Best information boxes, network cables, patch panels&cable managers

The Importance of Accessories in Network Cabling - The Role and Importance of information boxes,network cables,patch panels,cable managers and PDU in Network Cabling

 

1. Introduction to the Environment & Background

Besides the leader's private office, most employees work in an open-plan office space. This area includes multiple departments, with employees from various departments and differing needs. Additionally, young employees are more flexible and might move around to different workstations, requiring an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable office environment.

 

2. Role of Accessories and Corresponding Issues.

 

Safety
For safety, firewalls should be installed, and VLANs configured on ethernet switches.

 

1.1 Information Boxes

To meet aesthetic, comfort, and durability requirements, the use of rj45 faceplates, jack modules, and patch cords is necessary. If workstations need to be adjusted, patch cords can be replaced to match the original information points without reconfiguring VLANs. Using rj45 faceplates and network cables with RJ-45 connectors is unsightly, has a shorter lifespan, and often results in disconnections and inaccessibility, affecting work and preventing scalability.

 

1.2 Network Cables

Design, e-commerce, and technical departments require high-speed internet, while other departments need a stable network that does not experience frequent interruptions. The network must also accommodate future upgrades without requiring redecoration each time. Certain devices, such as surveillance cameras and APs, require POE power, so the quality of the network cables must be reliable.

 

 

Cat 6 cables should be used to support current gigabit speeds and future upgrades like 2.5GBASE-T, 5GBASE-T, and 10GBASE-T. To ensure network transmission performance, cables must pass Fluke permanent link tests.

Opting for Cat 5e cables to save money in the short term can harm future network maintenance. Most Cat 5e cables on the market can only handle up to gigabit speeds. Additionally, Cat 5e cannot fully support the POE++ standard. Therefore, using Cat 5e links is not conducive to future network upgrades and scalability. If the quality of the network cables is too poor, the network will experience frequent interruptions, affecting work and causing human resource losses. It will not meet future network needs and will have a short lifespan. Using Cat 5e or poor-quality cables during upgrades will necessitate redecorating.

 

1.3  Patch Panels

Server rooms should use patch panels for easier management, scalability, and longer link lifespans. Patch panels must pass permanent link tests, and port insertion and removal must meet IEC 60603-7 test requirements.

To protect interactive devices and adapt to the narrow, multi-bend environment of data centers, patch cords should be used. Directly using network cables with RJ45 connectors means that once the length is cut, the port cannot be changed later. Moreover, network cables are single-strand hard wires, and the RJ-45 connectors are not injection-molded with the cables. Excessive force on the port may flatten the switch port pins. Most ethernet switches are now integrated, and damaged ports can only be discarded, wasting ports.

1.4 Cable Managers

To facilitate future maintenance, ensure overall aesthetics, and extend the lifespan of links, cable managers should be used in server rooms. Cable managers can conceal messy wiring.

Without using cable managers, cables will be exposed, leading to a chaotic server room after maintenance. Intertwined cables pulling on each other will affect their lifespan.

 

1.5 PDUs

Server rooms should use PDUs for stable power output with a typical lifespan of about 5 years, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. They can also be customized with modules for surge protection and other features to meet different server room needs.

Server rooms should not use power strips. Power strips typically only have basic switches and lack customizable protection features. In the event of an emergency, they may damage interactive devices, resulting in losses.

 

3. Project Case Issues and Solutions

Li-Ning Product R&D Center in Qingyuan, Guangdong
The engineering contractor used Cat 6 unshielded engineering cables, Cat 6 unshielded patch panels, non-standard RJ45 network faceplates (facplates integrated with jack modules), and cheap low quality patch cords purchased online.
As a result, after the owner moved in, they reported frequent network interruptions and often being unable to access the internet. The client said: "Getting online is like opening a blind box-you never know if it'll work, which seriously impacts productivity." Using the Fluke DSX2-8000 for network diagnostics, it was found that the modules and patch cords had significant CP point crosstalk. This was due to the substandard modules and patch cords. After being connected to the link, this caused significant crosstalk, resulting in a high error rate. The switch and terminal devices treated the signal as white noise and discarded it.

Switching to COBTEL Cat 6 jack modules and patch cords immediately resolved the issue. The client no longer reported disconnections or low-speed issues. Network speeds reached gigabit levels.

 

4. Conclusions and Recommendations

Using high-quality, comprehensive cabling-grade brands is recommended. For physical layer links, Cat 6 or higher cabling products should be used. Network cables, patch panels, and jack modules must pass 3-node, 90-meter permanent link tests with a 15-year warranty. Patch cords and RJ45 connectors must pass 4-node, 100-meter permanent link tests with a 5-year warranty. PDUs must have CE certification and a 5-year warranty. Cable managers must have a cold-rolled steel thickness of at least 1.0mm.

When planning office decor, assess the office's expected lifespan and the company's future growth needs. Based on these needs, determine the level of link products, cabling plan, and point settings.

For example, for fixed-location government and enterprise offices, plan for 10-20 years of network upgrade needs. Cat 6A cables, keystone jacks, patch panels, and cable managers with a 25-year warranty, plus patch cords with at least a 5-year lifespan, are ideal. These units often handle sensitive information. Network interruptions and device damage can lead to severe, potentially incalculable consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to use PDUs with surge protection and overload protection.