On Friday I was working for a new client in Albany. They are getting a brand new server, APC and network switch.
My job was to mount the new switch and connect the data cables from the punch down that was done by the telephone company.
The first picture is what was done by the phone company.
Here is what it looks like after I mounted the switch and 2 wall mount racks. These racks are really neat. They hug the wall saving space, especially good for this project since the closet is going to be used as a kitchen and storage area. They are pretty inexpensive too, only $200 for each. A 4 post 8 foot rack with shelves costs anywhere from $1,250 – $5,000 or more, depending on brand, number of shelves, accessories, etc, etc. You can check out these wall mount shelves on Dell’s page here.
The wires on my side are a bit of a mess, but that’s only because we didn’t receive 1/2 the cables we needed. We have small cables coming so we can make it look neat, had to use 15 foot cables in the meantime. Just waiting for the server and APC unit to finish their setup then it’s on to configuring the desktop machines on the new network.
The wires on my side are a bit of a mess
I have never met a computer guy that did neat wiring.
Well we try our best, we hate wiring. Maybe I’ll have you come do it!
It is much nicer now and neatly tied up. Dell shipped us 15 foot CAT5 cables when we only had to go 2 feet, so we did the best we could until the right size ones came. I am going back on Friday to configure their server, I’ll update the picture once the project is complete.
Why not use a 4 post rack like this one.
I’m sure you have it figured out. Everything looks very clean.
We didn’t go with a 4 post rack because there is no room for it in the small space. The rest of the room is being used for storage so we had to come up with the least spacious choice.