Cable Spaghetti Prevention & Other Tips for Better Cable Management

06

Aug
2014
Posted By : Melissa Bardello 0 Comment
Categories :Uncategorized

improper cable management is a mess!Building out a Data Center is a time consuming and tricky process.

Ask any IT professional who has been tasked with building one and they will tell you that it does not come easy. There is a great deal of planning involved, and rightfully so. The Data Center is quite literally the core of any company. If the network has issues, the company has issues. Many times, one of the major issues that occurs in a network has to do with improper cable management or quite frankly a lack there of.

Cable management systems keep everything neat and safe!

Planning and executing proper cable management practices is just as important as selecting and installing the correct switches and servers into your network. If done correctly, proper cabling can not only save you from major issues like network cable spaghetti, when you have so many cords that they tangle up and look like spaghetti, but it can also ensure that your network runs as efficiently as possible.

 

In order to help you to avoid a bad case of cable spaghetti and to create the best possible cable management system possible; here is a list of DNI’s best tips for better cable management

planning ahead with cable management is key!Plan, Plan, Plan – First things first, you need to have a plan. And not just a plan for your current system, but a plan for the future of your data center. In planning ahead, you will ensure that adding to your network will be easier in the future. Be sure to map out how much cabling you will need along with the best layout to allow for the expansion of your network.

Go Bigger – This goes hand in hand with planning. You need to upsize everything to allow for maximum growth. The first thing you need to go bigger on is your conduit. If you buy a conduit that has the capacity to handle the needs of the network right now, you can be sure that you will be upgrading in the future. Instead, save yourself the time and go bigger now. That way you will have full capability to add on whenever you have the need.

Do not Cheap out – With a tight budget in mind, it is easy to see why IT professionals are drawn to cheaper cables. The problem is, cheaper cables mean lesser quality cables, which are physically weaker than the standard cables. What does buying a weaker/cheaper mean for you? Basically these weaker cables will not only need to be replaced more often, causing disruptions in the network, but they will most likely not function as well as a cable of higher quality. The bottom line? Buying top quality cables is just as important as buying top quality equipment for you network.

Color Coordinating your cable management system simplifies it

Color Code -Color coding your cables is a small but very important step. I can promise you that choosing not to will guarantee a headache in your near future. While it may seem a little silly, color coding your cables will ensure that you can always find the connection that you are looking for. It is also important to be consistent with your color codes to avoid confusion and to make managing your network easier.

 

cable management: labeling cablesLabel the cables – Now that you have purchased good quality cables in a beautiful array of colors, to comply with your color coordination plan, of course, it is time to label them. Labeling may seem like a waste of time, but it is a crucial step. Labeling your cables will ensure that everyone working within the data center will be able to properly access any cable in the system.

 

Shorter is better – At least when it comes to cables. It is important to make sure that all of your cables are the appropriate length. Connecting two switches that are 3 feet apart with a 25 foot cable will not only look horrible but it will start you on the road to a big heaping pile of cable spaghetti. A better option is to determine what length is needed, measure the cable, then measure it again and finally take the plunge and cut it. Shorter cables will keep your data center efficient and looking clean.

 

Essentially the name of the game here is to have the most efficient and organized data center possible.   The most important thing that you can do to ensure that your network is running as smoothly as possible is to plan ahead.  Other wise you will end up with a bad case of cable spaghetti!

If you are looking for more tips to help you to achieve better data center management?

data center management

How to Retain your Networking Equipments Highest Asset Recover Value

30

Jul
2014
Posted By : Melissa Bardello 0 Comment
Categories :Uncategorized

Return on Investment is important to your IT budgetAnyone who is thinking about selling their networking equipment to an IT equipment reseller is focused on getting the best return on their assets. Here is the thing; the best way to retaining the value of your networking equipment, is to properly maintain your routers, PoE switches and servers throughout their life cycle at your company. The problem? Most IT professionals are not thinking about Asset Recovery Value until the equipment has been de-installed and is taking up space in their facility. By that time, it is too late to take the proper steps to ensure that you will get top dollar for your equipment when you are ready to sell.

