A data center technician is tasked with installing several new 1U servers in a densely populated rack. To connect the servers to the top-of-rack switch, the technician needs to run multiple new network cables. Which of the following cable management techniques should the technician prioritize to ensure optimal thermal performance and simplify future maintenance?
Leave a three-foot service loop for each cable and neatly coil the excess slack directly behind each server's power supply units.
Use plastic zip ties to create tight bundles and run them directly between devices using the shortest path possible.
Route the cables through vertical cable managers at the sides of the rack and use hook-and-loop straps to secure them.
Bundle the network cables tightly together with the power cables to save space and create a neater appearance.
The correct answer describes the best practice for managing network cables in a server rack. Routing cables through vertical managers at the sides of the rack is crucial for maintaining unobstructed front-to-rear airflow, which is essential for proper cooling and thermal performance. Using hook-and-loop straps is the preferred method for securing cables because they are reusable and prevent over-tightening, which can damage the cables.
Bundling network and power cables together is incorrect because it can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which degrades network signal quality.
Using plastic zip ties is discouraged because they can be easily over-tightened, causing physical damage to the cables, and are not reusable, which complicates future maintenance.
Creating large service loops and coiling them behind servers is improper technique because the coils block critical exhaust airflow, leading to equipment overheating.