A Structured Cabling System (SCS) provides the infrastructure necessary to provide telecommunications for a building or even a campus in a unified and organized manner. The infrastructure supports systems such as voice, data and multimedia regardless of the service provider. The entire structure is thus connected for voice communication via a telephone, transfer of data via a computer or the transfer of video pictures via a CCTV. It is known as SCS because it consists of several subsystems or smaller structures. The installation of structured cables can meet all the needs of telephone and data communication. At the same time, the system is independent of the equipment that uses the cabling.
The Various Subsystems of Structured Cabling
Structured cabling uses transmission products and the rules of engineering to handle information traffic in such a way that it allows the transfer of communication to be more effective. There are 6 subsystems to any SCS. The first subsystem is the demarcation point or the point where the SCS begins and the service provider’s system ends. This is also known as the network interface device. The next subsystem is the telecommunications room which is the place where the equipment is placed and from where service is provided to the various users throughout the building or campus. The vertical cabling links the telecommunications room to the various users on different floors of the building or at different locations on the campus. Horizontal wires connect the equipment in the telecommunications room to the different work areas on a floor. The last subsystem is the work area component that connects the horizontal wiring to the equipment of the end-user.
The Advantages of Structured Cabling
Although structured cabling is more costly and needs more planning than conventional cabling, it is beneficial in the long run not only for large business enterprises spanning the globe but also for homes and small offices because of its many advantages over other types of systems that provide telecommunication.
A common SCS makes communication consistent. Additions or alterations can be made easily. The system supports hardware even if vendors are changed or different vendors are used to providing different services. If a connection has to be relocated in the office or in the building or even in the complex, doing so is easy if SCS is used. The same is true for the addition of fax or modem.
If there is a problem in the installed cables, it is easier to locate and resolve the problem in a structured cabling system. It will not cause a disruption in communication and subsequent loss of man hours. Such a system can support applications such as multimedia and video conferencing, thus allowing you to expand your business easily and at a price that’s affordable. This smart wiring also allows the average householder to take advantage of this technology and work from home. In short, SCS is convenient and affordable for homes as well as business enterprises.
The Equipment that can Run on Structured Cabling
Equipment such as telephones, televisions, computers, modems, fax machines, security systems, audio stereo systems, home theatres, automation and lighting control can use structured cable. An efficiently designed SCS can allow you to use all these equipments anywhere on the premises and make changes and additions as required.
Precautions While Installing a Structured Cabling System
The best time to install structured cabling is while the home or business premise is being built as it becomes easier to run the cables through all the areas that require to be structurally cabled. It also ends up being more cost effective if it’s done in this manner. The maximum cable length should not exceed 90 or 94 m. There should be one outlet cable for each outlet. If necessary, a transition or connection box can be used. The cables should not kink or get cut while they are pulled into place. The cable routes should be kept at least 60 mm away from power cables and fluorescent light fittings. A cable tray should also be used to support the cables and the cables should be tied together at a distance of 500 mm on a horizontal run and less on vertical runs.
Care should be taken to ensure that there are no more than 48 cables in each loom. Cables trays should be protected from the lime present in the concrete of the floor slab as this can damage the cable sheath. Partitions should be used to separate data cables from power cables. The copper cores of the cables should not be damaged when the outlets are terminated and excess amounts of cable should not be left in the outlet box. All the cabinets housing the cables should be earthed.
Structured cabling is superior to conventional cabling as it can transmit more information at a faster rate and can handle telephones, fax machines, data communications and video and data signals. Conventional cabling can only handle telephones, fax machines and data communications. A structured cabling system is more long-lasting than conventional systems and upgrades can be performed on such a system with a savings of 40 percent for material and labor. It therefore makes sense to opt for an SCS for your home/office.