Think of it this way….Networking Equipment should be treated just like a car. Before you laugh, hear me out on this one. Both a car and a switch or router are substantial investments that you know will eventually have to be replaced by a newer model. You would not drive a brand new car off the lot and never go for an oil change, or never clean and wash it, and you would certainly not drive carelessly and hit things, right? Of course not!   Because you know that eventually you will have to resell it and if you do not take proper care of it, the car will be worth a fraction of what it should be.  IT equipment is exactly the same! It is important to properly care for your equipment from the moment you take it out of the box to the moment you ship it to your network equipment reseller.

 

Here are some important things you can do to ensure that all of your networking equipment retains its maximum resale value

 

Asset Tag Placement

asset tags Asset Tags are simply labels to denote a company name, to declare ownership, as well as an IP address that is associated with a particular router or switch.   While asset tags are a necessary piece of  identification for a companies equipment, where they are placed is just as important.   It is never a good idea to place an asset tag over any of the manufacturer’s stickers, including the part number sticker and the serial number sticker.  Without access to the part number and/or serial number, it will be nearly impossible for a network equipment reseller to properly estimate the value of the equipment.     It is also important to avoid putting any type of asset tag over any functioning part of your equipment including ports and memory slots.  Not only will it prevent the router or switch from performing properly, asset tag stickers can get stuck in and damage the delicate parts of the Gigabit Ports.

 

 

Handle with Care

Cisco Equipment needs to be handled with care
This one should be obvious, but it is easy to forget that these heavy routers and switches are comprised of extremely delicate circuit boards and back connectors.   One good drop or forced shove into a slot can result in irreparable damage which will make your asset recovery value on that unit…zero dollars.   So, take your time when removing and replacing switches in their chassis.  Be cautious when moving chassis and firewalls from the moment they arrive at your facility to the moment they are shipped out to your network equipment reseller.

 

 

Keep it Clean


We are not just talking about the outside here!   Although it is important to keep the outside clean, the inside of the units need to be kept clean as well.  Many companies have a set it and forget it mentality when it comes to their network equipment.   The it is important to keep your networking equipment clean!problem with that?   The insides of the routers and switches fill with dust and debris that can harm the intricate circuits boards that run them.  This is exactly like never changing the oil in your car! Sure the car will run for a while, but eventually all of the build up from the old oil will seize your engine.   No one wants to deal with that!   So every few months, take filthy network switch module componentsan air can to the ports or fan units of your router or switch.   This will prevent dust from ever having the chance to build up, and ensure that your equipment will run smoothly.

 

 

Used Cable Management

 

improper cable management is a mess!Ok, ok, you got me on this one! Using a cable management system is not 100% necessary and not managing your cables will not affect the asset recovery value of your gear.   However… we here at DNI strongly recommend using some kind of cable management.  Cable management systems keep everything neat and safe!

Be it Velcro, zip ties or the cable management unit that comes attached to the front of the chassis,some kind of management for your networks cables is necessary to avoid future headaches.   Basically, if you have a tangled mess of CAT cables hanging in front of your chassis, and a switch malfunctions, not only will it take you an extensive amount of time to determine which switch is down,  you will also have to untangle the cables to take them out of the ports on that particular unit.   Sounds like fun, Right?      Without a cable management system, it will also be very difficult for you to find the complete part number and serial number stickers on your routers and switches.  This will definitely make taking inventory for your Asset recovery evaluation a real chore.   So do yourself a favor and implement some type of management system for the cables from the get go.

 

In short, the care that take with your networking equipment today, will greatly affect its resale value tomorrow.  If you planning on taking advantage of an Asset Recovery Program, like DNI’s, it is important for you to properly maintain your network equipment.   If all of the proper precautions are taken, you can be sure that you will receive the best possible return on your pre-owned IT equipment.

Want to know what else you can do to ensure that your Switches, Routers and Hubs retain their greatest resale value?

 5 asset recover value tips

How to Determine if your Network Equipment Needs an Upgrade

21

May
2014
Posted By : Melissa Bardello 0 Comment
Categories :Uncategorized

time expiredNow, I know that I have told you that you do not need to upgrade your IT hardware as often as your Cisco Rep tells you.  However, it has come to my attention that I have not mentioned anything about  when you should think about upgrading and how to decide if your company has outgrown your networking equipment.

