STRUCTURED CABLING (Optical Fiber Cable and Cat Cable)

STRUCTURED CABLING (Optical Fiber Cable and Cat Cable)

Structured cabling refers to the process of designing and installing a comprehensive cabling system that can accommodate various hardware uses and meet both current and future needs. With a properly installed system, both current and future requirements can be met, and any additional hardware added in the future will be supported.

Structured cabling design and installation are governed by a set of standards that specify the wiring of data centers, offices, and apartment buildings for data or voice communications using various types of cables. The most commonly used cables are category 5e (Cat 5e), category 6 (Cat 6), and fiber optic cabling, along with modular connectors. These standards define the proper cabling layout for various topologies to meet customer needs. Typically, a central patch panel (usually 19 inches rack-mounted) is used, allowing each modular connection to be utilized as needed. Each outlet is then connected to a network switch, which is typically rack-mounted, for network use. Alternatively, it can be connected to an IP or PBX (private branch exchange) telephone system patch panel.

Lines that are patched as data ports into a network switch require simple straight-through patch cables at each end to connect a computer. In most countries, voice patches to PBXs require an adapter at the remote end to convert the configuration on 8P8C modular connectors into the standard telephone wall socket used locally. No adapter is needed in the U.S. as the 6P2C and 6P4C plugs, which are most commonly used with RJ11 and RJ14 telephone connections, are physically and electrically compatible with the larger 8P8C socket. RJ25 and RJ61 connections are physically similar but not electrically compatible, and therefore cannot be interchanged. In indua, an adapter must be present at the remote end because the 6-pin BT socket is physically incompatible with the 8P8C.

Color coding patch panel cables is a common practice to identify the type of connection, although structured cabling standards do not mandate it, except in the demarcation wall field.

Cabling standards mandate that all eight conductors in Cat 5e/6/6A cable must be connected. IP phone systems can operate both the telephone and computer using the same wires, thereby eliminating the need for separate phone wiring.