Network cabling is a complex term in the world of cabling and is used around often. However, not much is explained about what it really means in a simple language. Once in a while, you must have come across technical jargon that was not easy to comprehend.
Structured cabling refers to the standardized architecture and components for a cabling mechanism as specified by the regulatory bodies. This standard is followed by the manufacturers for ensuring interoperability.
Also See: Best Ethernet Cable
What is Structured Network Cabling?
Structured cabling is defined as an assembly of telecommunications cabling setup that comprises of standardized smaller components. A well designed and set up cabling infrastructure is capable of delivering predictable performance. It also has the flexibility for accommodating additions as well as changes. Furthermore, it maximizes system availability and provides redundancy. It simply enhances the usability of the cabling system for future purposes.
A structure is usually developed using sequences of trunks and patch panels. It ensures connections from hardware ports to the panel. This, in turn, is linked to another panel by a trunk in the Main Distribution Area (MDA). This region is the most crucial component in structured cabling. It offers a designated area for making all the moves, changes, and add-ons by using patch cords.
Subsystems of structured cabling system
A structured cabling system generally comprises of six key subsystems.
- Entrance facility
This facility comprises network demarcation point, joining gear, safety equipment, cables, etc. that get connected with the on-premises cabling.
- Equipment room
This is a centralized location that houses equipment and consolidation points for wiring. It serves users within the campus or building.
- Telecommunications enclosure or room
This facility houses cable terminations, equipment, distribution frames, and cross-connects. Every building has at least one such enclosure.
- Backbone cabling
This is also referred to as wringing or vertical cabling. It offers a common interface for telecommunications rooms, equipment areas, and entrance areas. This type of cabling is usually done from floor to floor. It is also done between buildings. The equipment can be connected with cables of no more than 30m.
- Horizontal cabling
This implies to cabling between the cross-connect in the enclosure and the cabling between the information outlets. It comprises a horizontal cable, consolidation points, jumpers, and patch cords. Both the fiber optic cable and the Ethernet cable are taken from this unit.
- Work area
This is the region where work area components are utilized for connection communication outlets with end-user equipment.
Why rely on structured cabling?
The structured cabling system can ensure a systematic way of structuring the cables used rather than resulting in a jungle of wiring. This ensures that the cables can carry increased data at a higher rate. Structuring the entire cable network plays a crucial role in communication infrastructure. Click to learn more about the importance of a structured cabling system. Here are some of the benefits of using structured cabling.
- Is cost-effective
Structured cabling is nothing but simplification and organization of the cabling system. It can lower maintenance costs and reduce power. It also avoids expenditure on location and rectification of cables.
- Lowers downtime risk
There is always a risk of human error while managing unorganized and multiple cabling structure. These can result in network downtime and flow disruptions. Structured cabling is more organized and is easier to identify. This further lowers the risk of downtime.
- Saves time
A structured cable network can easily accommodate add-ons, moves, and changes in a quick manner. It saves maintenance as well as installation time.
- Aesthetics
A structured cabling system is much cleaner than any other method. As the changes are done in the MDA, repairs or rectifications can be done without touching the hardware. This further ensures the cabling in front of the switch to appear aesthetically pleasing.
You can opt for service providers for Newscom cabling in Melbourne and have a structured system. This will make it a lot easier for you to manage any changes in the system if required.
Risks of not turning to a structured cabling system
There are several disadvantages of not turning to a structured cable network.
- Increased downtime
If your cabling infrastructure is messy, then the chances of making mistakes while repairing can be high. Also, making connections in the wrong ports due to a messy network can make things further worse. Removing and fixing an issue in a single cable from a mess of tangled cables can be a stressful task. This can lead to channel and network errors within the hardware due to the difficulty of tracing the network.
- Airflow
The sides of the switch can become congested with the bulk of cables when a point-to-point method is employed. This can further impede the airflow that is necessary for the switch to operate. This also contributes to underfloor cooling. Any congestion due to cables in the space can hinder the airflow in the computer room air conditioning unit and can result in further cooling issues.
In summary
Having a structured network cabling can offer numerous advantages. Apart from improving the aesthetics, it makes it a lot easier for making changes and including add-ons. It further lowers downtime as the human error is drastically reduced owing to a structured cabling system.
All these things translate into time savings as tracing ports and cables becomes much easier by relying on a network cabling system. This organized and logical approach not only makes it easier to implement changes but also saves you time.
