Reducing operational costs in DC fiber network
With the increasing operational costs of data centers, finding ways to reduce expenses is more important than ever. One area where significant savings can be achieved is in the operations of the fiber network. By implementing a few simple steps, data center managers can significantly reduce the costs associated with deploying their fiber networks. Read on and learn how to save from today!
Review and optimize your data center’s fiber network design to meet your needs Regularly reviewing the design of your data center’s fiber network is crucial to ensure it can effectively support your current and future requirements. Before making any changes, evaluate the availability of white space, network speed, and required density on day one, along with any potential future needs you may have. Understanding these elements allows you to create a more optimized network specifically designed for your organization, allowing you to scale or adapt based on your business needs. Using high-density modular fiber enclosures in such scenarios means you can add capacity for network expansion without network disruption or the risk of failure, and modify the cassettes for technology upgrades if needed.
Train your staff on proper maintenance methods for the data center fiber network Training employees on proper operations and maintenance techniques related to the data center fiber network is essential for achieving reliable performance and maximizing network uptime. Human error is often a major cause of network failures, so the training should include safety protocols, best practices for installation and maintenance, and troubleshooting technical issues. A well-trained team with clearly defined procedures contributes to consistent and reliable data center operations.
Keep your data center clean and free from dust
Keeping the data center clean and free from dust is crucial for ensuring network uptime. Dust and debris can significantly impact the performance of active equipment or fiber connector endfaces, to the extent that a 1-micron particle can cause a high-speed fiber link to fail. To achieve optimal network performance and prevent failures caused by contaminants, inspect and clean each fiber connector before installation, and if necessary, clean connectors that are disconnected and about to be reconnected. Never connect an unmarked connector as it may introduce contamination that cannot be cleaned. Always inspect, clean if needed, re-inspect, and then connect. Doing so ensures you avoid costly equipment damage and unnecessary fiber maintenance or repairs.
Consider cable management for efficient energy cooling
Implementing an efficient cooling system for your data center can significantly reduce costs and improve overall performance. Cable management plays a crucial role in creating an efficient cooling system, as properly opened and organized cable bundles can enhance airflow significantly. Additionally, using smaller diameter cable types can contribute to energy savings for cooling. Making minor changes in cable management approach and cable types ensures cost savings and a more reliable performance for your data center.
Ensure your fiber network is properly labeled and organized
Keeping enclosures, cassettes, and cables labeled and organized is essential for efficient maintenance operations. It creates a foundation for your IT infrastructure, enabling technicians to quickly understand what type of cable is present in each location without the need for extensive tracing, making unplanned repairs and maintenance easier. Precise labeling through proper tagging also facilitates scalability—a current investment can potentially save you time and money when expanding your infrastructure in the future.
A well-designed and maintained network is essential for a reliable, high-performance, and compatible data center fiber network. By reviewing your design, training your staff, keeping the data center clean, and ensuring proper labeling and organization of your cables, you can ensure that your data center operates smoothly and efficiently. If you need assistance with designing, upgrading, or expanding your data center fiber network, talk to the experts at AEC . We are fiber connectivity experts who can help