Fibre optic cable in overhead data trays

4 Common Data Cabling Issues (+ What They Mean for You)

Need we even mention how lightning-fast data speeds are critical for any business in today’s world? Crucial things call for constant monitoring and management to eliminate any guesswork and risk, and data centre infrastructure is no exception.

The worst part is, network failures can happen for ANY number of reasons. And managing a fallout is a nightmare. To prevent that, proper network cabling installation is critical.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for managing cable network issues, there are a few common points you can keep in mind to reduce the risk.

Common Data Network Cable Management Mistakes

An engineer examining a bunch of blue cables

Network cabling is not just about connecting point A to point B through cables.

In the words of Jim Dooling, CEO of an Inc. 5000 tech infrastructure company Align, building up a network architecture of a data centre from scratch has a big impact on cabling, which runs as the nervous system of your data centre.

“It really starts with the network design because this is where you are able to maximize your data center, and design critical infrastructure components efficiently; be able to control operational costs; and, to save money with smart cable and power designs,” says Dooling.

Worth mentioning is that in terms of bandwidth capacity, durability, speed, and reliability, fibre-optic technology is much ahead of copper cables. And it’s not just about user experience either. Namely, high-speed fibre cable is more secure and easier to monitor as well.

One thing is that copper cables will reduce upfront costs. However, if you are setting up the network with an eye towards the future, fibre optic cabling is the right choice.

Here are some mistakes to avoid while laying the network cables.

1. Errors in Network Cabling Installation

The most important part of the task is proper planning while taking into account business growth plans. Estimate your requirements after considering factors like optimised cable routing paths and length limits. A messy cable network will make your life difficult as any repair or maintenance will take longer time.

Remember, cables are not spaghetti.

So, tangling or twisting them up is a no-go during installation. Neither should they dangle from the walls, remain in excessive tension or get stretched in any way. Not to forget, keeping the cables disorganised increases the risks of workplace hazards like tripping and falling.

Tangled cables of different colours
There’s a word for this in German: Kabelsalat (cable salad).
Photo: Kazuhisa OTSUBO from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

A proper cable management strategy using structured cabling is necessary to avoid cable interference and overheating in the later stages.

But what’s interference in this sense, you may ask.

It happens when there are numerous yet unwanted signals that can disrupt clear transmission of data or power. Similar to when you’re trying to talk to someone in a room full of chatter, so you can hardly if at all hear what the other person is saying. So to avoid interference, cables should not run near electrical lines and other “noisy” equipment.

It can even happen through a completely unrelated source like an air conditioning system! It all has to do with electromagnetic fields that devices generate while operating.

That said, one easy way to avoid electromagnetic interference is to use—fibre cables!

2. Settling for Cheap

Cutting costs during cable installation can sound like a tempting idea.

The only problem is, sub-par components can fail quickly, leading to greater losses. For example, you may consider using cheaper copper-coated aluminium cables instead of pure copper cables. This compromising on quality will lead to lower data transmission rates and poor durability.

Whatever the cable type, you should only ever use best quality cables to ensure fast speeds of data transfer. The connection hardware should also be top-grade to avoid misalignments and loose connections. In reality, cheap fibre connectors can reduce transmission and lead to data loss. At all times, the cabling system should always follow the latest industry standards and safety rules.

Likewise, using sub-par patch cords can cause network congestion. We’re talking about the short(ish) cords with connectors on both ends that connect devices like printers and computers to the network hubs. They are often major culprits for signal loss and interference.

That’s why it’s best to cut down on using patch cords as much as you can. But if they are unavoidable, make sure that they are of the right quality and length.

3. Physical Damage of the Cabling

A set of defective data cables

Cables often get damaged if you handle them improperly during installation. Quite often, bending cables beyond the recommended radius leads to excessive stress, which then leads to damage.

Other causes of damage include abrasion from sharp objects and injuries from moving parts. To avoid this, always identify potential hazards before installation.

In addition, rodents can chew on the cables leading to signal loss and, in a worst-case scenario, a short circuit leading to a fire. Luckily, there’s a way to prevent this too: protective coverings and sealants.

In an industrial or lab setting, cables can be exposed to harsh chemicals that can damage the outer jacket. Then again, in some areas, moisture, salt or pollution in the environment can damage cables. The use of corrosion-resistant cable materials is important in these scenarios.

4. Incomplete Testing

Once the work is complete, make sure to perform a thorough system test. This might be difficult as much of the user equipment may not be installed at that point, especially in a new location. As a result, the faults get discovered only when the entire setup is up and running.

It’s important to check all the links in every functional space of the data centre. This means checking data speed, load, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) all along the cable path, as well as fibre inspections and installation errors.

Generally, cable installation work is done in stages. Because of the time it takes to install everything, it can happen that you only realise there are issues with the previously installed cables once you’ve completed the whole project. So, all sections need to be tested at the same time to ensure that there are no integration problems. Make sure to follow the industry standards while testing the cables.

It’s Not Just Security. It’s Cybersecurity Too

A hand holding a bunch of patch cables of different colours

Businesses are all too quick to forget one fact: cabling plays a key role in tackling network cybersecurity challenges. A well-planned and structured cabling is a must to:

  • prevent security breaches, and
  • minimise network downtime.

What does “structured and well planned” mean in data network cabling installation? It means that monitoring the flow of data gets easier. With efficient data pathways, you can pinpoint breaches and detect irregular data patterns, thereby reducing cyber vulnerabilities.

A fast and stable network also allows security applications to run smoothly. In case of a cyberattack, a quick response is crucial. With an organised cable network that’s properly labelled, IT response teams can act quickly to control the damage. With better visibility and access, isolating affected areas in the network becomes easier.

Another big advantage of structured cabling is scalability. It allows you to upgrade security barriers and add more layers to it as your business grows.

Plus, a scalable network helps in minimising disruptions during updates and expansions.

Common Data Cabling Issues: FAQs

Where are most cabling problems likely to be?

Some of the common cabling problems are insulation damage, jacket abrasion and cracking, poor installation, and use of inferior-grade cables that quickly wear out.

What are the challenges of structured cabling?

Planning and designing the cabling while following industry standards and considering future scalability is the first challenge. Proper cable management, and choosing the right components are some other challenges.

What is bad cabling?

Bad cabling or poor cable management is a poorly planned cable layout that leaves the cables disorganised and vulnerable to damage. This means you will not get optimum performance from the network. Without thoughtful cable network planning, the cabling is lousy and troubleshooting network problems gets difficult.

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