While most IT equipment is relevant for 5 – 7 years, it is important to note that this is not an absolute fact. Every company has different needs that evolve differently over time.  That being said, it is important for every Network Administrator to know not only the company’s current infrastructure needs, but also how those needs will evolve over time.  Knowing where your networking needs are going, is just part of determining  if/when you can justify spending the majority of your IT Budget on new network Hardware.

Here are some other things to think about when determining if your IT Hardware is ready to be Upgraded.

Continue reading “How to Determine if your Network Equipment Needs an Upgrade” »

Why Your Network Equipment Reseller’s Packing Practices Matter to You

19

May
2014
Posted By : Melissa Bardello 0 Comment
Categories :Uncategorized

poor packaging of used cisco equipmentSo you have done all of your research.  You determined the exact Cisco Switch that you need and you found a Network Equipment Reseller who has the unit at a great price!  Before you order the Refurbished Switch, you went through the 5 Benefits of buying refurbished hardware from a trusted reseller, and determined that the used Cisco ealer you have chosen is legitimate.  You place your order and  pay extra for overnight shipping, because you needed this thing like yesterday.  When the FedEx driver arrives, and hands you what looks more like a pancake than a box, you are horrified!

Of course the Cisco Switch that was inside is damaged and now you have to get another one!  Believe me, I know how frustrating it is!

I know what you’re thinking… how could this happen?  I did soo much research!  I followed all of the tips!

 

Here is the thing.. YOU did everything RIGHT!  The unfortunate truth is that there are a number of network Equipment dealers who do not know how to properly pack equipment.   Obviously, this is a major problem.  Proper packaging is the last defense a Reseller has against any damage that can occur once a unit leaves their facility.

Most customers do not even think to ask about packaging procedures.   Until something like this happens to them.  In all reality, asking a used network equipment dealer how they package equipment is just as important as asking about testing and refurbishing procedures.   An Equipment Reseller can put their equipment through the most stringent testing procedures and refurbished each unit to like new condition, but, if they do not package it properly, the unit will get damaged in shipping and all of that work will be for nothing.

Here at DNI we know that networking Equipment, be it a new Cisco switch or a used Cisco router, is very delicate and must be handled with the utmost care.   This is why we have developed our Equipment Packing Best Practices, which we follow for every single unit that leaves our facility.

 

DNI’s Equipment Packing Best Practices

 

anti-static bags are essential for proper network equipment packing

Anti-Static EVERYTHING 
All Equipment is to be packaged with Anti-static materials (bags, bubble wrap, and boxes)  Here is an insider tip:  Anti-static bubble wrap and foam are often pink.

Padding is Key 
Anti Static bubble wrap is pink and great forsafely packing networking equipment Each individual piece of equipment should be completely surrounded by 3-5 inches of bubble wrap or foam.  In the case of blade units, anti-static foam padded boxes are used and then surrounded by bubble wrap on all sides.

 
Proper Sized Boxanti static boxes are perfect for packing network switch modules and cards!
It is important to use the proper sized box for each piece of equipment.  When the right size box is used with the right amount of padding, nothing in the box should move.

Don’t Over Pack
over packing network equipment can cause damage and adds extra shipping costs!

 
 
 
 
 

Boxes should not be over packed with equipment or be too heavy.  When shipping multiple units, pad each one appropriately and use multiple boxes to ensure they will be safe in shipping.

Asking your network equipment dealer if they follow these best practices is a great way to determine if the  used networking equipment that you purchase,  will arrive at your facility in perfect condition.  Remember it never hurts to ask questions!

Not sure what else to ask your potential Network Equipment Reseller about before you buy from them?

Check this out!
top 10 tips

Ready or Not: The Internet of Everything is Coming!

