Structured cabling What, why & how

Example of unstructured cabling PC server T Mini-computer T Voice adaptor PBX Phone system T

Before structured cabling Dedicated cabling for applications PCs (e.g. Coax 10Base2, Bus) Telephony (e.g. Twisted pair, Extended star) Minicomputers (e.g. Twisted pair, Star) Install just what is required Initial cost? Adds / Moves / Changes (AMCs)? Different cabling types for different applications e.g. co-axial for PC network Voice grade cabling for telephony Proprietary cabling for mini computers Different topologies Bus for PCs Distributed star for voice Star for mini-computers Cabling was tailored to existing requirements. -> Low initial cost BUT Adds, Moves & Changes -> Cost rapidly increased Possibly need 3 engineering visits for a single AMC – More cost

Overview of structured cabling

Structured cabling Multi-purpose Single type of cable (e.g. Cat5e UTP) Standard connector (RJ45) Patching Adaptors for applications Flood wiring Initial cost? AMCs?

Total cost of ownership

http://www.business-systems.bt.com/cabling/benefits.htm

Key structured cabling terms Workarea Telecoms outlet Adaptor e.g. Voice Patch cord Telecoms closet / equipment room Patch panel Horizontal cabling (UTP / STP) Joins Workarea to Telecomms closet Backbone cabling (UTP / STP / Fibre) Joins telecoms closets Telecoms room -> Floor serving Equipment room -> Building or Campus serving

This set-up only works if the PCs are very close together Ethernet 10BaseT/100BaseT PC with NIC PC with NIC Hub or switch Patch cord PC with NIC ** NOTE** This set-up only works if the PCs are very close together Advantages Simple -> Plug together and it works Drawbacks Patch cords are poor transmitters Low maximum reach (approx 5m per patch cord) Patch cord routing -> large hole size due to plug Patch cord

Workarea Equipment Room Or Telecoms Closet Office 1 Office 2 PC with NIC PC with NIC Workarea UTP or STP cable (Up to 90m) Equipment Room Or Telecoms Closet Patch panel Hub or switch

Telecoms outlets Front Back Size RJ45 sockets to accept patch cords IDC connectors to accept UTP cable Cable management Size To fit standard backboxes e.g. 86x86mm 1,2 or 4 ports

Voice connections UK uses BT style connector BUT 6 way Latching on side BUT Structured cabling uses RJ45 connector 8 way Latching on top

Voice adaptors RJ45 plug BT style socket Plug into structured cabling telecoms outlet BT style socket Plug in phones, fax machines, modems etc. Available as plug-top or with flexible lead

PC with NIC PC with NIC UTP or STP cable Voice adaptor PBX Advantages Simple -> Plug together and it works Drawbacks Patch cords are poor transmitters Low maximum reach (approx 5m per patch cord) Patch cord routing -> large hole size due to plug Hub or switch

Patch panel Front Back Size RJ45 sockets to accept patch cords IDC connectors to accept UTP cable Cable management Size Normally 19” wide Often multiples of 8 ports

19” racks Mounting positions 19” wide Capacity measured in U’s 1U=1.75 inches Designed to hold Patch panels Switches / routers Power supplies Servers Cable management

Categories Category 5 Category 5e Category 6 Category 7 (?) ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A Category 5e ANSI/TIA/EIA-568B Category 6 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568B-2.1 Category 7 (?)