Cables can be lightweight and even a little eye-catching. With some vision, though, they can help with energy efficiency too.

This whitepaper from Siemon explains the art and science of proper air flow:

In order to have the most efficient cooling, cabling must be properly designed, remediated and routed to allow the air to flow in an unobstructed manner. TIA-942 and other complimentary data center standards around the globe suggest that horizontal and vertical cabling be run accommodating growth so that these areas do not need to be revisited. There are several reasons for this recommendation, including: eliminating the adverse affects of removing floor tiles and decreasing static pressure under raised floors during MAC work; assuring that pathways are run in a manner that will allow the flow of cold air in cold aisles to be unobstructed by cabling; and a potential benefit to cooling as the cabling can be installed to provide a baffle of sorts, channeling cool air into cold aisles.

Another idea is to invest in cables that outperform your current needs. Though a premium is paid upfront, they reduce the need to re-cable when it comes time to upgrade and cut waste in the long term.

Not as sexy as, say, low-power processors, but an interesting read nonetheless.

[via GreenerComputing]