Written by Stu Kushner

Selecting the Most Effective Structured Cabling Solutions – Part 1

Organizations with vision make investments in the most effective structured cabling solutions that let them meet current business and technical requirements and to scale with flexibility in the future. Resources will be saved in the long term by properly building infrastructure today with the help of an experienced and expert cabling solutions provider.

Basics on Spaces

Cabling is utilized to transmit data between data centers, equipment rooms, telecommunication rooms, and workstations. Having a basic knowledge of each space’s function will allow you a better understanding of cabling.

A data center contains computers, servers, equipment, storage units, and backup power supplies. The data centers of a business are connected to each other. Each serves as the heart of a building or facility, containing data-switching and telecommunications equipment and acting as distribution points for backbone cabling.

Telecommunication rooms provide cabling connections to printers, security cameras, wireless access points, workstations, and other essentials. In some instances, facilities need several telecommunication rooms, and backbone cabling connects them. Cabling links telecommunication rooms to individual workstations.

Below will discuss cabling as they apply to equipment rooms, workstations, and telecommunications rooms. Beyond connecting servers and switches, cables are the foundation of an organization’s technological infrastructure and greatly influence its network’s performance.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

UTP usage is widespread because it can support both data and voice applications. Composed of insulated copper wires that twist around each other, UTP decreases the crosstalk or electromagnetic magnetic interference (EMI) between pairs of wires. Occasionally, a twisted pair is contained within a shield which functions as a ground. Sometimes, the twisted pair is unshielded.

The longtime standard for UTP cabling since 1995, Cat5e is still used for older equipment and low bandwidth requirements. As new solutions increasingly need more bandwidth, Cat5e use will gradually be discontinued. Providing greater capabilities, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 are now typically used for new cabling installations. Cat6a is currently the cabling standard solution for installations in American educational and healthcare facilities.

Part 2 will discuss Fiber Cabling and Planning the Installation.

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. Click here or call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

About Stu Kushner

Stu Kushner earned an Engineering Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. From there he worked at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Hexcel Corporation and Case-Rixon as a computer design engineer and systems manager. He now works as the marketing director and project manager here at Progressive Office since its founding in 1986.