Monthly Archives: June 2018

Patch Panel Labels

Data centers are the repositories in today’s online world, and they’re also regarded as the heart that may pump the lifeblood of one’s business. Inside the data center, numerous issues may break the center, so if anything goes wrong, so does the business. Wrong cabling is one of the issues that may be ignored by most people. But with patch panel labels, technicians can simplify troubleshooting and increase management efficiency.

Label Standard

Clear labeling is the groundwork of a professionally installed network system. There is a set of standards named TIA/EIA-606 that aims at fully addressing the administrative demand for telecommunication equipment, cabling system, and other telecommunication infrastructure. For example, the original TIA/EIA-606-A have defined the general administration, but haven’t had specific needs of data center’s design and installation. Another version, TIA/EIA-606-B is backward compatible with the traditional version A, with a purpose of being a universal labeling standard that applies to all types of premises. And in the set of standards, they have explicitly stated that in one building especially the multiple telecommunication spaces, hardware like patch panels, IDC blocks, and copper or fiber cables should be labeled and recorded.

Importance of Patch Panel Labels

Achieving traceability is the main reason for using patch panel labels. Within one server rack, fiber optic patch panel is commonly used for horizontal cable management that acts as the unit to connect and route circuits for monitoring, interconnecting and testing. Patch panel labels include the patch panel identifier. If practical, each port of a patch panel should be labeled. Using patch panel label accelerates the traceability of the relevant cable links. It helps when the technicians need to find the specific cables.

Labels on Patch Panel

Labels can be used for all patch panels. Here is an example, 24 port blank keystone patch panel on FS.COM, which permits users to create a mix connection of voice, data, and video. The empty design of this Ethernet patch panel makes it possible to accommodate various snap-in jacks, so the users can insert cat5e or cat6 adapters based on actual needs. Beyond the empty port, there are white plates where you can paste the adhesive labels to mark the cables. Users can quickly find the specific cable that needs to change or upgrade, increasing working efficiency. Some adhesive labels are also available in FS.COM: P-type and winding type cable label.keystone patch panel

P-type Adhesive Label

FS.COM provides P-type cable adhesive label paper in red color. It’s a simple identification that is resistant to water, oil, and scratch. Besides, it will not generate debonding in a low-temperature environment and easy to peel off.

patch panel labels

Winding type Adhesive Label

Winding type cable label from FS.COM uses an easy wrap-around design, providing a clear and simple identification. With the design of non-slip, it can be pasted on patch panels for cables records and placement instructions. For the best practice, all labeling should be visible especially doing the maintenance.

winding type patch panel label

Conclusion

Patch panel labels are the effective-cost solution to solve network operation breakdown. When it comes to modifying, repairing and upgrading anything, labeling makes it convenient for your job. For more input on the data center, get in touch with the experts at FS.COM.

Things You Should Know About Server Rack Patch Panel

Server rack is such a useful kit to deploy in the large data centers. Commonly, there are two basic methods to build a structured cabling system. One is to have a patch panel in the rack, and the other one is to use the switch. Both the two methods are beneficial to managing fiber cables. Today, we will talk about the first one, server rack patch panel.

Why Use Patch Panel on Server Rack

The reason is simple: installing patch panel on server rack can make a proper cable management. This is crucial to build a better network system and ensure a well running status as it provides the technological backbone. First, without a patch panel, all cables may be in jumble and increase the risk of cable congestion. It may lead to connection fault and even the losses to the enterprises. Second, disordered cables can cause clogged airflow, which is harmful to hardware safety. We know, all electric devices will generate heat when they run. So it needs more space for air flow to cool. Server rack patch panel is such a good way by managing different port densities and speeds in one high density patch panel, then the valuable rack space is saved. The approach can actually promote the air flow and protect the hardware.

Considerations When Organizing Server Rack Patch Panel

Here are a few facts to consider when you organize sever rack patch panel.

Equipment location. According to the convenience and available space, choose the rack location. Find the cold spots in the room, then place the rack front facing the cold area that can offer the maximum cooling for the hardware. In addition, make sure that there is enough space around to conduct any service.

Manage copper and fiber cables separately. Try to run copper cables on one side and fiber cables on the other side. Thus copper and fiber cables will not mix. Besides, if the cables lay closely, it may cause interference or crosstalk. Managing the cables separately can help to make an easier access to the equipment when it needs to be upgraded or changed.

Best Selections of Server Rack Patch Panel

Server rack patch panel is one kind of horizontal cable management. Traditionally, a majority of data center equipment uses 19 inch wide design. Now I will introduce some equipment from FS.COM for your reference.

45U black server cabinet can accommodate all 19 inch EIA standard networking equipment, like FHD fiber enclosures, MTP cassette, and FHU patch panels. This server rack includes a welded and assembled steel frame construction with a static loading capacity of 3527lbs. The design of perforated doors allows maximum airflow to be drawn through the server cabinet, which is good for maintaining the devices installed on the cabinet.

server rack

The unshielded 24 port blank keystone patch panel is an ideal tool to manage both copper and fiber cables, so you can customize your patch panel and create a perfect mix connection based on your specific applications. This patch panel adopts the design of removable rear cable manager, which is conducive to uninstall and install. And it can be labeled for easy connection identification.

server rack patch panel

All these are good practice of server rack patch panel. When you need to set up a data center, welcome to FS.COM to select the best products for your network system.