Data cabinet tips? Show your cabinets.

[dany2010]

Hi,

 

One of our cabinets was just thrown together before i got here as they took over the network from the council so its not the best looking job but they just didnt have time to sort it.

 

Now its half term i would like to rip it all out and start again but have never done it before so im looking for some tips on how to keep it all tidy. Its only a small cabnet with two panels and one switch but if it goes well i may tackle the others.

 

If you fancy showing your cabinets then feel free. Messy and tidy.

 

Thanks.

[alttab]

Hi,

 

One of our cabinets was just thrown together before i got here as they took over the network from the council so its not the best looking job but they just didnt have time to sort it.

 

Now its half term i would like to rip it all out and start again but have never done it before so im looking for some tips on how to keep it all tidy. Its only a small cabnet with two panels and one switch but if it goes well i may tackle the others.

 

If you fancy showing your cabinets then feel free. Messy and tidy.

 

Thanks.

 

d-ring style cable managers are pretty good. always choose the right cable length for the job. and don't be afraid to move equipment around in the rack to get equipment in the optimal position, that's if you have the time to do that. if it's just a couple of switches then they can be put pretty much anywhere in the cab, but when your doing a complete server rack or heavily populated switch cabinet, equipment positioning takes quite a bit of planning beyond merely organising cables.

[glennda]

Personally I do it like this with .3m patch leads.

 

Fibre Tray

Patch Panel

Switch

Patch Panel

Patch Panel

Switch

Patch panel and so on so that each switch takes 24ports from above and 24ports below.

Edited February 10, 2012 by glennda

[dany2010]

Thanks for you replies,

 

Glennda, do you then just run the cables virtically straight from patch panels to switches?

 

Think this would look brill. Would love to see a pic if you couldget one.

[glennda]

Thanks for you replies,

 

Glennda, do you then just run the cables virtically straight from patch panels to switches?

 

Think this would look brill. Would love to see a pic if you couldget one.

 

Yup - They just loop up but they patch leads are the shortest i could buy - it does save lots of cables getting tangled as there isn't space to. If you would like i'll attach a picture come monday.

[mavhc]

Use a 30cm ruler to push the extra cable length between the patch panel and the switch, and buy the proper device to remove/fit cage nuts. And when purchasing patch cables, remember most of the install time is taken up removing them from the bags and undoing cable ties, so either buy ones that are easy to unpack, or find a small child to help you

[saundersmatt]

And when purchasing patch cables' date=' remember most of the install time is taken up removing them from the bags and undoing cable ties, so either buy ones that are easy to unpack, or find a small child to help you[/quote']

This is a top tip. Just remember to give clear instructions to your subordinate. I once asked a student to do the same, he painstakingly removed all leads from the bags, removed the twist wraps, and then painstakingly rebagged them all!

 

Matt.