Terminate Cable Reticulation Close to Cabinet
Ensure cables are ended near cabinets to improve connection and organisation.
Plain language
This control is about making sure the cables that connect your equipment end as close as possible to the cabinet they service. This is important because if cables run long distances unnecessarily, they can create mess, increase connection issues, and make it harder to handle problems when they arise. Keeping things tidy and short reduces risk and keeps everything running smoothly.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Nov 2021
Control Stack last updated
18 May 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureOfficial control statement
Cable reticulation systems leading into cabinets are terminated as close as possible to the cabinet.
Why it matters
If reticulation is not terminated close to the cabinet, excess/loose runs increase damage and mispatch risk, causing outages and longer fault isolation.
Operational notes
During cabinet inspections, confirm reticulation terminates at/near the cabinet entry; remove slack, secure to trays, and label terminations to prevent snagging.
Implementation tips
- IT team should identify where each cable is currently terminated. They can do this by following the route of each cable and making notes about their current paths. This way, they know which cables may need to be adjusted to meet the control.
- Procurement staff should ensure any new cable purchases are planned adequately. They should purchase cables with the correct length needed, based on measurements taken from equipment to cabinet. This avoids waste and ensures compliance right from the start.
- IT team should reroute cables to end close to the cabinets they serve. They can achieve this by carefully removing long, unnecessary lengths and refining the cable management structure. Use cable ties to keep them neatly bundled and labelled.
- Facilities manager should check that the layout of rooms allows cables to remain close to their cabinets. They can do this by planning furniture and equipment placement with IT input, ensuring efficient cable paths that don't need to cross entire rooms.
- Office managers should keep records of any cabling changes. They can document adjustments and reasons for these changes in an office manual or log, ready for both IT reference and audit purposes.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe cable layout plan: Request to see a map or diagram of the current cable paths in relation to the cabinets they serve GoodA visually clear map showing direct cable routes ending next to cabinets
- AskPurchase records of cabling equipment: Request documentation of recent cable purchases to verify proper planning and implementation GoodProcurement records showing recent cable purchases that align with room dimensions
- AskMaintenance logs: Request any logs that show recent changes or maintenance to the cabling system GoodLogs detailing corrective actions undertaken to ensure cables end close to cabinets
- AskPhotos or walkthroughs: Request visual evidence, like photos or a tour, to observe the physical state of the cabling setup GoodPhotographic evidence or a live demonstration of organised, direct cable paths
- AskMeeting records about cabling discussions: Request notes or minutes from meetings where cabling was discussed and decisions were made GoodMeeting minutes showing decisions on reducing cable length and improving cabinet proximity
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1102 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| link Related (1) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.12 | Annex A 7.12 requires organisations to protect cables carrying power or data from interception, interference or damage | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.