Proper Vertical Rack Cable Management Solutions

Rack cable management (RCM) is one of the most pressing challenges encountered by most network installers and IT technicians in server rooms and data centers. It contains six different parts: horizontal cable management, vertical cable management, overhead cable tray systems, copper or fiber patch panel, labeling and cable ties. These parts are combined together to create an innovative and complete system for patch cable management. Today’s topic will focus on vertical rack cable management.

Why Is Proper Vertical Rack Cable Management Important?

Rack cabling system is the lifeline of IT operations. Any poor cable management can result in catastrophic cable damage or link failure, such as signal interference and crosstalk, excess power and data cabling, cooling and airflow restriction, etc. The vertical rack cable management is no exception. From this standpoint, proper vertical cable management within the server rack will deliver a number of benefits that will assure the accuracy and efficiency of data transmission and improve system performance.

Benefits of Vertical Cable Management:

(1) Reduce Signal Interference

Proper rack cable management will separate power and data cables within the racks, which greatly decrease the chance for crosstalk and interference between power and data cables. Accordingly, it can enhance system performance.

(2) Avoid Unnecessary Cable Damage

The chance of cable damage can be usually ascribed to improper bends, movement or sharp edges. Most vertical cable management fingers can maintain cable bend radius within the ranges specified for the type of cable being used. And some high-density vertical cable manager with removable cover can protect the cable from sharp edges or dust.

(3) Improve Cooling and Airflow

It is important to make sure that cables are not placed in such a way that they restrict airflow from components inside the server rack. Cooling efficiency within the rack can be enhanced by vertical cable manager that eliminate the airflow blockage.

(4) Reduce Costs

When vertical rack cable management with bend radius fingers is used with angled patch panel directly, it can eliminate the usage of horizontal cable management panel. So best value for money is usually achieved through vertical cable managers.

(5) Improve Aesthetics

Vertical cable manager is most often used with horizontal cable manager, which provide a vertical pathway for cable bundles. Every cable is neatly in its place that can improve the aesthetics of a data center.

Vertical Rack Cable Management: Where to Start with?

When it comes to vertical rack cable management, it is important to secure, bundle and route the cables within server racks without sacrificing the server rack space. Vertical cable managers provide a vertical pathway for large volumes of cables from the switch to patch panel in the rack system. They allow multiple horizontal cable managers to feed into a large vertical pathway. So they are generally designed with height sizes up to 48U and wide up to 10 inches. The 3” and 5” wide are the most prevalent. Moreover, the vertical cable managers come in metal and plastic.

(1) Vertical Cable Management for Rack Panels & Enclosures

Single D-Ring Vertical Cable Manager

D-ring vertical cable manager provides a cost-effective solution to neatly and effectively organize and route cable bundles along racks and wall. It shall be installed with two screws. The vertical cable management D-ring shall be a one-piece design, and its flexible arms provide the open access that allows installation of complete cable bundles. So it is easy to access to cables for moves, adds and changes (MACs). FS.com is available in 1.7” and 3” single D-ring vertical cable manager. They are made of metal and can support cable capacity up to 78 Cat6 cables and 156 Cat6 cables respectively. For more information about D-ring cable manager, please refer to How to Use D-Ring Cable Manager?

5U Plastic Vertical Cable Manager with Bend Radius Finger

The cable management finger is designed to maintain cable bend radius effectively, which can come with rack mount enclosure or patch panel. When combined with the angled patch panel, it can eliminate the need for horizontal cable managers, which frees up rack space for additional patch panels, active equipment or cable pathways. FS.com 5U cable management bend radius finger bracket is made of ABS plastic in 3” and 5” wide for options, which allows mounting in all 19 in or 23 in EIA 2- and 4-post racks. 3” wide version can allow for cable capacity up to 23 Cat6 cables while 5” wide version up to 38 Cat6 cables.

(2) High-density Vertical Cable Management for Open Frame Rack

The high-density vertical cable manager is available in single-sided and dual-sided models, which can be mounted on the sides of or between 2- and 4-post open frame racks. Its high-density extended fingers provide maximum cable support for each rack mounting space. The optional removable covers are designed to protect cables from damages and dust. And pass-through holes protect cable while facilitating routing between front and back. Its installation is easy and can be done in minutes using standard hand tools. The video below will illustrate the installation of FS.com 45U 4.9" dual-sided vertical cable manager.

Conclusion

Everyone has heard the saying: it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. Effective vertical rack cable management will improve a data center’s physical appearance, cable traceability, airflow, cooling efficiency, and troubleshooting time. FS.com provides a wide array of cable management tools in multiple configurations. Our popular vertical rack cable management tools include D-ring vertical cable manager, 5U plastic vertical cable manager with bend radius finger, 45U 4.9" wide plastic single sided/dual sided vertical cable manager. Except that, we also offer cable management tools ranging from horizontal cable manager with D-ring or finger duct, to cable ties and cable labels. Whatever you need to tidy up your server rack cables, feel free to visit www.fs.com.

Related Article: Guidelines for Organizing Server Rack