What Is Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling refers to any infrastructure that uses a number of standardised cabling elements. It can (and often does) include cables, computers, phones, printers and all other essential hardware that makes up an office/business network. Structured cabling is a more organised approach than conventional wiring and will manage the cabling for your entire infrastructure. It has the benefits of not only being neat and tidy but also incredibly easy to maintain and service.

What makes up Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling is governed by a set of standards that outline how cabling should be laid, what type of cabling is to be used (such as Cat5, Cat6, fibre optic, etc.) and the different topologies that apply. This is achieved using a central patch panel through which each outlet can be connected into a network switch, IP or PBX.

While your system will, of course, be bespoke and tailored to your company needs and requirements, it is still important that it adheres to these principles in order to adhere to the standards and ensure the best possible structured cabling solution.

Benefits of Structured Cabling

Not only does a structured cabling installation system make life easier for the business, but it has a number of additional benefits including:

• Cost Effective – Structured cabling ensures that your network will be scalable and flexible to any demands that your business may place upon it. It future proofs your system and gives you peace of mind that your infrastructure will not become outdated as your business expands.

• Reduced Downtime – With traditional wiring, there is a far greater chance of human error, with wiring stretched across the office. Such a disorganised infrastructure leads to faults which can be complex and expensive to resolve. Structured cabling allows for simple fault detection and quick and easy repair.

• Simple to Upgrade – Rather than having to spend hours running new wiring through an office and working out what is connected and to where, with structured cabling, it is simply a case of connecting your new appliance into the hub and you are ready to go.

• Increased Office Safety – The replacement of messy wiring will mean that your office becomes a safer environment. Electrical fires, trips and falls are also far less likely with a structured cabling setup.

• The Internet of Things – As the modern workplace evolves more and more of the everyday devices we rely on are becoming part of what is known as the Internet of Things. With an ever-growing number of IoT devices, it’s increasingly important that your network is compatible and capable of handling them. With a structured cabling system, it is far easier to ensure that your network will be able to take advantage of the Internet of Things, allowing for the proper cybersecurity, energy management and the automation of additional business operations.

Structured cabling systems have become ever more popular and are now seen in the majority of well run office spaces. Office infrastructure has come a long way since people began moving away from traditional wiring systems and, if installed with foresight, structured systems will outlive older networks by many years.

In essence, structured cabling has simply become an essential component of any successful business network.