How to Label Ethernet Cables, Network Cables, and Data Centres

Data centre environments present unique challenges for cable management. With thousands of cables running through racks, trays, and conduits, the ability to quickly and accurately identify any connection becomes critical for day-to-day operations. Proper cable labelling supports three fundamental objectives: operational efficiency, error prevention, and regulatory compliance.

From an operational perspective, clear labelling dramatically reduces the time required for maintenance activities. When a technician can immediately identify a cable's origin, destination, and purpose, tasks that might otherwise take hours can be completed in minutes. This efficiency gain compounds across an organisation, particularly in larger facilities where multiple teams may be working on different aspects of the infrastructure.

The cost of poor labelling becomes apparent during incidents. When services are affected and engineers need to trace connections under pressure, inadequate or inconsistent labelling transforms a manageable situation into a crisis. As we explored in our guide on how efficient cable labelling helps meet data centre deadlines, organisations that invest in proper labelling practices consistently report faster project completion times and reduced maintenance costs.

Several industry standards provide guidance on cable labelling practices. While compliance is typically voluntary, following established standards ensures consistency, supports interoperability between different systems, and demonstrates professional practice to clients and auditors.

ANSI/TIA-606-C

The Telecommunications Industry Association's Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure (ANSI/TIA-606-C) is the primary reference for cable labelling in North America and is widely adopted internationally. Released in 2017, it replaced TIA-606-B and provides comprehensive guidance on labelling practices for telecommunications infrastructure of all sizes.

The standard defines four classes of administration, ranging from Class 1 (single telecommunications space) to Class 4 (multi-campus environments). Each class specifies requirements for identifiers, records, and labelling appropriate to the complexity of the infrastructure. For more detail on these requirements, see our article on ANSI TIA 606-B cable labelling standards, which covers the foundational principles that carry through to the current revision.

European Standards: BS EN 50174

In the UK and Europe, the BS EN 50174 series provides guidance on cabling installation, including labelling requirements. BS EN 50174-1 addresses specification and quality assurance, while BS EN 50174-2 covers installation planning and practices inside buildings. These standards align broadly with TIA-606 principles while addressing European-specific requirements.

For data centre environments specifically, BS EN 50600-2-4 addresses telecommunications cabling infrastructure, referencing the EN 50173 and EN 50174 series for detailed implementation guidance.

Selecting appropriate labels for your data centre or network environment depends on several factors: the physical characteristics of the cables, the environmental conditions, the information that needs to be displayed, and your printing and application workflow. Understanding the options available helps ensure your labelling system remains effective throughout the life of the installation.

Self-Laminating Wrap-Around Labels

Self-laminating wrap-around labels are particularly well-suited for ethernet and network cable identification. These labels wrap around the cable with a clear laminate portion that protects the printed area from abrasion, moisture, and handling. The Prolab® Laser Self-Laminating Wrap-Around Cable Labels can be printed using a standard office laser printer, making them accessible for organisations without specialised printing equipment.

For environments requiring thermal printing, the Prolab® Thermal Self-Laminating Wrap-Around Cable Labels offer the same protective characteristics with the speed and flexibility of on-demand thermal printing. This approach is particularly valuable in active data centre environments where labels need to be produced quickly during moves, adds, and changes.

Tie-On Cable Labels

Tie-on labels attach to cables using cable ties rather than adhesive, making them suitable for applications where wrap-around labels may not be practical - such as very large cable bundles or situations where cables may need to be re-labelled. The Legend™ Laser Tie-On Cable Labels provide a durable identification solution for data and telecommunications applications.

For environments with more demanding requirements, such as areas where low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) materials are specified, Fox-Flo® UV Stable, LSZH Tie-On Cable Labels offer exceptional durability along with compliance for safety-critical installations. These labels have been tested to withstand 8,000 hours of accelerated UV exposure and meet London Underground approval requirements.

2-Part System Cable Markers

The Legend™ Laser 2-Part System Cable Markers offer a unique approach where clear tubing is slid onto the cable before termination, and the printed label can be inserted at any point afterwards. This flexibility is particularly valuable in data centre environments where cable identification requirements may evolve, or where different teams handle cable installation and labelling.

Patch panels represent a critical labelling point in any structured cabling system. Clear identification of each port enables technicians to quickly make connections, verify configurations, and troubleshoot issues. Effective patch panel labelling requires attention to both the physical labels and the information they contain.

Port identification on patch panels typically follows a straightforward numbering scheme, but the labels must also convey information about what each port connects to. Depending on your documentation approach, this might include the destination room or outlet, the cable run identifier, or both. The key is consistency - whatever scheme you adopt should be applied uniformly across all patch panels in the facility.

Dedicated Patch Panel Labels

Prolab® Patch Panel Labels are designed specifically for this application, with pre-cut sizes that fit common patch panel configurations. Made from durable polyester with a strong acrylic adhesive, these labels can be printed using any standard office laser printer and applied rapidly - a full sheet of 75 labels takes approximately 20 seconds to print.

For organisations requiring more flexibility, the Prolab® Patch Panel Module works with the Fox-in-a-Box® thermal printing system to create custom labels for any patch panel configuration. This approach is particularly valuable in data centres using equipment from multiple manufacturers, where standard label formats may not align perfectly with all panel designs. For a detailed walkthrough of this process, see our guide on how to label patch panels with the Prolab® Patch Panel Module.

