Structured cabling

Cable systems have witnessed a quantum change over decades. Once it was just two-pair or four-pair copper wires connecting the main device with components. Nowadays, those have given way to futuristic connectivity. The cable systems carrying high-speed data and voice signals have become part of the new infrastructure.

Standardization is the key aspect of every system. A standardized structure is vital for interchangeability, scalability, integration of new systems, the embodiment of modifications etc.

The evolution of the cabling systems also necessitated standardized connections, cables, and components. The copper, coaxial, and fibre cables required standardized connectors to establish a seamless cabling system.

Evaluating the standardization needs, the American National Standards Institute, along with the Telecommunication Industry Association in the US has formulated a set of standards. The ANSI/ TIA-568 standard, thus introduced, comprises guidelines, specifications, dimensions and specific advice for commercial, residential and industrial cabling systems.

The structured cabling is based on this standard. It has six components that define the framework, cable installation process, and other relevant measures. The six components of structured cabling are:

• Entrance Facilities
• Equipment Room
• Backbone Cabling
• Telecommunication Room
• Horizontal Cabling
• Work Area

Let’s look into the other aspects of structures cabling in the subsequent sections.

We have seen what the six components of structured cabling are. Now let’s examine in detail each of those components.

1. Entrance Facilities – Entrance facilities indicate the telecommunication service entering your premises through an opening on the wall. The service from the telecom provider or local area network would be routed through a conduit and connected to the devices inside the premises, room, or building.
2. Equipment Room – The equipment room would house all the servers, PBXs, patch panels, network switches etc. This is the space where the supply from the entrance facilities is connected to the designated devices. Considering the sensitivity of the systems, the equipment room should be dust-free and temperature/ humidity-controlled. Guidance from the equipment manufacturer or vendor may be obtained regarding the atmospheric conditions in the equipment room. An improperly maintained room can affect the performance and life of the devices.
3. Backbone Cabling – Backbone cabling is normally installed on vertical channels or risers. Therefore backbone cabling is also called riser cabling. The cables are then connected to each floor. As the name indicates, backbone cabling is the vital link between Entrance Facilities and telecommunication devices, between Equipment Rooms, and between different carrier spaces. The subsystems of backbone cabling are Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling Subsystem 3.
4. Telecommunications Room and Telecommunications Enclosure – TRs and TEs are environment-controlled spaces. TE indicates a dedicated room, where hardware and backbone cables terminate.  TR may be an assigned section, from a large room, for the said purpose. Local cables, patch cords, and patch panels are used for connecting different cables.
5. Horizontal Cabling – Horizontal cabling is for serving the telecommunication resources to the users’ workspaces.  The horizontal cabling would run from the user’s device to the nearest TR, and the maximum approved cable length for horizontal cabling is 295 ft.
6.  Work Area – The work area is the final point in the structured cable system. Normally, the connection from a wall outlet or jack would connect the telecom network to the user’s device.

Structured Cabling has been one of the most-opted cabling systems. Especially due to its simple installation process and effective functioning. It is proven ideal also for the latest IoT system as well.

Structured cabling acquired wide acceptance owing to several of its productive characteristics.

• Simplified installation process
• Cost-effective and quick laying out and setting up of the cable system
• Feasible to connect a large variety of telecommunication devices, data solutions and voice systems
• Standardized equipment, components and spares including cables and connectors. Making it advisable for both residences and multi-storeyed organizations
• Quick and effective defect identification and defect rectification process, by using a standard equipment

Similar to the reasons we stated above, structured cabling has many benefits, which make it preferable for every entity. Residential buildings, industrial units and large commercial establishments can opt for structured cabling and get the telecom connectivity in a lesser time than the others do.

• Easy installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting
• Budget-friendly cabling system
• Really quick installation
• Exceptional adaptability
• Interchangeability
• Scalability

These factors make structured cabling the best suited for all.