ServerRoomStuff.com
installation of the unit (which is very easy), we need to have a short discussion about the
theory behind the NP2. This really isn't just a device, but a system for good cable
management. The installation guide spells it out in greater depth, but the basis of the
design is that most rack cabling jobs use cables that are too long. Because of the length
of most patch cables used on racks, there is always a ton of extra cable smashed into
cable management trays or controllers. The other problem with rack cabling jobs is that
they depend on vertical cabling in trays, as well as horizontal. Anyone who has a full rack
of switches can tell you that you end up with tons of untraceable cable in the vertical
channel. The NP2 is designed specifically to alleviate those issues.
The theory behind the NP2 is not really a product theory, but a cabling theory. Neat Patch
has very specific designs for laying out racks. The NP2 tray is but one part of the solution.
The 2 foot cable, and the overall design of your racks is what makes the system work. The
installation manual has a few design examples of how to layout your patch panels and
switches to make the system work at it's best. If done correctly, the only thing in the
vertical channel are cable runs to end stations, and cross connects between switches.
The first thing you need to do when installing this system is layout your racks. This
includes where the patch panel with the floor runs goes, how many panels you have, how
many switches, etc. A basic design, and the core design for Neat Patch is to layout your
rack in this order, top to bottom:
24 port patch panel - 1 RU
Neat Patch NP2 - 2 RU
48 port switch - 1 RU
Neat Patch NP2 - 2 RU
48 port patch panel - 2 RU
Neat Patch NP2 - 2 RU
48 port switch - 1 RU
Neat patch NP2 - 2 RU
24 port patch panel - 1 RU
That gives you 96 switched drops in 14 RU, which isn't bad. I'm assuming that you are
using fiber to connect the switches, if not you lose a couple of ports to the floor. As you
can see, you can continue this to fill the rack. The only real change is that you need a 24
port patch panel at the top and bottom of the stack. Here is a picture of a rack wired this
way.
The NP2 used around a 48 port switch
The unique thing is that the neat cable job you see will stay that way forever. The 2 foot
patch cables are installed between ports on the patch panel and switches and looped once
in the Neat Patch NP2. This gives the cable a compliant bend and avoids sharp corners
and strain. The cables are installed from left to right, and should be done with patch panel
ports matching switch ports. In other words, panel port 1 always connects to switch port
1, panel port 2 always connects to switch port 2, etc. This keeps the system neat and
traceable, and makes sure that you maintain compliance.
Page 1 -
2
http://www.serverroomstuff.com/reviews/cables/052005/05032005-a1.asp (2 of 3)5/11/2005 11:36:50 AM
Summary of Contents for Neat-Patch NP-2K6
Page 1: ......
