[Tfug] Cabling

[Tyler Kilian]

Most shops I've seen don't build custom patch cables.   With 10Gbaset creeping in, it's getting tough to build.

> On Nov 30, 2013, at 1:21 PM, "Bender" <bender at bendertherobot.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bexley Hall" <bexley401 at yahoo.com>
> To: "Tucson Free Unix Group" <tfug at tfug.org>
> Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 5:41 AM
> Subject: [Tfug] Cabling
> 
> 
>> Hi,
>> 
>> Most of the network nodes in my office are arranged on
>> or *under* a series of "tables"/benches.
>> 
>> To keep wires off the floor, all my outlet strips are
>> mounted to the underside of the tables.  Makes it a bit
>> easier to get at individual power cords as well as
>> plugging in additional ones.  (if I was more "anal"
>> about it, I would label the cords but...)
>> 
>> Similarly, I fasten my network cables to the underside of
>> the tables -- along the back edge.  Keeps them off the floor
>> *and* out of the way.  When a cable comes to the device
>> for which it is intended, it simply peels out of the
>> bundle and falls/rises to connect to the device.
>> 
>> OK.  Prefab cables come in standard lengths.  Using them
>> means I end up with lots of extra slop somewhere.  E.g., if
>> I need 8 ft of cable to go from switch to node X, a 7 ft
>> cable is too short and a 10 ft cable brings 2 ft of slop
>> with it.
> 
> If ridding the process of slop is worth it for data cables, do you also make custom power cables?
> I'm serious.
> If not, what do you do about the slop on power cabling?
> 
>> [BFD!  OTOH, if you have a dozen or more nodes in about that
>> many linear feet, all that slop quickly becomes a tangle!]
>> 
>> Fine.  I can build cables "to length" for each specific node.
>> (lousy waste of time but the clutter that gets eliminated is
>> well worth it!).
>> 
>> Aside from the obvious (correct connectors, cable, hoods, etc.)
>> are there any other concerns I should have about this approach?
> 
> Don,
> I'll bet you could teach me something.
> What may be obvious to you may not be obvious to others and vice-versa.
> Not all cables are created equal.
> 
> What kind of cable and connectors?
> 
> Are data sheets available for the connectors?
> You want to know the outer jacket diameter is to spec for the connectors.
> 
> (Otherwise the jacket crimp could get loose.
> Then the cable stays attached with wires holding it.)
> 
> Use Stranded not solid wire presumably?
> 
> What material is the outer jacket made of?
> e.g.
> Would you use connectors on plenum rated cable?
> 
> What kind of crimper do you use?
> 
> Do you test the cables after assembly? What kind of test?
> 
> Do you care about what colors go where?
> If so,
> To what standard are the cables assembled to?
> 
> 
> The only thing you couldn't practically do at home is assemble cables with injection molded boots / strain relief / hoods.
> 
> However, it might be possible to DIY pump some thermoplastic, (say hot glue gun glue) into the void in the connector. Using a fixture made of silicone you could also fashion a strain relief perhaps.
> 
> Wonder if urethane is also a possibility, but the cure time might be a pain.
> 
> 
> 
> People in the IT/Networking business probably don't have the ability or desire to build good custom cables, IMO.
> Besides, they're busy configuring, running or setting up & tearing down the damn boxes all day. Why would they want to have concern about possibility for problems with home made cable?
> 
> 
>> I imagine the cables will be a bit more "fragile" than store
>> bought (i.e., no tugging on wires allowed!).  But, once installed,
>> the cables shouldn't see much abuse (plug/unplug from switch,
>> plug/unplug from host -- never "pulled" as they are secured to
>> the tables!)
>> 
>> Thx!
>> --don
>> 
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> 
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