Structured Data Cabling
STRUCTURED DATA CABLING
Structured cabling is a type of infrastructure that supports the performance of a building cabling system or network. It is the medium that binds all PCs, phones and other devices used within the business. Networked and interconnected copper ethernet, fiber optic, coaxial, and telephone cabling that provides a reliable and versatile solution to a wide range of communication needs.
The importance of organized cabling systems vary from business to business, but for the vast majority, it can ensure a highly reliable and cost effective network infrastructure that will handle your communications needs for years to come. Below, we explore in depth, the benefits of structured network cabling and why your business could benefit from our specialist network and cabling service here at SuperTech.
Technology is a constantly changing and ever evolving discipline, sometimes changing faster than you could ever be aware. These new tools can make businesses more productive, secure, and agile. However, these tools need the right network to support them.
Structured cabling is an infrastructure that’s made up of smaller, standardized elements. You can install structured cabling systems in a building or across a campus. It’s this kind of network cabling that can support all of the rapidly advancing technology coming to the workplace.
Since the advent of personal computers, the introduction of laptops and VoIP calling systems, the demand on business cable networks has only expanded. In the past, point-to-point cabling was used, which meant every piece of hardware used its own cable. The cabling literally ran from point to point. This would lead to a jumbled mess of wiring and cables that could be accidentally disconnected or present a safety hazard for service personnel. To accommodate the rising need for speed and more bandwidth, structured cabling systems came into use and are now the best solution for a business network.
Structured cabling systems are a kind of network cabling solution that organizes your building infrastructure. The main advantage of structured cabling is that it helps to provide the future security of your business by accommodating any new hardware you add, while also supporting the increasing amount of data that businesses use every day. It makes things much easier to manage as your business expands.
To help you understand structured cabling systems, we’re taking a deep dive into what they are, how they work, and how you can use structured cabling systems at your business to maximize your ROI. (Return On Investment)
FUTURE PROOF INVESTMENT
By far one of the most significant benefits of a structured cabling system is the high bandwidth, which makes it a reliable infrastructure for supporting business growth. In today’s competitive business world, having adaptable IT that is scalable and can respond quickly to industry changes is vital. In order to retain existing customers and continuously acquire new ones, businesses need a data center that supports the quick and easy development and deployment of new services. With structured cabling, you can rest assured your network infrastructure won’t become outdated and will support all emerging applications as your business grows.
SIMPLICITY
By far one of the most significant benefits of a structured cabling system is the high bandwidth, which makes it a trustworthy skeleton for supporting business growth. In present-s competitive business world, having adaptable IT that’s scalable and can respond fast to sedulousness changes is vital. In order to retain subsisting punters and continuously acquire new bones, businesses need a data center that supports the quick and easy development and deployment of new services. With structured cabling, you can rest assured your network skeleton won-t wax outdated and will support all surfacing uses as your business grows.
COST EFFECTIVE
Structured data cabling is a cost- effective result to the smooth superintendence of your business. The scalable and considerably flexible network will hand a uninterrupted outpouring of information and will be qualified to manage with the high demands placed on it. This in turn will boost productivity and drive business success. One simple cabling system also reduces power and sustentation costs, and eliminates the time and plutocrat spent on locating and reforming any issues.
ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY
A structured cabling system provides an enhanced level of flexibility – helping to improve performance and drive business growth. This is because it can quickly and easily accommodate moves, adds and changes, which dramatically reduces installation time and ensures optimum adaptability to any network infrastructure changes. The flexibility also makes the system easy to take apart and move to a new office location.
REDUCED RISK OF DOWNTIME
There is a risk of human error and mistakes being made with multiple and unorganized cabling structures, which can cause workflow disruption and network downtime. As mentioned, a well planned and documented cabling system also means easier troubleshooting. It is much faster to identify and correct problems quickly.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STRUCTURED CABLING
In fast pace work environments, businesses are relying more and more on data applications on their networks such as voice, data, and video. The infrastructure that supports this communication technology needs to be in proper working order.
While the structured cabling system represents a small portion of the overall network investment, it can represent nearly 80% of network efficiency. It is also the technical foundation upon which organizations are built.
Most networks that we encounter are running at 10/100 megabit per second speed, which is very slow for the amount of network bandwidth applications require today. Many of our customers are upgrading their networks to the new standard of 1 Gigabit (1000MB) networking and others are considering 10 Gig speeds for future needs.
WHAT DOES STRUCTURED CABLING LOOK LIKE?
To answer that question, I would use the word “structured”. Properly planned, installed, labeled, tested, and maintained. Structured cabling is an organized approach to cabling infrastructure.
In a structured cabling system, a series of patch panels and trunks are used to create a structure that allows for hardware ports to be connected to a patch panel at the top of the rack. That patch panel is then connected to another patch panel via trunk cabling (multi fiber or high speed copper assemblies designed for high speed and high bandwidth interconnections) in the MDF (Main Distribution Facility).
The MDF is the key aspect of structured cabling. This is where all the MAC’s (Moves, Adds, and Changes) can be made with short length patch cords.
IDF’s are the intermediate building closets that secure the additional rack switch and interconnection equipment.
What Are the Benefits of Structured Cabling?
Structured is the key word here. With an organized, top quality structured cabling system the benefits are:
- System Equipment moves, adds, and changes are much easier due to the fact that they are done in the MDF and IDF versus running long patch cords from MDF equipment racks to individual equipment.
- Potential for downtime is reduced as the potential for error is drastically reduced due to this organization.
- Time savings; cable and port tracing becomes much easier with a structured cabling system. This logical, organized approach not only makes changes easier, but it saves you time, which ultimately saves you money.
- Aesthetics; Never underestimate the looks! A structured cabling system will look much cleaner than a point-to-point method. Since the changes are made in the MDF/IDF , versus at the hardware. (such as Access Points, Security Cameras, etc.) The hardware can be cabled and not rewired in most cases. This allows the cabling in front of the switch racks to remain aesthetically pleasing with proper cable management procedures.
reference sources : https://www.supertechpro.com/ , cablexpress.com, datalinetechnologies.com, leadingedgetech.co.uk, telco.com, https://www.giganetpro.com/
SuperTech is FCC certified and can provide Consulatation Services, as well as affordable premise cabling solutions for your Commercial Business applications.