nanog mailing list archives

Re: Cable Colors


From: Tuc at T-B-O-H <ml () t-b-o-h net>
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:52:36 -0400 (EDT)


Hello Newbie here (hopefully I have the correct list),

I was just wondering if anyone knows of a website with recommended
colors for cables for a new datacenter?
I have written some things down but I don't want to get stuck saying
'darn, I wish I would have bought this color for this type, now I am
stuck'.
What standard color to use if voice and data on same interface etc. Thanks.

Hi,

        We solved the problem of remembering what color was for what by
getting our suppliers to use clear jackets on the wiring. That way we
see whats actually going over the copper and can tell that way. It costs
us more, we do have a bit of an issue putting plugs on it, but in the long
run its definitely worth it. 

        Otherwise, our old system was :

        Black - Infrastructure/critical
        Green - Colocation/Customer
        White - KVM
        Blue  - X-connect (Later changed to Orange when we went full fiber)
        Yellow- Someone threw a spare patch cord up and didn't custom create/
                cut it and if I find them I'm gonna create/cut them something!
        White+Red spot or stripe - The junior guy was cutting KVM cables again,
                expect a health benefit claim later in the day.

        We also used the ID zip ties on each end if it was an X-over with
"X-over" written on it. All plugs had boots too.

                        Tuc/TBOH

        (Insert ;) as needed... ;) )


Current thread: