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How does structured cabling improve the performance of a network?

Companies are increasingly looking to technology to differentiate from their competitors. Communication with customers, whether by email, social media, or traditional voice channels offers a real opportunity to boost competitive advantage.
As such, companies are investing in Structured Cabling to ensure that their networks can stand up to the demands of their user base and deliver a great customer experience.

What is Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling refers to the standardised system of wiring within a building that supports various communication technologies such as telephones, computers, and security systems. It provides a cohesive infrastructure for data and voice transmission, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and scalability. By organising cables into a unified framework, structured cabling simplifies maintenance and upgrades, facilitating smooth connectivity across various devices and locations.

Technologies that work over Structured Cabling

  1. PC’s / Computers
  2. Telephones / VoIP
  3. Access Control
  4. CCTV
  5. Televisions and Displays
  6. Projectors
  7. Printers
  8. Wifi
  9. Mobile Phone Boosters
  10. EPOS / Tills

What are the components of Structured Cabling?

As the phrase implied, the cabling network is “Structured” and therefore standards and similar layouts are often seen and designed in mind.
There are 6 components of every structured cabling installation. However, in some cases individual elements will be encompassed in the same room or facility.
Structured cabling includes key components like patch panels, network switches, cables (such as twisted pair and fibre optic), wall sockets, and cable management systems. These elements work together to create a robust infrastructure for data and telecommunications, enabling efficient connectivity and simplified management.

6 Components of Structured Cabling

  1. (EF) The Entrance Facility – This is where the incoming broadband or lines come into the building and are terminated
  2. (ER) Equipment Room or Communications Room – The main cabinets for the building where the core technology is housed. In many cases the EF is in the same room
  3. (TR) Telecommunications Room or (TE) Telecommunications enclosure. – The sub cabinets around the building linked to the main ER
  4. Backbone Cabling – When a building has cabinets in more than one location, backbone cabling is used to link those cabinets. In most cases this will be via fibre optic cabling
  5. (WA) Work Area – The working space where employees, meeting rooms etc are located. A single desk is usually a work area
  6. Horizontal cabling – The network cabling from the cabinets to the work areas. For example, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8 cabling.

In a small installation a building may only have an equipment room, work areas and horizontal cabling. The EF will be inside the equipment room and with no telecommunication rooms there will be no backbone cabling

Data Cabling – Horizontal Cabling

Data cabling is the infrastructure that connects computers and other nodes throughout your company and it is therefore a key, but sometimes overlooked, part of your IT landscape.

As companies gradually turn to software and internet hosted applications, the speed and quality of your internal networks can have a serious impact on the productivity and performance of your workforce. A structured Cabling network can carry high bandwidth which will be able to support new applications and will not become quickly out-dated.

We live in a world where we are increasingly connected and reliant on our technology, and in some situations Wi-Fi, or mobile connectivity simply does not offer the required level of speed or resiliency. With continued rapid changes in technology, it is important that you examine your structured cabling solutions.

With technology moving on so fast you also need to make sure the network cabling you install is up to the requirements of your current technology and your future expansion needs.

The cabling standards for cabling include

Copper Cables
  1. Cat5e
  2. Cat6
  3. Cat6a
  4. Cat7
  5. Cat8

We have created a further article that explains the differences in all the network cabling systems and can be found here Cat5e v Cat6, v Cat7 v Cat8

Fibre optic Cabling
  1. Om1 Multimode
  2. Om2 Multimode
  3. Om3 Multimode
  4. Om4 Multimode
  5. Om5 Multimode
  6. OS1 Singlemode

We have created a specific knowledge centre on fibre optic cabling here

Structured Cabling

Structured Cabling can replace various wiring systems with a single, unified system that can transmit data in any format, from voice to video. Many forms of device can be connected whether it be PC, telephone or fax, it is sufficient to use the appropriate adapter.

What are the advantages of a structured cabling system?

A structured cabling system will allow for rapid updated and maximum performance at all times. Investment in your network infrastructure will ensure the best performance, with minimal downtime over the longest period of time.

Data Cabling Case Studies

No two cabling projects are the same, as each will have its own technicalities and nuances. While much of the technology that underpins data cabling has become standardised and commoditised, it is important to find an overall solution that is tailored to meet your needs.

Structured Cabling systems allow you to make moves and changes in a matter of minutes. Whether it is a simple change of desks or an entire office reorganization involving moving floors, simply plug-in and get back to work with minimum disruption. The intrinsic flexibility of structured cabling systems can save time and money.

As a Data cabling specialist, NM Cabling Solutions has experience implementing structured cabling projects across a wide range of areas, ranging from corporate solutions to Luxury yachts. Our Structured Cabling case studies can help you to understand the importance of cabling as part of the overall IT solution, and highlight some of the opportunities that may be available to you.

Case Studies on Network Cabling

Tower of London – Poppy AppealThe 2014 Poppy Appeal at the Tower of London was one of the iconic events of the year, with visitors flocking from all over the world to catch a glimpse. NM Cabling used a mix of Cat6 and fibre optic cabling to connect Wi-Fi units around the moat, allowing visitors to log on and learn more about the appeal.

Avtrade Global Aviation Component Support – This data cabling case study highlights how multiple systems in the corporate environment are reliant on structured cabling, from traditional telecommunications, through to CCTV, door entry and PA systems.

The Wellesley Yacht Completed ProjectAs part of the refurbishment of the Wellesley Yacht, NM Cabling installed Cat6 cabling throughout to support a state of the art television and audio system.

Click here for more network cabling case studies

Cabling Summary

As the above examples show, in order to achieve optimal performance from you investment in technology, it is important that you focus sufficient attention on the network infrastructure that binds it all together.

The trend of interconnectedness is set to explode over the next few years, with an increasing array of devices requiring network access to harness their full potential. The information economy will thrive on the data points that these devices share.

The right cabling solution, designed and installed for your requirements will keep you one step ahead of your competitors by ensuring that your network is greater than the sum of its parts.

For more information or for a Free Structured Cabling audit speak to an expert now.

Contact NM Cabling  for a free cabling review or survey  01923 888588

Read more about the benefits of Structured cabling in our Knowledge Centre