Structured Network Cabling
Patch Pannel
What defines a Structured Cabling System?
A structured network cabling system (SCS) is the critical foundation of the local area network (LAN) and supports the integration of wide area network services into the organization, such as data, voice, fax and internet, at the demarcation point.
Structured Cabling Components
- Structured or Horizontal Cabling
- Patch Panels, Wall Mounts, Racks
- Surface Mount, Wall Plate, Patch Cables
- Backbone Cabling, Suite-to-Suite, Wireless Point-to-Point
- Cable Management, Trays and Runners
Structured cabling systems must be designed to provide a flexible, easily managed and adaptable system for the support of voice and data services.
Installation Good Practice
In addition to Data and Computer standards, building regulations require compliance with Fire Codes. A qualified network cabling installer must understand and employ these standards.
When to use Fire Optic cable
Fibre optic cabling is typically used to transmit higher bandwidth applications where data needs to travel long distances (greater than 90 metres) and is usually employed to provide a “backbone” to interconnect several distribution points. Fibre Optic cabling would be needed in a network that spread over a large site where several buildings share a common data network.
When to use Wireless
Wireless connections are becoming more popular as more and more devices such as phones, tablets, laptop computers and presentation projectors access the corporate network. When installing a large wireless network, we recommend unified solutions where multiple access points work in unison and are interconnected using Cat 5e cabling.
For wireless Point-to-Point we recommend Ubiquity wireless Bridges for distances up to 20 kilometres.
How big does my cabling system need to be?
Structured cabling systems are sized in terms of a number of outlets for a given workstation or office. A typical office might have 2 outlets; one each for phone and data. Other considerations must include printing, scanning and wireless access points.
It is best practice that provisions be made for future network expansion when sizing the cabling system and an allowance made for additional outlets to cope with technology, such as projectors, wireless access points, etc. It is significantly more expensive to retroactively install additional cabling.