13

May
2014
Posted By : Melissa Bardello 0 Comment
Categories :Uncategorized

the  Internet of Things and the Future of TechnologyOur world today is more connected than ever! With our smartphones, tablets, smart watches and for those lucky few owners, Google Glass, there are not many aspects of our life that the internet does not touch. Think about it. You are reading this on your computer or tablet right now while you are emailing or texting from your phone. We have turned into a society that simply cannot live without technology.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is about to push this dependency to the max! With Cisco leading the way for the Internet of Everything (IoE), there will soon come a day when everything in our lives will be connected to the internet. I am not just talking about electronics. Pascalfwawillduc . If the IoT cultivates as Cisco hoInternet of Everything will Connect us even more!pes it will, all of the inanimate objects in our lives will be connected. Your refrigerator will alert you when you are running low on foods and create a shopping list for you, or better yet, it will reorder groceries for you. That is only the beginning. Your alarm will alter itself depending on traffic patterns and your watch will tell your boss how much sleep you got the night before to determine your productivity levels for the day.

 

While this all seems pretty awesome, there are a lot of things that need to be worked out before the Internet of Everything can become a reality.

For one, the technology to embed into all of these “Things” needs to be developed and perfected. Once that is accomplished, all of these objects from your now smart refrigerator to your wearable devices have to be connected with unified standards on a unified system. This is where things get a little dicey. All of these different things that are now smart, because they are connected, have to be created with intricate customization making it difficult to pinpoint what kind of unified system can be used to operate all of these devices seamlessly with one another.

 

I am sure there are a few contenders for this unified system. I am also sure that OpenSSL was a top contender until the Heartbleed Bug was discovered. I mean OpenSSL is already so widely used, it would seem like a good option for a unified software system for the IoE, if it is properly secured and monitored to prevent another Heartbleed or a more heinous virus from infiltrating it.

 

In short, we have a few things to do before the Internet of Things becomes a reality. Don’t fret though, I do not think we are that far off. It was not so long ago when the internet was abuzz with talk of the potential and the issues that needed to be resolved for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and look at where we are now. ptb domain . The question is not if the Internet of Everything is coming, but when? Only time will tell.Our world today is more connected than ever!  With our smartphones, tablets, smart watches and for those lucky few owners, Google Glass, there are not many aspects of our life that the internet does not touch.  Think about it.  You are reading this on your computer or tablet right now while you are emailing or texting from your phone.  We have turned into a society that simply cannot live without technology.

 

The Internet of Things (IoT) is about to push this dependency to the max!  With Cisco leading the way for the Internet of Everything (IoE), there will soon come a day when everything in our lives will be connected to the internet. I am not just talking about electronics. Pascalfwawillduc . If the IoT cultivates as Cisco hopes it will, all of the inanimate objects in our lives will be connected.  Your refrigerator will alert you when you are running Everything connected to the Internet of Things!low on foods and create a shopping list for you, or better yet, it will reorder groceries for you. That is only the beginning.  Your alarm will alter itself depending on traffic patterns  and your watch will tell your boss how much sleep you got the night before to determine your productivity levels for the day.

While this all seems pretty awesome, there are a lot of things that need to be worked out before the Internet of Everything can become a reality.

For one, the technology to embed into all of these “Things” needs to be developed and perfected.  Once that is accomplished, all of these objects from your now smart refrigerator to your wearable devices have to be connected with unified standards on a unified system.   This is where things get a little dicey.  All of these different things that are now smart, because they are connected, have to be created with intricate customization making it difficult to pinpoint what kind of unified system can be used to operate all of these devices seamlessly with one another.

How has the heartbleed virus affected you ?I am sure there are a few contenders for this unified system.  I am also sure that OpenSSL was a top contender until the Heartbleed Bug was discovered.  I mean OpenSSL is already so widely used, it would seem like a good option for a unified software system for the IoE, if it is properly secured and monitored to prevent another Heartbleed or a more heinous virus from infiltrating it.
In short, we have a few things to do before the Internet of Things becomes a reality.   Don’t fret though, I do not think we are that far off.   It was not so long ago when the internet was abuzz with talk of the potential and the issues that needed to be resolved for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and look at where we are now.

 

The question is not if  the Internet of Everything is coming, but when?    Only time will tell.

Want To know More About the Heartbleed Virus?

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