Physical connectivity.
WHAT IT IS
A planned, documented cabling system rather than ad hoc connections.
WHAT IT INVOLVES
Defined pathways Patch panels at defined points Consistent cable types and lengths Labelling at both ends Documentation of every connection
WHY IT MATTERS
Ad hoc cabling becomes impossible to maintain, obstructs airflow, and causes outages during unrelated work.
WHAT COPPER SUITS
Shorter runs within and between nearby racks.
WHAT FIBRE SUITS
Longer runs, higher speeds, and connections between areas.
WHY FIBRE FOR DISTANCE
Copper has a maximum effective length; fibre does not, practically.
WHAT TO SPECIFY
Categories and types supporting the speeds you expect to need.
WHY PLAN AHEAD
Recabling is expensive and disruptive; installing better cable initially is not.
WHAT TO AVOID
Excess coiled cable Cables under tension Cables blocking equipment access or airflow Unlabelled connections
WHAT TO MAINTAIN
The documentation, at the time of every change.
