Some might associate the term ‘structured cabling’ with neat, organized wires, but it is far more than just an organizational model. It is a hardware and cabling system, that enables better data flow and IT resource sharing.
A structured cabling system is meant to help businesses run their networking tasks smoothly by providing a complete telecommunication infrastructure. This not only includes actual cables but everything that warrants a wireless or wired transferal of data. Connecting hardware, work areas, pathways, management tools, and equipment are all included in the process.
Structured cabling is used in various places, such as offices, manufacturing facilities, data centers, and more, and it lasts longer than any other IT infrastructure. If properly designed and well maintained it can help your company grow immensely.
Each cabling system has a unique overall infrastructural design, meaning no two systems are identical. This is due to variations in architectural designs, the system’s functions, the types of cables and products used, the system’s configurations, and even the user’s specific needs or wishes.
Despite these design variations, each infrastructure has to follow the standards of cabling design, installation, and documentation, to ensure proper system performance and reduce risks and costs. According to DominionTech Computer Services, a properly designed structured cabling system consists of six components. These include:
Horizontal Cabling
It includes cabling between the telecommunications room and the telecommunication outlets in work areas and runs horizontally above the ceiling or under the floor.
Backbone Cabling
It represents the main data channel between telecommunications and equipment rooms, entrance facilities, or buildings.
Telecommunications Room
This is where the equipment needed for connecting horizontal and backbone cabling is stored. Ideally, it should be located on the floor that uses its service.
Work Area
This area includes all of the components between the telecommunications outlet and endpoint equipment and is adapted for frequent changes.
Equipment Room
The systems stored in this room are more complex than those placed in the telecommunications room. They include servers, routers, switches, and more and it can either be separate from the telecommunications room or replace it completely.
Entrance Facility
This is the point of connection between the facility’s backbone cabling and the service provider’s equipment and cables.
What are the benefits of structured cabling?
– Simplicity
Structured cabling uses a single system, eliminating the need to use different kinds of devices or equipment at the same time. It is also extremely convenient when it comes to identifying and solving any possible network issues.
– Adaptability
These systems come with high bandwidth, meaning they can support any future applications without any interruptions of the current system.
– Less Downtime
If workers have to wait for the completion of network troubleshooting for too long, it can have a negative impact on their productivity, in turn hurting your business revenue. Since structured cabling ensures organization, it is much faster and easier to deal with network problems.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to installing structured cabling systems. They will not only save you time and money, but also enable your networks to run smoothly, efficiently, and at high-speed.
Kim Marks 
Nicola Holder