Structured Cabling Systems

Rules

Structured cabling is a systematic approach to cabling. It is a method for creating an organized cabling system that can be easily understood by installers, network administrators, and any other technicians that deal with cables. There are three rules that will help ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of structured cabling design projects.

The first rule is to look for a complete connectivity solution. An optimal solution for network connectivity includes all the systems that are designed to connect, route, manage, and identify cables in structured cabling systems. A standards-based implementation is designed to support both current and future technologies. Following the standards will help ensure the long-term performance and reliability of the project.

The second rule is to plan for future growth. The number of cables installed should also meet future requirements. Category 5e, Category 6, and fiber-optic solutions should be considered to ensure that future needs will be met. The physical layer installation plan should be capable of functioning for ten or more years.

The final rule is to maintain freedom of choice in vendors. Even though a closed and proprietary system may be less expensive initially, this could end up being much more costly over the long term. A non-standard system from a single vendor may make it more difficult to make moves, adds, or changes at a later time.


There are seven subsystems associated with the structured cabling system, as shown in Figure 1. Each subsystem performs certain functions to provide voice and data services throughout the cable plant:

• Demarcation point (demarc) within the entrance facility (EF) in the equipment room
• Equipment room (ER)
• Telecommunications room (TR)
• Backbone cabling, which is also known as vertical cabling
• Distribution cabling, which is also known as horizontal cabling
• Work area (WA)
• Administration

Scalability

A LAN that can accommodate future growth is referred to as a scalable network. It is important to plan ahead when estimating the number of cable runs and cable drops in a work area. It is better to install extra cables than to not have enough.

In addition to pulling extra cables in the backbone area for future growth, an extra cable is generally pulled to each workstation or desktop. This gives protection against pairs that may fail on voice cables during installation, and it also provides for expansion. It is also a good idea to provide a pull string when installing the cables to make it easier for adding cables in the future. Whenever new cables are added, a new pull string should also be added

When deciding how much extra copper cable to pull, first determine the number of runs that are currently needed and then add approximately 20 percent of extra cable.

A different way to obtain this reserve capability is to use fiber-optic cabling and equipment in the building backbone. For example, the termination equipment can be updated by inserting faster lasers and drivers to accommodate fiber growth.


Each work area needs one cable for voice and one for data. However, other devices may need a connection to either the voice or the data system. Network printers, FAX machines, laptops, and other users in the work area may all require their own network cable drops.

After the cables are in place, use multiport wall plates over the jacks. There are many possible configurations for modular furniture or partition walls. Color-coded jacks can be used to simplify the identification of circuit types, as shown in Figure 1. Administration standards require that every circuit should be clearly labeled to assist in connections and troubleshooting.

A new technology that is becoming popular is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This technology allows special telephones to use data networks when placing telephone calls. A significant advantage of this technology is the avoidance of costly long distance charges when VoIP is used over existing network connections. Other devices like printers or computers can be plugged into the IP phone. The IP phone then becomes a hub or switch for the work area. Even if these types of connections are planned, enough cables should be installed to allow for growth. Especially consider that IP telephony and IP video traffic may share the network cables in the future.


Demarcation Point


The demarcation point (demarc), shown in Figure 1, is the point at which outdoor cabling from the service provider connects to the intrabuilding backbone cabling. It represents the boundary between the responsibility of the service provider and the responsibility of the customer. In many buildings, the demarc is near the point of presence (POP) for other utilities such as electricity and water.

The service provider is responsible for everything from the demarc out to the service provider facility. Everything from the demarc into the building is the responsibility of the customer.

The local telephone carrier is typically required to terminate cabling within 15 m (49.2 feet) of building penetration and to provide primary voltage protection. The service provider usually installs this.