Data Center

Out of control: Cabling photos

Feb. 5, 2021

Wise ICT installation techs and others in the IT configuration sphere must take the little green guy's famous words to heart.

Matt Vincent

Yeah, it's a Star Wars reference. But since the particular movie quoted is from the 1980's -- the same reported vintage as some of the underfloor cabling in this week's first photo -- it's allowable.

Most wise ICT installation techs and others in the IT configuration sphere soon realize they have no choice but to take the little green guy's words to heart -- at least judging by what we see in Reddit's various social media subcommunities for the trade...

"Nah, airflow isn't important for servers. I get to redo this data center. Hundreds of old cables stashed under the floor from as far back as the '80s and the server racks are just as bad." -- Reddit/Techsupportgore OP [orig. poster]: u/GrevTech

"Had to repost, didn't realize the IP was visible. Then again, all the passwords were on Post-its attached to the computer, so does it really matter?" -- Reddit/Cablefail OP: u/Unusual_Variable

"The turd I have to polish. Front and back views." (1) -- Reddit/Cablefail OP: u/Horsetoothedjackass

"Started the ball rolling today documenting what's plugged into where. We'll be re-terminating all the copper in a new freestanding rack." (2) -- Reddit/Cablefail OP: u/Horsetoothedjackass

"I work at an eye place. This is our cable set-up." -- Reddit/Cablegore OP: u/QueenOdonata

"This is in Germany..." -- Reddit/Cablegore OP: u/jabertwo

"My cable spaghetti beard. Access control cables above a door. Unfortunately this is not uncommon in the industry. You get what you pay for. In this case, years of lowest quotes and not cleaning out redundant cables." -- Reddit/Cablegore OP: u/killerkennyAU

Send your must-see cabling photos to [email protected].

About the Author

Matt Vincent | Senior Editor

Matt Vincent is a B2B technology journalist, editor and content producer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the full range of media content production and management, as well as SEO and social media engagement best practices, for both Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine and its website CablingInstall.com. He currently provides trade show, company, executive and field technology trend coverage for the ICT structured cabling, telecommunications networking, data center, IP physical security, and professional AV vertical market segments. Email: [email protected]