Cabling systems allow machines to communicate with each other using various data formats. Structured cabling is one of the most popular and versatile cabling systems for commercial complexes. Let’s learn more about structured cabling and its subsystems.

The basics of structured cabling

Structured cabling refers to a system of cables and associated hardware for complete telecommunication infrastructure. Structured cabling is also known as campus or building communication infrastructure. It supports the transmission of audio, video, data, and management systems. In simple words, structured cabling systems are responsible for managing all communication in a campus or building, like an office space. It connects computer systems to each other as well as broadband networks.

There are six subsystems; let’s find out more about what each subsystem does.

The six subsystems of structured cabling

The subsystems of structured cabling are:

• Entrance Facilities
• Equipment Room
• Backbone Cabling
• Telecommunications Room
• Horizontal Cabling
• Work Area

Entrance facilities

The end of the service provider’s cabling lines marks the beginning of a structured cabling system. The entrance facility is the first point where a service provider’s connection enters a building or campus. Telecom service providers enter a building through an external wall with a conduit. Put simply; it’s the connection between the external access providers and the internal devices.

Equipment racks, hardware connections, power supply units, network connectors, patch panels, equipment shelves, lightning protection devices, and lightning shielding devices are all part of the entrance facilities.

Equipment room

The equipment room connects the entrance cabling to the building’s internal wiring system. Equipment rooms contain patch panels for backbone, intermediate, and horizontal cabling. It’s the centralized location for housing wiring consolidation units. Equipment rooms must be temperature and humidity regulated.

Backbone cabling

Also known as riser cabling, backbone cabling connects different floors of a building through vertical channels. It connects the equipment room, entrance facility, telecommunication room, and access provider. There are two subsystems of backbone cabling:

Cabling Subsystem : between the horizontal cross-connect (HC) and the intermediate cross-connect (IC)

Cabling Subsystem : between an intermediate cross-connect (IC) and the main cross-connect (MC)

Telecommunications Room

The termination of horizontal and backbone cables to connecting devices, including patch cords or jumpers, is done in a telecommunications room (TR). It could also include the IC or MC for various backbone cabling system components. Moreover, the TR offers a controlled setting for housing telecommunications apparatus, connecting hardware, and splice closures that serve a section of the structure.

Horizontal cabling

Horizontal cabling connects telecom resources from the TR to the user within the same floor. Horizontal cabling cannot exceed 295 feet between the TR and the user device.

Work Area

Work Area refers to the space between a connector in a wall outlet and a device connected via cable. It is where a structured cable system ends.

The benefits of a structured cabling system in the workplace

The key benefits of structured cabling systems are:

Improves manageability: Since structured cabling systems are divided into subsystems, managing each section is more manageable and takes less time.

Scalable: Structured cabling systems can be scaled as and when a business requires them. It’s a future-proof solution for businesses.

High bandwidth: Structured cabling systems offer higher bandwidth than older cables, making workplace operations fast and seamless.

Reduce downtime: Structured cabling systems eliminate downtime that can cost businesses thousands of dollars.

Easy troubleshooting: It’s easy to troubleshoot a structured cabling system since the components are separated, and engineers can work on each element at a time.

Cheaper in the long run: While structured cabling systems require an upfront investment, businesses end up saving much more than they spend due to advantages like easy troubleshooting and reduced downtime.

More and more businesses are opting for structured cabling systems due to these benefits. Have more questions? Contact Priority Networks Inc today!