Network cabling · Data centers
Data center cabling in Southern California
Cat6A, fiber, MTP/MPO trunks and pathway for server rooms and data centers, designed by an RCDD and tested link by link.
The short answer
WCC designs and installs data center cabling for server rooms, MDFs and on-premises data centers across Southern California: Cat6A copper, OM4 and singlemode fiber, pre-terminated MTP/MPO trunks, overhead pathway and labeled, certified patching. Every design is reviewed by a BICSI RCDD and every link is tested. A 4 to 8 rack server room typically runs $50,000 to $150,000 including racks, power and cabling.
What's included
What a data center cabling project includes
| Item | What we do |
|---|---|
| Design | Rack layout, cabling schedule, fiber backbone and pathway plan before anything is ordered |
| Copper | Cat6A to servers, top-of-rack switches and management ports |
| Fiber | OM4 multimode and OS2 singlemode, including pre-terminated MTP/MPO trunks and cassettes |
| Pathway | Overhead ladder rack and cable tray, with copper and fiber separated |
| Patching | Measured patch cords, horizontal and vertical cable management, TIA-606 labeling |
| Testing | Certification on every copper link, OTDR and loss testing on every fiber |
| Documentation | As-builts, port schedules and test reports at closeout |
Topology
Top-of-rack or end-of-row?
Top-of-rack
A switch in each rack keeps server cabling short; fiber uplinks run to the core. Clean and easy to expand row by row.
End-of-row
Switching sits at the end of each row with copper home runs from every rack. Fewer switches, longer copper runs.
MTP/MPO fiber
Factory-terminated trunks and cassettes make changes fast and support 40G and 100G uplinks.
Media
Cabling media reference
| Media | Typical use | Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Cat6A | Server to top-of-rack switch, management ports | 10G to 100 m |
| OM4 multimode | Switch uplinks inside the room | 10G to about 400 m, 40/100G to about 150 m |
| OS2 singlemode | Long backbone and building-to-building | Kilometers |
| MTP/MPO trunks | High-density backbone with cassettes | Per fiber type |
Remediation
Cleaning up an existing server room
Many projects start with a room that has grown out of control. We trace and label what's there, remove abandoned cable, re-dress racks, add proper pathway and document everything, working in phases and after hours so production stays up. See server room design and Chatsworth racks.
How it works
How a project runs
Design
RCDD-reviewed layout, schedule and pathway plan.
Design
Install
Pathway, fiber, copper and racks, phased around live systems.
Install
Test and document
Every link certified, labeled and documented.
Closeout
FAQ
Data center cabling questions
What makes data center cabling different?
Higher density, stricter labeling and airflow, pre-terminated fiber, and a design that has to support changes for years without becoming a mess.
How much does a server room build cost?
A 4 to 8 rack room typically runs $50,000 to $150,000 including racks, power and cabling; 10 to 20 racks run $150,000 to $500,000.
Copper or fiber?
Cat6A inside the rack or row; fiber for switch uplinks, backbone and anything 25G or faster.
Can you clean up an existing server room?
Yes. We trace, label, remove abandoned cable, re-dress racks and document it, in phases to keep systems running.
Do you install the switches too?
Yes. We install networking alongside the cabling, so one team is responsible for both.
Is the design reviewed by an RCDD?
Yes. Data center cabling designs are reviewed by a BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Plan your server room
Send rack counts, switch layout and fiber needs, and we'll design and price the cabling.