How to fix the wiring mess that is my server room

Solution 1:

It will take some time, but the results will be worth it...

Step 1: Document the mess so you know what is connected to every switch port and patch panel (Switch, port, patch, VLAN).

Step 2: Start with one switch and clear the deck:

• configure a port on another switch with the appropriate VLAN
• move the patch to the newly-configured switch port
• verify the connected equipment is working properly

...and repeat until you've cleared the first switch. Make sure the switch is flashed with the lastest firmware and that all the ports are functional.

Step 3: Methodically move patches back to the empty switch, consolidating things as you go so you don't have to cross-patch between racks. Take care to update your documentation as you go.

This would also be an excellent opportunity to establish some cabling standards; you can use color-coded cables to identify critical equipment or individual VLANs, for example.

One thing you should certainly do is label both ends of every cable with a serial number so it will be easier to chase things down in the future (you'll find several good suggestions here). It's good to have documentation, but even better to be able to easily verify that the implementation matches the documentation before you need to move a cable...without having to painstakingly trace the path of the cable from one end to the other!

Once you have your first switch populated with newly-labeled cables, you can pat yourself on the back, take a picture of your neatly-cabled switch, and use it as motivation to come in the next weekend and knock out another switch or two!

The important thing is to keep at it--the first switch will take some time, but as you work though the process you will get more efficient at it and be able to complete more work the next weekend you come in. You won't get it all done in one weekend, but within a couple of months you should have everything cleaned up, have all your patch cables serialized, and your documentation complete.

The hard part is having the discipline to update the documentation as changes and additions are made.

Search ServerFault for questions tagged cable-management for some excellent ideas!

Solution 2:

The store called "Storables" has lots of cool network cable gadgets to hide cables in an office.

http://www.storables.com/Shop/Office/Desk-Accessories/?launch_pg=itemPage&launch_sel=1003215&launch_pg_sp=true&title=Zip-It+Cable+Tamer