What is Structured cabling?
A well-designed network has physical cabling that is installed correctly and to code, throughout an
In layman's terms, structured cabling is essentially the organized network of wires that forms the backbone of a building's data and telecommunication system. It's like the plumbing for your data, carrying voice and internet signals throughout the building. Overall, structured cabling provides a reliable and adaptable foundation for your network, allowing for better data flow and communication throughout your building.
Here are some key points about structured cabling:
- Standardized Components: Unlike a point-to-point system where each device is wired individually, structured cabling uses standardized building blocks like cables, patch panels and connectors. This makes it organized, efficient, and easier to maintain and modify.
- Flexibility: A well-designed structured cabling system can accommodate changes and additions in the future. New devices can be easily integrated by plugging into existing patch panels.
- Future-Proof: Structured cabling systems are built to handle the ever-increasing demands of data transmission. Higher bandwidth cables like Cat6 or fiber optics are commonly used to ensure the system can support future technologies.
Need to Update your current data infrastructure?
"Structured cabling" is a known standardized wiring system designed for individual buildings or multi-building campuses. It provides a flexible and reliable infrastructure for voice, data, and video communications. Many of our customers call us when they are adding an annex on their site and need connectivity, data, phones, etc. as part of their capital building projects.
Here's a detailed list of the components of structured cabling:
- Entrance Facility (EF): The entrance facility is the point of demarcation (POD) where the telecommunications service provider's (carrier's) cabling enters the building. It typically includes a demarcation point (demarc), main grounding busbar (MGB), and protector. The bandwidth from the carrier to this demarc point is the carrier's responsibility. Everything after the demarc is the building manager's responsibility, or the responsibility of whoever is contracted to maintain it.
- Equipment Room (ER): The equipment room houses the telecommunications equipment that serves the building or campus. This equipment may include servers, switches, routers, firewalls, and patch panels.
- Backbone Cabling: Backbone cabling is the main horizontal and vertical cabling that connects the entrance facility to the equipment room and telecommunications rooms (TRs). It is typically high-bandwidth, low-loss cable such as fiber optics or single/multi twisted-pair cabling.
- Telecommunications Room (TR): Telecommunications rooms (TRs) are located on each floor of a building or in strategic locations throughout a campus. They house telecommunications equipment that serves the users on that floor or in that area. This equipment may include patch panels, horizontal cross-connects, and intermediate distribution frames (IDFs).
- Horizontal Cabling: Horizontal cabling is the cabling that runs from the TRs to the work areas (outlets) where the users' devices are located. It is typically twisted-pair cable, such as Category 6 or Category 7.
- Work Area: The work area is the location where the users' devices are located. It typically includes a wall outlet, patch cord, and telecommunications device (TD) such as a computer, phone, or printer.
- Additional Components:
- Patch Panels: Patch panels are mounted in racks or cabinets and provide a way to connect horizontal cabling to backbone cabling or other equipment. They allow for easy moves, adds, and changes (MACs) to the network.
- Patch Cords: Patch cords are short cables that are used to connect devices to patch panels or other equipment. They are typically made of twisted-pair cable and come in a variety of lengths.
- Cable Management: Cable management systems include pathways, raceways, and racks that are used to route, protect, and organize cabling.
By following the structured cabling standard, organizations can ensure that their cabling systems are reliable, flexible, and scalable. This can help to improve network performance, reduce downtime, and lower costs.
Update Your Business cabling infrastructure
A well designed network has physical cabling installed correctly in accordance to current codes.
At Certified Communication Solutions, we are committed to providing our customers with the best telecommunications workmanship in the industry. Our cabling contractors and our structured cabling systems are guaranteed. Systems are installed in accordance to current building codes to help you stay connected with your clients and business associates.
