Have you ever pulled your hair because the ethernet cables in your network won’t untangle? You are not alone, almost all of us have been there, which makes the question of cable management even more important.
Network cable management is an important task that can enhance the efficiency of your workplace or home office. Proper network cable management translates into safety, reliability, and a more aesthetic appearance in and around the surroundings of your network.
Primarily, there are four reasons for which you should consider managing the cables in your network. Namely, safety, enhanced efficiency and performance, the aesthetic look of your network and space, and finally, the cost-effectiveness feature of cable management.
It must be noted that only knowing the importance of cable management is useless without the knowledge of how to do so. Therefore, in the last part, you will find effective tips to manage your cables.
Safety
Let’s start with the most important reason; safety. You cannot ignore the safety measures of your network, whatsoever. If your network is not properly managed, the threat of minor or even major fire hazards will always linger around it. Poorly organized network cables can heat up twice as fast as the otherwise tidy network cables and therefore the risk of your cables catching fire is always high.
Although cables like ethernet network cables are specifically designed for heat resistance and flame retardance, the risk however should be avoided because – “prevention is obviously better than cure”.
When you manage your cables according to the recommended guidelines, you essentially defuse major risks to your and your employees’ lives and property.
Enhanced efficiency and performance
Your and your employee’s efficiency and performance are directly impacted by the technology you utilize. Almost all technologies in workplaces and home offices utilize cables, particularly, ethernet network cables. The extent of management of these cables will in return impact the extent of your efficiency and performance.
Imagine, your cables, just lying under your desk, messed up and tangled – when you would need them on a whim, you would be untangling them despite the convenience of just connecting or disconnecting.
Aesthetics
Cable management is not only important for the enhanced safety and efficiency of your network and employees. It is also important for a more aesthetic look at your network and its surroundings. You can give your workplace a pleasant look using some network rack cable management tools.
It is important because very few people like a messy and untidy-looking workplace, whether it’s a home office or a traditional workplace. What proper cable organization does is that it makes the cables in your network look evenly organized. It also helps in making a good impression on your customers or clients.
Cost-effective
The last reason for which you should consider managing the cables in your network is just as important as the first three. It is the cost-effective benefit of network cable management. It is simply common sense that if you look after your equipment, it will last longer and perform at its optimum capacity.
Professionally organizing the cables in your home or office networks will benefit you in two ways. First, you will spend very little to no capital on maintenance because the cables will not wear off or malfunction when properly managed. And secondly, when your network works smoothly, your work operations will also work smoothly which will ultimately translate in terms of profit.
How to manage network cables?
1. Use cable management racks
The easiest way to manage your cables is to use simple network rack cable management tools. They do not cost a fortune but will definitely help you in making one. Network cable management racks also ensure your cables stay easy to access.
2. Use zip ties and velcro ties
To bundle audio/video or electric cables, use ties. They come at almost no cost and will tightly hold together your cables forever. For bundling ethernet network cables, use velcro ties. They also cost almost nothing and hold ethernet cables with the perfect amount of strength.
3. Mount the power extension onto a wall or a desk
It is important to keep the power extension and power bricks to make your network and space tidy and organized. Mounting the aforementioned components of your network will ensure that.
4. Use multipurpose cables
The easiest and simplest way to keep your network organized is to use as few cables as possible. Therefore, always use multipurpose cables which can be used for more than one purpose. For example, you can use PoE supporting ethernet network cables for both data transmission and electricity.
Conclusion
Cable management is important for the smooth execution of tasks at your workplace or home office. Properly organized cables are also cost-effective and give better aesthetics to your workplace. The cost of managing cables is almost nothing as compared to the returns you will get. Therefore, the expert advice is to never ever ignore the importance of network cable management.