Learn why labeling network cables is essential for any structured cabling system.
If you’ve decided to upgrade your facility network to fiber cables, rather than the older, less efficient copper cables, you have to update your data center. Your cable installer should be an expert in structured cabling. Structured systems ensure that your fiber cables have a long life and are less at risk of damage and interference. While your network is being installed, your installer should be labeling every cable clearly. Properly labeled cables are an essential component of an effective structured cabling system and fiber network. Labeling cables prevent people from tampering with or unplugging cables they shouldn’t and limits the risk of downtime. Read on to learn how labeling your network cables can benefit you after your new installation and for years into the future.
How Labeling Network Cables Helps You Today
Knowing where each new network cable needs to run by reading its label saves your technician from spending valuable time sorting the wires. Labeling also prevents cables from being pulled by the wrong end or disconnected or moved when they don’t need to be. When your network is new, you may have an adjustment period. Labeling your network cables ensures that you don’t waste time searching for specific cables or accidentally handle one that doesn’t need to be touched.
How Labeling Helps You in the Future
Even years after your network installation, labeling cables can be beneficial. If your network administrator leaves, or any personnel changes occur relevant to your network, labels help the new employees understand your network. The new technicians can easily pick up where the others left off and adapt to your network system by observing the labeled cables.
Labeling Best Practices
Of course, in addition to labeling your network cables, you should also label them effectively. The labels should be high-quality, waterproof, smudge-resistant, and not prone to tearing. Print the labels instead of writing them by hand, ensuring that the words won’t wear off and are easy to read.
Your cables should also be labeled by a uniform system. The TIA-606 voluntary standard establishes general guidelines for labeling cables in a variety of facilities. These standards recommend labeling in a way that illustrates the exact locations the cables are running to and from. This can include the floor number, closet, rack, patch panel, and port.
Your expert structured cabling system installer should be aware of these standards and follow them effectively. By installing clearly labeled cables, you are creating a more efficient structured cabling system and fiber network.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for over 25 years in the Mid Atlantic Region for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate and keeping them secure. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling (Fiberoptic, Copper and Coax for inside and outside plant networks)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Wireless Access Point installations
- Public Safety DAS – Emergency Call Stations
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
- UL2050 Certifications and installations for Secure Spaces
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page. Our offices are located in the Washington, DC metro area, Richmond, VA, and Columbus, OH. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.
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