Network Cable Managers: Essential for Data Centers

Network Cable Managers - Essential for Data Centers and the Hidden Functions Cannot Be Overlooked

 

With the integration of information resources, cloud service upgrades, and the development of 5G fronthaul projects, demand for small and medium-sized data centers is growing rapidly. In standard cabling projects, professional construction is reflected in details and services, considering more for the client, so many compromises become non-negotiable. This time, we hope to thoroughly discuss the often-overlooked product – network cable managers.

1. The overall environment of the needs for cable managers is favorable

 

According to research by COBTEL Consulting, the global data center market size will exceed $150 billion in 2025, with an astonishing annual growth rate of 14%. Despite the overall slowdown in the global economy, this stable growth rate is still quite impressive.

Over 99% of network information worldwide must pass through data centers for transmission. As shown in the chart below, by 2025, the market size of data centers will continue to expand. This means that in the coming year, the communication sector will remain one of the hotspots, and the construction of data centers will significantly increase.

Within the entire market sector, the construction of computer rooms, which are even larger in scale than server rooms, will be even more prominent. According to our relevant statistics, since January of this year, many system integrators have been working day and night to complete computer rooms' projects.

"The construction of data centers requires extensive structured cabling and complex cabling work. With the increasing standardization of structured cabling construction, data centers with more than 24 information points now use cable managers to handle the cabling of patch cords. This is mainly to achieve a beautiful, neat, and orderly effect, and to better prepare for future daily maintenance."

From this, we can see that the use of cable managers in data center construction is very extensive, with horizontal cable managers being the most common. So today, we will use the COBTEL 12-ring horizontal cable manager as an example to explore its applications, materials, craftsmanship, and hidden features.

 

The COBTEL horizontal cable manager is mainly installed above and below hardware facilities such as patch panels, ethernet switches, and routers, used to organize and hide the patch cords coming out of these hardware devices. It is the backbone of the entire project.

 

Typically, one 12-ring cable manager is shared by a 24-port patch panel and a 24-port ethernet switch. If a network cabinet uses a cable manager, it will appear very professional and neat.

 

If the cable manager is not used, it will look exceptionally messy.

2.  The Easily Overlooked Hidden Functions

 

Do you think it's just aesthetically pleasing? NO, it has both aesthetics and strength. Most small or micro data centers do not generally consider redundant expansion. However, the hidden function of the cable manager is to bear part of the weight of the patch cords and share the pressure on the network ports of patch panels, ethernet switches, and routers, thereby significantly increasing the lifespan of these devices' network ports.

If a cable manager is not used, it could lead to premature wear and tear on network ports, necessitating replacements and resulting in resource and financial waste.

It is precisely because of this auxiliary protection function that the cable manager is indispensable. A well-designed data center must prioritize long-term stability and durability, and the cable manager plays a crucial role in achieving this.

A standard cable manager must fulfill the above-mentioned functions of connecting and supporting. The industry standard service life is no less than 5 years, so its materials and craftsmanship are quite demanding. For example, the COBTEL horizontal cable manager is made of cold-rolled steel by integral die-casting, with a product size of 1U, 19 inches. Cold-rolled steel is steel produced after cold rolling. Cold rolling is the process of further rolling No.1 steel sheet to the target thickness at room temperature. Compared to hot-rolled steel sheets, cold-rolled steel sheets are more precise in thickness, have a smooth and beautiful surface, and possess superior mechanical properties, especially in terms of processing performance.

 

Since the cable manager must meet the design requirement of at least 5 years of use, the surface of the cold-rolled steel sheet must also undergo electrostatic spraying to prevent oxidation and rusting during use, which would affect the network rack's performance and the overall aesthetics of the cabinet.

 

3. In summary, the cable manager is like the custodian in structured cabling, ensuring the entire data center remains professional, clean, and orderly while continuously supporting the core equipment.

 

Have you gained a new appreciation for cable managers? We believe that a successful structured cabling project not only requires standard products and construction but also a commitment to considering the client's needs.