Structured Data Cabling- its the heart of your businesses operations!
Copper Cabling, Category what? jack, crimp, patch lead- What are these things!
If your sitting at a computer somewhere, in an office, reading this article- the likelihood is that your connected to a structured cabling network and that's how your connected to the internet. Lets explain...
So what is it a structured network?
Effectively, its a cable that runs between hardware such as a computer and a network switch. In an effective network, each device attached should have its own cable running back to a central point. This could be as simple as 2-3 cables for a home office or up to 1000's of cables in places of business, hospitals and public spaces. The cabling should be installed by a licensed communications technician and depending on the size and scale of the job additional training may be required by the material suppliers to ensure that it is installed and tested to the highest standards.
Technology in this space has progressed massively since the early 90's where the very first structured networks were created with cat5 cable during the rise of the internet. We moved from Cat5 to Cat5e, to Cat 6, Cat6A and Cat7. Each is still in use for various applications from simple networks through to high speed links in data centers.
What are its limitations?
- Its only effective up to 90m, after which the speed drops significantly. If your cable run is longer this then you would need to install fibre optic links first- see the link HERE about that!
- The cabling needs to be selected based on the environment type- one type doesn't suit all
- if installed poorly your network will suffer latency and downtime.
What are its upsides?
- Its relatively quick to install
- The materials and components are comparatively cheap.
- it can be used in many applications and tailored to suit your need
- it allows many devices to be interconnected
What are the components of a structured cable network?
There are multiple parts, and its almost like Lego- it goes together, but there's a catch..
Whilst there are multiple suppliers around the world of structured network components, the majority of them are proprietary to their systems. So once you decide on a vendor, its important to use their equipment end to end.
Some common items within a data network are:
- Communications Rack- Where all the cabling originates from. It houses cabling, active network equipment and is the consolidation point
- Patch panel- each cable leaving the rack terminates onto patch panels, which are mounted within the rack.
- Cable Jack- the connector at each end of the cable that allows the wire within to be terminated and accessible for data transmission
- Patch lead- these plug into the jack at either end and run to the hardware (ie computer or network switch)
when all connected together they form a complete end to end structured link between two devices.
So who should install this cabling?
Licenced, comptent communications contractors. If you value having your business, team or home communications needs met, then dont skimp on network cabling. It can be easy to over look or just get the local electrician to complete it, however it is a specialist skill set that requires training, experience and the right tool and test equipment.
The upside is you will never have to worry about the cabling not performing, and the right contractor can give you vendor warranties of 20-30 years if they are an approved installer!
RAD Electric Completes CAT6A Network at the New Maitland Hospital
a large CAT6A network completed by RAD Employees
Cessnock large facility Communications Rack
A Large CAT6 Install completed by RAD electric
Communications Rack Example
Here's a completed rack!
RAD Electric Completes CAT6A Network at the New Maitland Hospital
a large CAT6A network completed by RAD Employees
