In a recent Uptime Institute survey, 54 percent of data center operators cited staffing as their biggest management and operational challenge. More than half (53 percent) said they struggled to find qualified candidates, while 42 percent said staff retention was … Read More
IT Infrastructure
7 Network Rack Cable Management Tips to Reduce Cost, Headaches, and Risk
Busy network engineers may feel as if they lack the time for proper network rack cable management. However, a disorganized mess of patch cords and cables will only make maintenance more difficult and time-consuming in the long run. Improper cable … Read More
What is Copper Cable in Networking: An Overview
Cables are often described as the “pipes” of the network, the conduit through which data flows. Just as plumbing pipes come in various “grades,” Ethernet cables have different “categories” that determine the amount of data that can move through the … Read More
Types of Optical Fiber: OM3 vs. OM4 vs. OS2
Fiber-optic cabling is slowly replacing copper in many networks. Optical fiber has long been used by carriers for connectivity over long distances and for high-speed network backbones. Increasingly, fiber is being installed in the “last mile,” connecting customers to the … Read More
Fiber Cable Management and Connectivity: Patch Panels and Cassettes
Fiber-optic cabling can deliver more data over longer distances than traditional copper cabling. As a result, more data centers are switching from copper to fiber. According to a recent report from Global Industry Analysts, the market for fiber-optic components is … Read More
Network Cable Ratings and Jacket Type Comparison
Few people give much thought to the outer jacket on network cables. However, jacketing, also known as sheathing, is vitally important to fire safety and the proper functioning of the cable. It is also more complex than one might think. … Read More
Common Data Center Issues, Problems and Challenges
Data center operators face many changes in today’s business and IT environment. The scope of these challenges varies between hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise environments. However, there are several commonalities regardless of the data center’s size. Meeting Today’s Demands for ‘Always-On’ … Read More
What Is a LiFePO4 UPS?
Few people think about the chemical composition of batteries. When it comes to lithium-ion batteries, however, the chemical makeup of the cathode makes a huge difference in terms of safety, reliability, and cost. The lithium-ion batteries in laptops, tablets, and … Read More
What Are Uninterruptible Power Supplies Used for, and How Do They Work?
Power failure is among the leading causes of data loss worldwide. With technology and connectivity becoming engrained into our everyday lives, outage costs have increased exponentially. In fact, 70 percent of data center outages now cost $100,000 or more. Although … Read More
UPS Buying Guide: How to Choose a UPS for Your Server Rack
Availability is the name of the game when it comes to IT systems. While it’s impossible to predict, much less prevent, every unplanned outage, organizations can take steps to reduce the risk. That’s why uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are essential … Read More