1. 1

   Establish Your Naming Convention

   Define a consistent identifier format that indicates location, panel number, and port. Document this convention for all team members.

2. 2

   Measure and Template

   Verify the spacing and dimensions of your patch panel ports. Configure your label template to match exactly.

3. 3

   Print and Apply

   Print labels using Labacus Innovator® software for consistent formatting. Apply labels carefully, ensuring alignment with ports.

4. 4

   Document and Verify

   Update your cable management records and verify that labels match documentation before commissioning.

Fibre optic cables present specific labelling challenges due to their physical characteristics and the high density of connections in typical installations. Unlike copper cables, fibre cables cannot be easily tested or traced using standard equipment, making clear identification even more critical.

For fibre optic applications, Prolab® Laser Fibre Optic Flag Labels provide a purpose-designed solution. The flag format allows labels to be visible even in densely packed fibre trays, while the durable polyester construction ensures long-term legibility. For a comprehensive approach to fibre labelling, our guide on how to label fibre optic cables covers the specific considerations for these installations.

When labelling fibre cables, consider including information about the fibre type (single-mode or multi-mode), the connector type, and the strand count in addition to standard location identifiers. This additional detail supports technicians who may need to verify compatibility before making connections.

Effective cable labelling depends not only on choosing the right label materials but also on having appropriate tools for design and printing. Dedicated labelling software provides features that general-purpose applications lack: purpose-built templates, data import capabilities, barcode and QR code generation, and integration with testing and documentation systems.

Labacus Innovator® Software

Labacus Innovator® provides a comprehensive platform for label design across the full range of Silver Fox® label types. Available in Basic, Advanced, and Professional levels, the software offers capabilities appropriate to different project scales and requirements. The Professional level includes spreadsheet import functionality, barcode and QR code generation, and integration with cable testing systems.

For data centre applications, the ability to incorporate barcodes and QR codes into labels enables more sophisticated asset management workflows. As explored in our article on barcodes and QR codes in cable labelling, scannable labels can link physical infrastructure to digital documentation, streamlining maintenance processes and supporting compliance requirements.

The Fox-in-a-Box® System

The Fox-in-a-Box® industrial label printer provides on-demand thermal printing capability for data centre environments. The system supports over 200 label variations using a single printer and ribbon combination, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple printing systems. For organisations handling significant labelling volumes, this approach reduces both equipment costs and training requirements.

The integration between Labacus Innovator® and Fox-in-a-Box® enables rapid label production during installation or maintenance activities. Labels can be designed, previewed, and printed in minutes, supporting the fast-paced workflows typical of data centre operations.

Successful cable labelling requires more than just applying labels - it demands a systematic approach that encompasses planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance. The following practices help ensure your labelling system delivers lasting value.

Consistency Is Critical

Perhaps the most important factor in effective cable labelling is consistency. A labelling scheme that is applied uniformly - even if it is not the most sophisticated approach - will always outperform an inconsistent system. Document your conventions clearly, ensure all team members understand them, and enforce adherence during both new installations and modifications.

Plan for the Future

Infrastructure changes over time, and your labelling system should accommodate this reality. Avoid schemes that encode information which may become outdated, such as specific equipment models or service names. Instead, focus on physical location identifiers that remain stable. Where additional context is needed, link labels to documentation systems that can be updated independently.

Regular Maintenance

Include label condition checks in your routine maintenance procedures. Labels can degrade over time, particularly in challenging environments, and early identification of issues allows for replacement before information is lost. During any infrastructure changes, verify that labels are updated to reflect the current configuration.

For detailed guidance on labelling cables after they have been terminated, our article on labelling terminated wires provides step-by-step instructions for different label types and applications.

How do I label ethernet cables effectively?

For ethernet cables, self-laminating wrap-around labels provide the best combination of durability and readability. Position labels consistently near connectors, include identifiers that indicate both source and destination, and ensure the laminate portion fully covers the printed area for protection against handling and environmental factors.

How do I label network cables in a data centre?

Start by establishing a consistent naming convention that aligns with your documentation system and, where applicable, standards such as ANSI/TIA-606-C. Label both ends of each cable, use machine-printed labels for legibility, and select materials appropriate to the data centre environment. For high-density installations, consider flag-style labels that remain visible even in congested cable runs.

How do I label cables for data centre compliance?

Review the requirements of applicable standards (TIA-606-C in North America, BS EN 50174 in Europe) and establish labelling practices that meet or exceed their specifications. Key requirements typically include mechanical label generation, identification at both cable ends, clear termination point marking, and labels that remain legible throughout the installation's lifecycle.

What is the best label material for data centre cables?

For most data centre applications, polyester-based labels with acrylic adhesive provide excellent durability and temperature resistance. Where LSZH materials are required for fire safety compliance, Fox-Flo® labels meet stringent safety standards including London Underground approval. Self-laminating labels offer additional protection for high-handling environments.

How do I label patch panels?

Use dedicated patch panel labels sized to match your panel configuration. Ensure port numbering aligns with your cable documentation, and consider including destination information where space permits. For multi-manufacturer environments, the Prolab® Patch Panel Module provides flexibility to create custom labels for any panel design.