Structured cabling means putting cables in a building correctly according to global rules. It makes a network that is organized and works well. Following these rules ensures the LAN works excellently and we can talk easily everywhere in the building.
What is the Structured Cabling in Computer Networks?
We need cables, pipes, connectors, tags, spaces, and devices to make a telecom system work. These things are essential for creating a good network. They help us have a solid and efficient communication system that works well. Specific rules govern the function and assembly of the materials used in the cables.
Using structured cabling has many good things to offer. Organizing the cables according to the rules makes the system flexible, easy to manage, and capable of growth. It helps companies communicate better and use technology more efficiently.
Structured cabling is a bunch of cables that send signals all around buildings. The package offers various cables: copper wires, fiber optic cables, connectors, adapters, and blocks.
It sends signals from one central system to different places in a building. This network uses a mix of copper wires, fiber optic cables, blocks, connectors, and adapters to ensure the signals go where they need to go.
This kind of cabling makes moving people and things around easy. The cabling system in a building can work with many different communication devices without needing to make changes. It’s also simple to add more widgets later on. This cabling’s flexibility enhances diverse needs, communication, and management efficiency.
When a building or LAN is designed with rules and in an organized way, it works well. It will also help us use new technology in the future. This means that it keeps working for a long time and can change with new things.
Wiring can be complicated, especially in prominent places like tall buildings. To make structured networking easier, we have to think about some rules. These rules help make sure the network works well. You must divide the LAN, use the right cable length, ensure the signal is good, and follow the rules for different types.
Structured Horizontal Cabling
Structured horizontal cabling is a way to connect different rooms in a building using special rules. These rules make sure the connection is strong and works well. Protecting the cables using plastic pipes or grooves in the ceiling is essential.
Changing the horizontal wiring can be expensive, so it’s essential to plan it carefully. A good layout makes maintaining and moving things around in the rooms easy. We should also consider other building systems and future changes when designing the wiring. It helps us have a network that works well and can change when needed.
A star-shaped wiring system connects all the rooms to a central point. This setup makes sure the communication within the network is good. The distance between the leading end and the space should be 90 meters. Measure the distance from the cables’ termination to their connection point within the room. Following this guideline helps ensure that LAN communication is reliable and efficient.
Structured Vertical Cabling
Vertical wires connect different rooms in a building, like entrances, areas with equipment, and places with phones. It helps us communicate all around the building and connect with other regions.
The backbone cabling includes cables, particular ports, and connections. It connects different telecommunication cabinets and the central equipment room. It’s also good to have separate setups for phones and data.
We can improve the network or make it newer when we need to change the web. It saves money and makes things more accessible for people in the building. The telephone wiring usually uses a cable with many pairs of wires.
We consider how big the equipment is to decide how to set up the data connection. The LAN has cabinets in the middle where we keep the devices, which look like a star shape.
Structured Data Backbone
In the structured cabling process, we can use UTP cables or fiber optics to strengthen the data connection. Therefore, we prefer special UTP cables called category 5 or 6 to build a cable network. We connect the wires from each cabinet to the central cabinet, which is like the main center. It helps all the cabinets connect well and makes the LAN work great.
People usually use unique cabinets with lids for this. The cabinets are about 50 centimeters deep, 2 meters tall, and 19 inches wide.
Structured Telecommunication Room
A telecom room is a special place in a building where we keep the equipment for communication. Its main job is to connect cables that go across and up and down. We use wires to connect the equipment in different directions. But it’s essential to follow the TIA/EIA-569 rules.
Service Room
The room has cables, things we need to connect, and devices to keep them safe. It’s a central place where we take care of the network. We ensure everything is secure and follows the TIA/EIA-569/A rules.
When getting the room ready, we must be careful with the cables. We shouldn’t put too much pressure on them or bundle them too tightly. Also, we should avoid bending the cable bundles at sharp angles, like 90 degrees, when putting them in.
Grounding System
The grounding system is essential for the cables. The cabinet needs to connect to the central grounding for communication.
Sometimes, the plans include a particular ground channel. Designers make special boxes for specific circuits. The ground wires are always connected safely to the ground.
Signal Attenuation
When signals travel long distances, they can become weaker and distorted. It happens because of the limits of the network. When the signal gets more vulnerable, it can affect the quality of the information we receive.
To fix this, we can use repeaters to make the LAN bigger. It helps prevent errors and make sure the signal gets through well. We can also use a test signal and a particular device to measure the signal strength.
Signal Capacitance
Capacitance measures cable energy. Signal distortion occurs due to capacitance. A cable length or thin insulation worsens the distortion.
We can use special testers to measure the capacitance and check the cable’s suitability.
Structured Cabling and Latency in Networks
When the signal mixes with noise from other lines, it can cause problems. The signal can become weaker and closer to the noise level. Different frequencies in the signal can make the timing of the information wrong.
To solve this, we can reduce the cable length and use unique measurements to check if everything works well. The cable used for data transmission must have a certain level of impedance. It’s essential to have a strong signal that is louder than the noise.
The most significant noise source in cables is other office equipment like computers and phones. These things can interfere with the signals.