Install Cable
When you connect cable to your network equipment, keep the following things in mind.
- Examine cable for cuts, bends, and nicks.
- Support cable using a cable manager that is mounted above connectors to avoid unnecessary weight on the cable bundles.
- Use cable managers to route cable bundles to the left and right of the network equipment to maximize accessibility to the connectors.
- Provide enough slack, approximately 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in), to provide proper strain relief as shown in Properly Installed and Bundled Cable.
- Bundle cable using hook-and-loop straps to avoid injuring cables.
- If you build your own cable, be sure that connectors are properly crimped.
- When installing a patch panel using twisted pair wiring, untwist no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of the cable to avoid radio frequency (RF) interference.
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Discharge the RJ45 Ethernet cable before plugging
it into a port on the switch.
Caution
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable can build up electrostatic charges when being pulled into a new installation. Before connecting any category 5 UTP cable to the switch, discharge ESD from the cable by plugging the RJ45 connector into a LAN static discharge device or use an equivalent method. - Use plenum-rated cable when it is necessary for safety and fire rating requirements. Consult your local building codes to determine when it is appropriate to use plenum-rated cable, or refer to IEC standard 850.
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Keep all ports and connectors free of dust.
Properly Installed and Bundled Cable
1 = Ensure adequate slack and bend radius