Standardised datacentre identification

A large automotive manufacturer’s data centre protects uptime and high service levels using highly accurate, standardised identification with reliable labels.

Challenge: Reduce server uptime risks

Disconnecting the wrong cable creates uptime risks for data centre services. Simple, yet reliable labels can provide the guidance to avoid these risks. However, finding reliable cable labels is not that simple. They need to be able to resist high heat, stay attached to curved cable surfaces and remain legible, preferably for the lifecycle of the asset they identify. In addition, these labels need to be accurate so that they can identify every port unambiguously.

Solutions: Accurate, reliable labels

To clearly label ports and cables, the data centre decided on practical label design apps, professional label printers and some of the most reliable label materials from Brady’s complete portfolio.

• Reliable labels

With B-425, B-427 and B-461 label materials, data centre UTP-cables will remain identified for their entire lifecycle. Designed to stay attached to curved cable surfaces, these labels feature powerful, industrial adhesives and substrates that bend along with the cable. In combination with high temperature resistance, the labels stay attached where lower quality identification fails. Because of this, our professional labels guide data centre administrators when relevant, enhancing speed and accuracy during moves, adds and changes in server rooms.

• Accurate label design

Brady Workstation label design apps and Brady’s Express Labels app enable users to easily design accurate labels on their laptop, tablet or smartphone. These practical apps connect to the printer and the loaded consumable, provide exact previews, and include specific data centre label creation capabilities. For dense switch, router and server ports for example, users can visually change port widths in Brady’s Patch panel app to easily print a label that accurately identifies every port in a single row.

• Practical printers

The BradyPrinter i7100 provides great label printing accuracy and precision. A benchtop model with a small footprint, the printer is designed to batch print larger volumes of serialised labels at great speed. It makes the i700 ideal to prepare larger installations that include several racks. In addition, the data centre selected the BMP61 Label Printer. The BMP61, predecessor of the M610 Mobile Printer, provides great portability for a wide range of label printing capabilities, complete with easy label file import and export and a print speed of 50.8 mm per second.

Results: No patching errors

The new labels stay attached to cables and components to provide clear, unambiguous guidance for all moves, adds and changes. They help avoid cable patching mistakes and, as a result, reduce uptime risks and support data centre service levels. With reliable labels, accurate label design, highly flexible mobile printers and a high volume benchtop printer, the data centre has all the identification capabilities in-house to clearly label every port and every cable.