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
below in Properly Installed
and Bundled Cable diagram. .
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.
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.
