Virtually every device in the data center must be cabled to another device, often with multiple cables to provide redundancy. A data center for a medium sized corporation may have 50 to 100 servers, while a data center for a large financial institution may have several hundred, so cable counts are extremely high - especially in the main and horizontal distribution areas. To manage large numbers of cables, PANDUIT recommends the following.

Start with sturdy frames that are designed to support large network devices and the associated cross-connect panels. Add copper patch panels and fiber enclosures according to projected port counts, plus cable managers for horizontal and vertical routing.

Never underestimate the value of horizontal and vertical cable managers. They protect cables from damage, keep them from blocking equipment interfaces and cooling fans, provide bend radius control, create a neat appearance, and improve routing and traceability. Cable management products are designed with bend radius control to help prevent kinks and sharp corners that can impede cable performance and cause long-term damage.

Provide visual identification. Implement a color-coding scheme for cables and ports so that they can be quickly identified, even from a distance. Due to the large number of cables and hardware that are managed in the data center environment, it is imperative that cables and ports be clearly labeled with durable products.