What Are Structured Cabling Standards and Why Do We Need Them?

Structured cabling standards are an important tool that can help with the organization of cables and wires. It is associated hardware that contains a set of transmission items that can aid in managing your data system. It prevents cables and wiring from getting entangled and therefore obstructing the feed of electricity connected to these wires. In addition, when upgrades or updates are needed this system allows you to make the changes with minimal hazard to the infrastructure. This is essential for reliable and comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure such as computers and phones.

Why Every Structured Cabling System Is Unique

Every structured cabling is unique because its structure depends on the architecture of the building, the requirements said forth by the customer, and the equipment that will be supported by the cabling installation.

There are 6 components of structured cabling:

• The entrance facility: this is where the outside provider’s cabling meets your telecom wiring.
• The equipment room: This room must be secured for it stores sensitive telecom equipment and network hardware. The room acts as an intermediary between the entrance facility and the rest of the building.
• Backbone cabling: This is the wiring that connects the equipment room and telecom closet.
• Telecommunications room: They are the destination of your backbone cabling. The amount of these rooms will vary depending on the size of the premises.
• Horizontal cabling: These are the wires that connect the telecom rooms with the outlets.
• Workstation: This is where the actual equipment used will be plugged into the wall outlet.

Benefits of Structured Cabling Standards

There are numerous benefits to structured cabling, it is a poignant investment for the future. It is a cost-effective troubleshooting tool that will allow you to quickly identify issues connected to the network and troubleshoot them in record time which makes this an efficient work instrument. It is flexible and keeps your system running flawlessly. It is adaptable and easy to manage while offering you better communication throughout. Fiber structured cabling also offers a level of security that is unparalleled to the traditional point-to-point cabling of the past. The only drawback to this kind of system is the initial planning that is required in order to jump-start the structured cabling; a professional is required but all in all the benefits outweigh this point unequivocally. Learn more details here.

3 Main Structured Cabling Standards

There are 3 main categories for structured cabling standards that are noteworthy and have worldwide recognition. This creates a type of uniformed approach to structured cabling that is substantial.

ANSI/TIA-568

ANSI/TIA-568 is a structured cabling standard that was first introduced by TIA which stands for Telecommunications Industry Association which played an integral role in standardizing the cabling industry. In association with ANSI (American National Standards Institute), they facilitated the creation of a standard that would contain requirements, planning, and installation for commercial use. These standards disentangle the situation with guidance and interoperability from one organization to another to facilitate a more uniform approach.

This cabling standard was created for the interest of the public to avoid misconstruction and allow a more interchangeable approach for maximum results and minimum delay. This structured cabling standard is applicable for commercial use and multi-building inter-connected in a campus-like setting. It outlines the cabling types to be used, the distance covered, the cable system, connectors, cable installation, and methods to enhance productivity and performance.

ANSI/TIA-568-C

ANSI/TIA-568-C addresses a few components:

• Requirements for telecom systems are at a minimum
• The method of installation and network capabilities
• The standard of connectors and pins connected to the network
• Structured cabling system and how it connects to the network
• The purpose and definition of this type of cabling
• The distance covered by the different components
• The longevity of this system prior to an update or upgrade

ISO/IEC 11801

The International Standard Organization (ISO), in collaboration with the International Electronical Commission, has issued a generic cabling standard for commercial and international use.

The ISO/IEC 11801 addresses the following points:

• The specifics of general-purpose telecom cabling systems
• The many different applications of structured cabling
• The purpose for the specific structured wiring
• Data communication standards
• Control systems
• Whether the wiring is copper or fiber cabling

What Is The International Standard for Structured Cabling?

The international standard for structured cabling is the ISO/IEC 11801. This standard ensures that throughout the globe there is a basic standard that can be applied in a variety of situations, various places for a diverse list of reasons depending on the needs of every individual business while still abiding by a universal standard.

Why Do We Need These Standards?

We live in a global village; we communicate daily with one another and do business locally and abroad so it is only natural to assume that we should have a reliable telecom network and that can only really be achieved by a standardized international cabling system. Standardization is also important to ensure that our cabling systems will be acceptable worldwide for our needs on an international level are increasing exponentially. In addition, with time our wiring becomes more and more complex as we add more and more devices onto our networks. Structured cabling standards also reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions and in these times when we rely so greatly on our electrical equipment and network systems, having that security and knowing that there is a standard can be highly reassuring.

Conclusion

Whether you are competing in a global market or locally, having a standard for structured cabling can mean the difference between success and failure. In today’s hyper-competitive world, we can’t leave anything to chance. Structured cabling can help you and your business plant solid roots that then grow. There is no time to wait, follow this link to take that first step into the future.