Guide to Structured Cabling for Classrooms – Part 1
As technology now plays a greater part in teaching, cabling in classrooms is growing both in importance and complexity. Many schools now feature wiring closets or server rooms that serve as the backbone for data communications. This includes providing Internet access to an entire facility.
Educational facilities have to constantly adapt in order to meet student needs. Cabling infrastructure must be flexible enough to allow easy MACs (moves, additions, and changes). Properly planned structured cabling may eliminate the need to remodel a classroom for equipment installation because only a simple change is needed.
Types of Cabling Solutions
Modular cabling and traditional cabling are the two chief wiring solutions specifically intended for classrooms. Both have advantages and disadvantages as determined by the three factors below.
1) Available pathway
2) Purpose of classroom
3) Time budgeted for installation
Modular Cabling
A modular system makes the process of cabling installation simpler and faster because its components can be matched as required by an installation. It features the following three components:
1) Runner cable
2) Flying lead
3) Wall plate
A runner cable is capable of transmitting several types of signals, allowing the use of one cable for multiple purposes. A flying lead provides the connection to a display device or the source. A wall plate provides connections and allows the installation of wiring above ceilings, behind walls, and beneath raised floors. Needing no field termination of connectors, modular cabling systems allow easy installation in conduit.
Modular systems allow easy changes to the connection types if required at a later date. For example, there may be an upgrade from analog to digital in the future. An ordinary classroom may need to be repurposed as a computer learning facility.
Modular solutions may not be adaptable for configurations that are unusual. Moreover, they are considered more expensive to implement than traditional cabling systems because of their components. However, saving significant time by using per-terminated connections helps compensate for the additional costs in the long run.
Part 2 will discuss Traditional Cabling Systems and Choosing Between Modular and Traditional.
Progressive Office Cabling
Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking cost-effective solutions. Working together, Progressive teams are committed to getting your data cables installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.
