What is Structured Cabling?
Your small business is becoming more connected to the web. With all modern business tools, such as VoIP systems, cloud services, and the Internet of Things, we are getting more done with less time. However, all these devices demand their share of your network to work efficiently.
This is where Structured Cabling starts playing a role. Unlike in traditional cabling, Structured Cabling is broken down into small, standardized parts. This division makes the network more scalable, resilient, and easily manageable.
In the past, when we needed fewer devices in the workspace, point-to-point cabling was the most popular option. That means each device had its own internet cable, which all ran into a patch panel or distribution device. The cabling got messier with each added device and made troubleshooting more complex.
Besides making troubleshooting harder, having a big bundle of messy cables can:
- Decrease the airflow needed by devices, causing them to overheat
- Become a fire hazard since cables can spark under pressure and catch fire
- Seriously complicate simple tasks, like switching out cables or devices
- Become a liability if someone trips over the cables, possibly breaking cables or equipment in the fall
What are the usual components of Structured Cabling?
Backbone Cabling
Backbone cabling handles most network traffic and connects either floors (intrabuilding cabling) or buildings (interbuilding cabling).
Entrance Facilities
An entrance facility is where all inside cabling connects to the external cables. The facility is considered the termination point for telecommunication cables, interbuilding cabling, and more.
Equipment room
The equipment room houses networking equipment, such as routers and switches. This room is also where the backbone cabling terminates.
Telecommunications Room
In this room, the backbone and horizontal cabling are terminated and connected to telecommunications equipment.
Horizontal cabling
Horizontal cabling helps connect individual workspaces (think cubicles) to the networking hub, like a telecommunications room. Usually, the horizontal cabling terminates in a patch panel where all the workspaces connect to.
Work area
The work area indicates a section with end-user devices (think cubicles with computers, phones, etc.) These are the end-points where horizontal cabling terminates.
What are the advantages of Structured Cabling compared to traditional cabling?
With the explosive rise of necessary network devices and cables, we needed a better way to categorize, structure, and clean up our systems. What worked 20 years ago will most likely not fly today, especially if you plan on expanding your business.
The benefits of using structured cabling are:
- Easy troubleshooting and infrastructure changes
Less time and money spent on figuring out issues or replacing/adding devices.
- Increased device life
Structured, clean cabling allows devices to have ample airflow, which helps them last longer. And you most likely won’t trip on a big bundle of cables, just eliminating the danger of damaging devices (or hurting yourself!)
- Simple scaling and flexibility
If you’re looking to add more employees or even departments to your business, it is convenient to add more devices to your structured system. Are you making changes to your business layout? It will be cheaper and much faster than with traditional cabling.
GET STARTED WITH STRUCTURED CABLING
1.
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2.
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3.
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