The illustrative embodiments provide a rack information handling system (RIHS), a data center, and a method of manufacturing a data center that provides separate, secure cable routing paths for separate compartments of IHSs within IHS racks in a data center. The RIHS includes at least a first rack configured with at least a first compartment for housing one or more IT components that require power and data/network connections. A first panel is coupled to a first side of the first rack. The first panel has a first opening and a second opening. A first cable guide is positioned adjacent to the first panel. The first cable guide encloses a first cable passage disposed therein. A first cable extends through the first cable passage, through the first opening and terminates inside the first compartment, presenting a first power and/or data connection for the first IT component. A second cable extends through the first cable passage, through the second opening and terminates inside one of the first compartment and a separate, second compartment, presenting a second power and/or data connection for a second IT component. The first cable guide and the first opening provide a first, separate routing path for the first cable to the first IT component. The first cable guide and the second opening provide a second, separate routing path for the second cable to the second IT component. The first cable guide is secured via a locking mechanism to prevent access to the cabling provided therein and to prevent access to the first and second compartments. The first and second compartments can also be secured from unauthorized access via respective locking mechanisms.