What is Structured Cabling and Why Do You Need It?

Structured cabling is a type of cabling system that supports a wide range of voice, video, and data systems. The cable system is planned and designed, as opposed to cabling that’s just thrown together. The neat, well-organized cabling system is designed specifically for each unique business and is cost-effective, flexible, and scalable. Now, structured cabling isn’t just for data centers, it’s also commonly used for small and mid-sized companies.

What is Structured Cabling and Why Do You Need it for Your Business?

The network is your information roadway.  System slowdowns due to networks are the hardest thing to troubleshoot, especially if the roadway is buried under a tangle of cables, and you can’t even see the warning lights on the devices. It is very hard to diagnose slowdowns versus out-right failures. 

Some companies also tend to overlook the importance of structured network cabling in terms of safety. But if your business has a colossal heap of tangled cables under your employee’s feet or hiding somewhere in a back room, it could be a potential safety hazard.  It can also make it difficult when it comes time to relocate your business or scale your technology. 

Fortunately, structured cabling can be the solution you’ve been looking for.

• A business can use structured cabling to support a wide range of systems, such as:
• Building management systems
• Security systems
• Audio systems
• Video systems
• Computer networks
• Telephone systems

These cabling systems are designed and organized in a way that helps with:

• Transferring data between computer systems
• Facilitating communications and audiovisual systems
• Connecting an office with a fiber optic broadband network

Essentially, a structured cabling system works as the glue that binds all types of electronic devices, including computers, fax machines, modems, phones, and other devices. A company’s network can benefit from improved reliability and versatility, making it a suitable choice for businesses of all sizes.

How It Works -The Structured Cabling Solution

Structured cabling allows a business to run more efficiently. Companies that heavily rely on technology, as most companies do, will benefit from a structured cabling system that’s specifically designed for their business operations. 

If you're looking for: 

• Ways to make important improvements to technology
• A way to reduce your company's potential for downtime
• A cost-effective upgrade from traditional cabling systems
• Ways to improve a security issue 
• Structured system cabling is the answer. 

Here are some other ways a commercial cabling system can help a growing business thrive.

Scalability

Technology rapidly changes. To keep up, you need a well-designed system of structured wiring. Whenever you invest in a new IT system, you must make it future-proof. With a custom-designed structured cabling system, you can easily upgrade with minimal downtime. If you have a disorganized cabling system, it can be difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming to add new hardware and reorganize your existing cabling system.

If you need to add more bandwidth, another server cabinet, or new workstations, if you have a well-organized cabling system, you can easily make these changes to your IT infrastructure, without having to reinstall the whole system. With a structured fiber optic cable system that’s custom-designed for your business, adding new hardware to your infrastructure is a breeze. Additionally, if your company moves to a new location, a structured wiring system is incredibly easy to disassemble and reassemble, meaning minimal downtime.

Cost-Savings

Some business owners are hesitant to pay for structured cable installation and design because of the high upfront costs. However, over time, this type of reliable neat cable network can quickly pay off. 

Additionally, getting data cabling wrong could lead to many years plagued with frustrating troubleshooting. A tidy structured cabling setup provides significant cost savings in labor when troubleshooting a network problem.

Because these systems are scalable, flexible, and reliable, a custom-designed cabling system can grow your bottom line and save you money. Having everything well-organized will also save you money on downtime and repairs.

Safer To Work With

Having an unorganized system of cables lying around the office can make a workspace unsafe and also increases the chances of losing your connection and unplugging a cable. Because of this, a structured cabling system makes the workplace much safer. This type of system will minimize the chances of a person tripping, which could result in a serious injury.

Using properly grounded structured cabling is also essential to safeguarding expensive computer equipment from electrical surges.

Aesthetic Appeal & An Organized Approach to Cabling Infrastructure

An organized approach to your cabling system can make a world of difference. A structured cabling system can keep a company’s IT network organized and tidy. When all the wires, cabling equipment, and structured cabling components are organized neatly, it makes it more difficult for someone to accidentally unplug a cable or unplug the wrong cable. Additionally,  aesthetically pleasing cabling will look much better than a tangled pile of wires, giving your business a more professional look.

Standards for Structured Cabling Systems

A cabling system often includes hardware ports, horizontal cabling, backbone cabling, network cabinets, and racks. The structured cabling design and hardware are organized in a standard way that allows for future additions or changes as needed and makes each cable easily accessible. While a system can be personalized, the installation process must adhere to certain industry standards.

Regarding the standards for wire cabling, such as proper maintenance, design, and installation, cable manufacturers and cable installers embrace the standards of the Telecommunications Industry Association, the Electronic Industries Alliance, and the American National Standards Institute.

Structured Cable Systems And Cybersecurity

Did you know that a company’s cabling system can have a major impact on cybersecurity strength? The wiring may seem like a minor part of your company’s infrastructure, but well-organized cabling systems can have a huge impact on your infrastructure's ability to handle a cyberattack.

As technology continues to advance, the fear of security breaches continues to grow. With multiple processes and applications integrating at workplaces, boosting cybersecurity efforts has become critical.

A structured cabling system provides a business with unique security protocols that will limit access to authenticated users, preventing a company’s systems from attacks that could leak important resources and information.

Finding a Reliable Cabling Vendor

The difference between an amateur and a pro cabler is that a pro will certify their installation work using expensive equipment that tests for noise / interference, length and tolerances for the cables standards (i.e. CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, CAT7) and know when to use which cable for the best performance.  Also, since most people install their data cables once every 10 years or more, selecting the right cable for longevity is paramount for the most cost effective implementation.

The cabling vendor you choose should have extensive experience designing and installing structured cabling products. A structured network cabling installer with experience can handle any messy cabling infrastructure, is familiar with cabling standards, and can plan a structured cabling design that's perfect for your business and your growing needs. If you're looking for an experienced cabling vendor that can help you with your cabling congestion and provide the system you need, contact the team at TechBldrs.

Schedule a Consultation Today to Learn More About the Structured Cabling Services By TechBldrs

A structured cabling system that’s well-designed and properly installed can provide superior flexibility and performance for your business. The system’s flexibility can also make it easier to accommodate changes, moves, and additions. For more information on cabling system installation and the benefits of structured cabling, contact TechBldrs today to schedule a consultation.