some allow you to connect peripherals with different terminal styles.
Types of Cables
The two common types of cabling used in data centers are copper and fiber optic cables. Copper is a cost-effective solution and widely compatible with existing infrastructure. Data centers generally use copper for data transmission over short distances.
Coaxial cables are made with an insulating layer around a copper wire. They tend to be thick relative to their potential transmission speeds, which can make them bulky for large data center applications. Twisted-pair copper cables, such as CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT6a, use multiple stands of copper twisted together. They are often lighter and more flexible than coax cables, making them easier to install and manage. Ethernet cables are generally twisted pairs.
The other main type of cabling used in data centers is fiber optic. They have many advantages over copper, including increased flexibility, lighter weight, and higher transmission speeds. Additionally, fiber optic cables retain transmission speeds over longer distances. They are commonly used for backbone cabling in data centers.
As with copper, there are several types of fiber optic cabling. The most common include:
- Single-Mode Fiber: SMF cables have a small core that accommodates a single mode of light. They are excellent for long-distance, high-speed data transmission.
- Multi-Mode Fiber: MMF has a larger core that can simultaneously transmit multiple modes of light. It is frequently used for shorter-distance connections within data centers, such as between servers and other networking equipment.
- Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off: MTP/MPO cables contain multiple fibers within one connector. You can use them for high-density data center connections.
There are several grades within multi-mode fiber cabling. OM3 and OM4 cables support high-bandwidth applications through high-speed data transmission. They are a popular choice for data center cabling. OM4 offers slightly higher performance than OM3.
OM5 or wideband MMF offers even greater bandwidth, bringing increased flexibility for next-gen optical networks. It is excellent for high-speed, short-reach data center cabling applications.
Choosing Between Copper and Fiber Cabling
There are pros and cons to each type of cable, so you must choose the one most suited to your data cable applications. Copper is a cost-effective solution that is usually compatible with existing infrastructure and equipment. That means you will not have to make significant upgrades when planning your cabling system. However, it may limit data transmission speeds or distances between peripherals.
Fiber retains high-speed transmission capability over greater distances. Therefore, it is a good choice for connecting servers and network equipment in different locations. It is also generally lighter and more flexible, which can make data center cabling management and routing easier. However, you may need to upgrade equipment or use adapters to maximize the benefits of fiber optic cabling. This can increase its cost.
Benefits of Good Data Center Cable Management Practices
The benefits of proper cable management are varied. For example, proper planning improves airflow around equipment, which can boost its efficiency and reduce strain. It also reduces the need for supplemental cooling, which supports efforts to improve energy efficiency in your data center.
Another key benefit is system optimization. When you plan your cabling properly, it supports data transmission at the speeds you need for proper operation.
Data center cable management also supports a safe working environment. There is less of a chance of accidentally disconnecting a component or making improper connections that could damage equipment.
Finally, good cabling practices allow for system scalability. You can easily expand or modify components based on operational needs without having to require the entire data center.
High-Quality Data Center Cabling From Equal Optics
Equal Optics is an industry leader in providing high-quality networking solutions and data center cabling. We carry copper and fiber optic cables and connectors to ensure your data center uses best practices. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
