Do network patch cords need to be kept from getting tangled?

Network patch cords, whether copper cables or fiber optic cables, do need to avoid tangling together. Entanglement may cause to a series of problems, affecting network performance and the lifespan of jumpers.
Firstly, entanglement may increase the risk of electromagnetic interference. When multiple jumpers are tightly wound together, electromagnetic induction may occur between them, cause to signal interference and decreased transmission quality.
Secondly, entanglement may cause physical damage to jumpers. Excessive winding and pulling may cause damage to the outer layer of the jumper, breakage or deformation of the internal core, thereby affecting its transmission performance.
In addition, for fiber optic jumpers, entanglement may also cause the fiber bending radius to be too small, increase the risk of optical signal attenuation, and even damage the fiber.
Therefore, when managing network patch cords, excessive entanglement and bundling should be avoided. If multiple jumpers need to be organized together, a suitable jumper manager or tie should be used, and sufficient clearance should be ensured between the jumpers to avoid mutual interference and damage. At the same time, it is also very important to regularly check the status of jumpers, promptly identify and address any potential physical damage or performance issues.