Structured cabling is the organized collection of copper or fiber wiring and other components in walls, conduits, ceilings, and more that connect your IT hardware, such as computers, printers, security cameras, copiers, and entry access points. It’s the foundation for an efficient and dependable network.
A well-designed cabling system can also offer scalability and flexibility. It allows for easy additions and relocations of devices without disrupting the entire infrastructure.
What Is Structured Cabling?
Structured cabling is a standard network wiring solution that helps businesses set up data communication systems in a centralized infrastructure. Unlike point-to-point cabling, which uses jumper cables to connect devices, structured cable systems replace them with high-volume backbones that can be connected to multiple predetermined distribution points.
The physical infrastructure includes a telecommunications room (TR), cable trays, patch panels, and racks. The work-area components are the user devices like computers, phones, and printers. A properly designed and installed structured cable system reduces the potential for human error, provides redundancy, allows for higher bandwidth, and makes troubleshooting easier. It also supports a variety of technologies and applications like VoIP, security cameras, and audiovisual services. It works with legacy equipment like alarm systems and credit card POS terminals.
Why Is Structured Cabling Important?
The standardized structure of structured cabling makes it easier for businesses to expand their network as they add hardware and technology. It also allows for the future adoption of new features like fiber optic cabling.
This is especially important for businesses with many devices, such as data networks, alarm systems, and paging/music/pa systems. The unstructured method of connecting each piece of equipment with jumper cables is challenging to troubleshoot and can lead to expensive hardware upgrades in the future.
Additionally, healthcare facilities rely on structured cabling for fast, reliable connectivity to databases, patient records, and telemedicine and telehealth applications. This helps them keep patients and staff safe while allowing doctors to provide quality care from home or the office.
What Are the Benefits of Structured Cabling?
You may give it little thought, but you rely on a complex network cabling Nashville and cabling systems daily. Structured cabling systems enable you to send data, voice, audio, and alarm signals quickly, securely, and efficiently.
They also offer more reliability and speed than wireless networks, making them an excellent option for business communication platforms. They can even support new technologies like fiber optic cables, which can handle higher bandwidth applications and data transfer rates.
Additionally, structured cabling is a cost-efficient solution that saves you time and money in the long run. It is easy to maintain and troubleshoot, allowing for a quick upgrade or expansion without needing to rewire your entire network. It is also future-proof, meaning you can upgrade or add to your system quickly and effectively over the years.
How Does Structured Cabling Work?
Unlike point-to-point cabling, which connects each piece of hardware to its cable, structured cabling organizes telecommunications infrastructure with patch panels and trunk cables. If a problem arises, you won’t have to sort through a messy mess of cables to find the one you need to troubleshoot. In addition, a structured cabling system allows you to add new technology without worrying about the rest of your network being compromised.
Plus, structured wiring is neat and organized (as opposed to a bunch of tangled wires). This gives your business a put-together look that reflects well on you and your clients. And it also follows regulations and standards that ensure safety, efficiency, and future-proofing. Ultimately, it will give your company the competitive advantage to thrive.
Where Can I Get Structured Cabling Installed?
A structured cabling company will design a low-voltage wiring system for an individual building or facility. This will consider the interior space’s structure and floor plan, the current workforce’s needs and workflow, and plans for future growth to ensure optimum function and maximum utility.
Security systems like access control and surveillance require a lot of cable connections. With a structured cabling solution, these cables can get tangled in a more organized manner. This can lead to lengthy network troubleshooting times and lost productivity.
Structured cabling standards make it easier to resolve issues with connectivity and provide a more even bandwidth, allowing you to get work done faster.
