A Short Guide To Structured Cabling Installation

Your Business Should Be Using Structured Cabling

From university campuses to banks, businesses of all sizes can benefit from arranging their telecommunication wiring into structured cabling. But what is structured cabling, and why does it matter?

You may think cables are something IT can handle and that it requires no further attention. But for the best results—and to rely less on maintenance—structured cabling can be a lifesaver. 

If you run a company in the Dallas, TX, area, we understand how important it is for you to stay connected. Continue reading to learn how vital a structured cabling installation is to IT success!

SEE ALSO: The Do’s and Don’ts of Your Business’ First Cabling Installation

What Is Structured Cabling? 

Structured cabling is a modular approach to wiring infrastructure that organizes wires and cables in a clean, simple system to achieve faster data transfers and ease maintenance and expansion. It provides an organized approach to these six key areas of a building’s communications infrastructure:

• Entrance Facilities - Where the building connects to the outside world
• Backbone Cabling - The cables and wires that carry the signals coming into and out of the building to major equipment and telecommunications rooms
• Equipment Rooms - Areas that house patch panels, ethernet cables, and equipment that serves the building’s communications
• Communication Rooms - Equipment rooms that connect the backbone and horizontal cabling subsystems
• Horizontal Cabling - The wiring that emanates from communication rooms to equipment in your offices or meeting spaces
• Work Area Components - The wiring that connects equipment like a desktop computer to outlets of the horizontal cabling system

Why Use Structured Cabling?

Unlike traditional point-to-point cabling systems, structured cabling will avoid a jungle of wires in your cable closets and communication rooms. It also helps your building or campus achieve higher data rates by avoiding wiring-related bottlenecks.

Structured cabling installations are cost-effective, as they reduce power and maintenance costs. With all the cables properly organized, IT configurations will require much less time. You’ll avoid spending money troubleshooting connections and will reduce the risk of human error when adding equipment.

Plus, if your office moves floors or buildings, it’s much easier to move the entire system when it's structured. This makes it simpler to expand your system, too.

Outside the Equipment Room: Designing Your System

Organizing the cabling system in your communications room is only one half of structured cabling. When installing wiring in a new building, we consider the following factors:

Planning for Wall Installations

• Cable Pathways: Strategic planning is crucial when routing cables through walls. We identify the best pathways that avoid structural obstacles, ensure easy installation, and provide access for future maintenance. Horizontal cabling typically runs through wall 
• cavities, connecting telecommunications rooms to various work areas.
• Wall Plates: We place network outlets (wall plates) according to furniture layout, equipment locations, and accessibility. Well-positioned outlets make your network more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

Designing for Ceiling Installations

• Ceiling Type: Ceiling type can impact your cable installation strategy. Drop ceilings provide easier access for modifying cables, while solid ceilings require more meticulous planning for a clean, hidden installation.
• Plenum Spaces: Many ceiling spaces act as return air plenums for HVAC systems. This means we need plenum-rated cables to comply with fire safety codes.
• Cable Support: To avoid cable sagging, we use proper cable support systems like J-hooks, cable trays, or conduits.

Let Us Install Your Voice & Data Cabling

With so many technical details to consider, a structured cabling expert like Texadia Systems is your best option. We'll design the right cabling solution so your technology will have the right foundation to support your needs for the long term.

Call Texadia Systems at (214) 956-5820, chat with a member of our staff below, or fill out our online form here. We look forward to working with you!