Technology is now advancing at high speeds we need to keep up. The new equipment, software, and apps are making business processes agile, secure, and more productive. For these tools and software to function better, they require networks.
Since a business consumes a vast network, it requires structured cabling for convenience to work better and add aesthetic value. To help you understand how this works, we’ve dug deeply into all information regarding structured cabling, which might help plan to set up this system for your business. Let’s jump right in.
What structured cabling means
Structured data cabling uses smaller, standardized elements to come up with a network structure in your business. All these are meant to support the current and incoming technologies in your business. Before then, people used point-to-point cabling to connect their computers, laptops, and even VoIP calling systems, which required a cable for each system. Such configuration created a lot of network wiring, which got unplugged or used too much space. Businesses that have advanced suffer this no more. Structured cabling is here to accommodate the rising number of devices, network speed, and increased bandwidth. They help to organize your network structure, accommodate new devices, and improve network flow and usage.
What Makes a Complete Structured Cabling?
Several elements add up to a complete structured data cabling. These components include:
1. Subsystems
Structured cabling doesn’t only mean having network cabling for your business. The cabling system runs on the whole building or campus, complete with different network points and dedicated areas. Other than cables, there are network cabinets, racks, hardware ports, and other essential parts leading to a flawless network connection. All these elements that make up a complete system are called subsystems. These subsystems include:
Entrance facilities: This is where the wiring starts and where the telephone line from Provider Company ends.
Equipment Rooms: It comprises a special room that houses data equipment or consolidation points
Backbone cabling: include intra-building and inter-building connections.
Horizontal cabling: consists of a network wiring that connects all communication rooms to work areas or outlets in the building.
Telecommunication room: The room connects the backbone cabling to horizontal cabling.
Work area components: These are connections between the network end-user and the horizontal cabling.
Installing this cabling, laying out the system, and designing requires expertise. It takes into consideration heating, cooling, airflow, and functioning to ensure flawless results. Working with a network cabling is recommended to ensure every process is installed and working efficiently.
2. Cables
There are different cables used in structured systems. Each has its function, but they work for a common goal. There are unique standards that are put in cabling to ensure they are easier to identify. It would be best to label all cables for faster identification. The installed cables depend on your requirements. Most of these are fiber or copper made, each with its specifications. The standard cables used include:
Fiber Optic Cable: They are almost like electric cables, only that they’re composed of optical fibers to transfer signals and images. They are manufactured using silica or plastic with plastic layers inside the cable. Most of these are used for long-distance or high-speed connections, including between campuses and buildings.
Twisted Pair Cable: These cables are for residential areas or smaller businesses. They are old-school and got used in telegrams or for radio signals. They are of two types; the shielded and unshielded twisted pair. The unshielded twisted cables are mostly used in computer and telephone networks.
Coaxial Cables: These carry high-frequency signals with minimum loss. Primarily used in installing cable TV, Broadband Internet, Telephone, Computer Data, and connecting radio transmitters and antennas.
What Makes a Structured Cabling System Work?
A complete structured data cabling network comes with three components for it to work, as explained below:
Patch Panels: The patch panel’s main task is to connect cables. They get attached to network racks and use cords to connect to switches. It’s a connection hub that bundles all connections to another network. For instance, a local area network (LAN) connecting to the internet.
Switches: A switch task is to receive, then process and send data. It connects to patch panels to enable you to connect devices to the internet and share data or access the internet.
Trunk Cables: These trunk cables connect to patch panels. They consolidate several wires from one panel to another. These are a group of wires into one huge cable that makes all connections organized and neat.
Uses of a Structured Cabling Systems
Point-to-point cabling is no longer applicable to large businesses and those advancing in network connections. Structured cabling systems have different uses, including the below:
Audio/Visual Connection: Most businesses are now having employees work remotely. Structured cabling solutions support conference calls and other streaming videos, and audio needs to keep everyone connected.
Fiber Optic Upgrades: Structured cabling supports fiber-optic upgrade for faster, reliable connection speeds. It helps accommodate cabling to provide you with a seamless connection.
Data Center Management: It provides the right layout and organization for your business data needs. With the suitable structures, you are assured of an organized connection that’s easy to move when relocating.
Distributed Antennae Systems: It supports antennae systems for WIFI, Mass notification, and all wireless coverage.
Network Cabling: With the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT), you will need to connect all your business gadgets to send and receive data. Structured cabling helps you achieve this and provides you with better connectivity, smart lighting, and efficient energy management.
Security: It helps secure your business by holding on to security systems, including CCTVS, Surveillance equipment, and wiring.
Benefits of Having a Structured Cabling System
Any business that uses more data in its operations requires a structured cabling system. Following are the benefits:
Cost-Effectiveness: New technologies are being released every day for businesses. to help you accommodate them as they arise, structured cabling enables you to accommodate them without incurring costs and spending much time in installing new systems.
Flexibility: With a structured Cabling System, you can quickly move, change, or add any hardware to the system. It enables you to upgrade your system whenever you want. The system can accommodate new cabinets, wireless access points, workstations, gadgets, and much more. When moving offices, you don’t need to worry about messing with connections. Everything stays intact.
Reliability: It helps in improving your business network speed, reliability, and performance. It supports data, audio, and video, enabling you to get the most out of your business network at no added cost. Your employees will enjoy a high-speed internet connection, which supports voice, video, and other media.
Having a structured cabling system installed in your business is the best decision you can make in modern-world technology. Besides having seamless connections, it helps you add gadgets and ensures your business has a reliable, high-speed internet connection at all times. It would be best to get an approved cabling company to do the installations to ensure the systems are installed as per the required standards.