5 Elements of Structured Cabling
Structured cabling is the simple name for a building or site’s cabling and connectivity telecommunications cabling that comprises a series of subsystems made of standardised smaller elements.
The structured cabling system generally controls voice, data, and video and can be further integrated with the management of systems such as alarms, security and energy. So it’s worth adopting at the start of a new build, or implementing as part of any major update.
Without a structured cabled system, voice and data cabling is often left until the fit out stage of a build, which means there are already inherent compromises in the system. If it’s addressed at the start, then the voice and data systems can be integrated with the fire alarm, security and energy management cabling to create a more efficient overall solution.
Every system is unique, due to variations in the architectural structure, the cable and connection products, the function of the cabling, the types of equipment it will support both now and in the future, the customer requirements and the warranties that must be honoured.
With the industry standard moving to 10 gigabit Ethernet across the world, even in regions that are lagging behind in IT like the Middle East, a standard and solid network cabling system is essential.
A central patch panel forms the hub and each modular connection is attached as required, through a network switch or to an IP or PBX telephone system patch panel.
If the line is patched as a data port into a network it requires relatively simple straight-through patch cables at each end for computer access. In most countries, though, connections to a PBX exchange require an adapter at the remote end to connect to the telephone wall socket. That includes the UK.
All eight conductors in Cat5/5e and Cat 6 cables must be connected, which prevents the use of one cable for voice and data unless there is an IP phone system that can use one line for both. Of course the cables can follow the same pathway and they should in a properly developed cabling structure, but separate connections are required.
The demarcation point can be overhead, or underground. Aerial entry normally provides the lowest installation cost, but these entries are often joint-use installations. Backbone cabling then connects the demarcation point to the telecommunications rooms. Inter and intra building backbone cabling handles the major network traffic.
Structured cabling is governed by international standards produced by ISO/IEC, CENELEC and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). ISO and CENELEC are the accepted standards in Europe andISO11801 is the standard that most companies in the UK work to.
· Compliance with physical and transmission requirements.
· A solid platform for system expansion and relative future proofing.
· Ease of diagnosis of problems.
A structured cabling solution is a serious undertaking, but one that brings major benefits and substantial savings. So if you’re at the start of a build, or even a major update, it pays to adopt a solid cabling structure now. It’s also worth thinking about future proofing whilst having the cabling system installed, so that it lasts decades, rather than just the next few years.
Need a cabling system but don’t know where to start? We design networks from scratch for businesses large and small.
The structured cabling system generally controls voice, data, and video and can be further integrated with the management of systems such as alarms, security and energy. So it’s worth adopting at the start of a new build, or implementing as part of any major update.
Without a structured cabled system, voice and data cabling is often left until the fit out stage of a build, which means there are already inherent compromises in the system. If it’s addressed at the start, then the voice and data systems can be integrated with the fire alarm, security and energy management cabling to create a more efficient overall solution.
Cabling Categories
Structured cabling is separated into standardised categories such as CAT-5e and CAT-6. The standards are a set of regulations that govern how the cable is laid to meet the customer’s requirements and they vary according to the land and building itself.Every system is unique, due to variations in the architectural structure, the cable and connection products, the function of the cabling, the types of equipment it will support both now and in the future, the customer requirements and the warranties that must be honoured.
With the industry standard moving to 10 gigabit Ethernet across the world, even in regions that are lagging behind in IT like the Middle East, a standard and solid network cabling system is essential.
A central patch panel forms the hub and each modular connection is attached as required, through a network switch or to an IP or PBX telephone system patch panel.
If the line is patched as a data port into a network it requires relatively simple straight-through patch cables at each end for computer access. In most countries, though, connections to a PBX exchange require an adapter at the remote end to connect to the telephone wall socket. That includes the UK.
All eight conductors in Cat5/5e and Cat 6 cables must be connected, which prevents the use of one cable for voice and data unless there is an IP phone system that can use one line for both. Of course the cables can follow the same pathway and they should in a properly developed cabling structure, but separate connections are required.
Structured cabling is generally separated into five subsystems
1. Demarcation Point
The demarcation point is where the telephone company network ends and the structured cabling system begins. It’s the point that the service provider effectively hands over to your company. Inevitably there will be connecting hardware and potentially circuit protection and transition hardware at this point.The demarcation point can be overhead, or underground. Aerial entry normally provides the lowest installation cost, but these entries are often joint-use installations. Backbone cabling then connects the demarcation point to the telecommunications rooms. Inter and intra building backbone cabling handles the major network traffic.
2. Telecommunications Rooms
The telecommunications rooms house consolidation points that serve the users and there is often one per floor in a typical building.3. Vertical/Riser Cabling
Vertical or riser cabling, which is also known as the vertical backbone pathway, connects the telecommunications rooms.4. Horizontal/Inside Cabling
Horizontal or Inside Cabling connects the rooms to individual outlets on each floor.5. Work Area Components
Finally work area components connect end-user equipment to outlets of the horizontal cabling system.Structured cabling is governed by international standards produced by ISO/IEC, CENELEC and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). ISO and CENELEC are the accepted standards in Europe andISO11801 is the standard that most companies in the UK work to.
The benefits of standardisation include:
· Consistency of design and installation.· Compliance with physical and transmission requirements.
· A solid platform for system expansion and relative future proofing.
· Ease of diagnosis of problems.
A structured cabling solution is a serious undertaking, but one that brings major benefits and substantial savings. So if you’re at the start of a build, or even a major update, it pays to adopt a solid cabling structure now. It’s also worth thinking about future proofing whilst having the cabling system installed, so that it lasts decades, rather than just the next few years.
Need a cabling system but don’t know where to start? We design networks from scratch for businesses large and small.
I’ve been checking out this blog it’s been really helpful. I was not understanding what I was doing. But your blog helped me a lot. Thank you very much and all the best in future.
ReplyDeleteEnergy management services
Knowledge giving Article! I appreciate you. I completely agree with you. If we talk about current scenario then it is must be update. I enjoyed reading. I would like to visit more for more queries.
ReplyDeleteUK IT Distribution
You've posted a very informative post here. This article provided me with some useful knowledge Network Cabling Services Houston. Thank you for sharing that. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDelete