This post was published more than a few years ago (on 2005-06-11) and may contain inaccurate technical information, outmoded thoughts, or cringe takes. Proceed at your own risk.
I'm doing an expansion of the editing systems where I work, including setting up and entire new separate LAN for the metadata traffic for the new Xsan. I just figured out, if you cut the vinyl sheathing on twisted-pair ethernet cable (like, say, CAT5e) shorter, it actually leads to less twist-wrangling, and the connectors go on faster and easier. Wish I'd figured that out two days ago. 😛