4 most common problems with data centre cabling
Data Center cabling problems can cause physical damage to your data center as well as financial losses. These problems can range from contamination to improper connections. If ignored, these problems can snowball and cause overheating, data transmission slowdowns, and overall degradation.
Here are the most common mistake with Data Center Cabling that you should avoid.
1. Mismatching fiber-optic cables and connectors
Depending on your needs, your data center will require single-mode, multi-mode, or a combination of cable types. Also, these cables will require special types of connectors; either MPO/MTP, or LC-type connectors.
Both the cables and connectors need to be in place between devices as per the requirements of your operation. Pre-planning before installation can reduce any potential problems with compatibility.
If this remains a problem, your data center will work at far below optimal conditions. At worst, your data center won’t transmit data at all.
2. Contamination and impurities
This is still one of the most common problems with data center cabling. A clean environment is essential for optimal data center operations. This isn’t just because impurities and dust can block the vents, but also because fiber-optic cables are sensitive to dust. Data transmission speeds can be severely affected due to contamination.
Even new cables, which have been sealed before installation need to be inspected before connecting.
3. Reversing the polarity of fiber-optic cables
Polarity refers to the arrangement of fibers inside fiber-optic cables. It determines the direction of data transmission through cables. If not connected properly, the cables will have mismatched polarity and stop data transmission. This will render certain operations in your data center useless.
4. Dangers of mishandling data centre cabling
Ignoring data center cabling problems can result in more than messy wiring or tripping hazards. There are real, financial, and potentially life-threatening ramifications.
- Haphazardly installed cables can block airflow within a data center. This can cause overheating by blocking hot air from going out and cool air coming in. This can result in equipment downtime, or even failure.
- Haphazardly installed cables can result in bends and fractures which affect data transmission speeds.
- High temperatures can also lead to faster cable degradation and thus, higher network latency.
- Troubleshooting problems can also arise due to haphazard cabling. Pinpointing problems and fixing them can take hours, not minutes.
- Haphazard cabling can also create upgrade problems by blocking access to areas that need upgrades.
Keeping these problems in mind, you should cable your data center with as much planning as possible. You can avoid a mountain of trouble this way.