The cabling behind every wall for all computer-based businesses using phones, security cameras or wireless devices is necessary to make them work. Most people do not consider the cabling behind the walls unless there is some problem with connectivity — either from lost connections, slow networks, or a very expensive re-wiring job when they have moved their office. The backbone of a modern workplace is structured cabling; however, having it correct the first time will save you money and headaches later.

Structured cabling is a standardized, organized system of cabling and hardware that supports various communications such as data, voice and video via one single unified infrastructure. Structured cabling is different than ad-hoc wiring since structured cabling is built prior to implementation so that it may grow with your company while minimizing downtime and making troubleshooting easier. As business owners and IT professionals it is important to understand how to evaluate and purchase the proper structured cabling system even though the installation is done by qualified technicians.

Why does cabling infrastructure matter?

The physical layer of a network has a direct impact upon performance. Poorly constructed cabling can be a major reason for network outages and bottlenecks according to the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The TIA develops industry standards for structured cabling. Well-constructed systems can provide years of service during changing technologies without needing a complete overhaul.

A business grows in an uncontrolled manner as it grows from ten people to fifty employees. It expands its Internet needs by including security cameras, VOIP phone systems, and multiple Wi-Fi access points. Each employee’s increased need for connectivity causes the network to be upgraded on an as-needed basis. Without adequate growth planning and cable installation, each new connection is installed as an afterthought, rather than being built into a comprehensive framework.This is one of the main reasons businesses eventually turn to professional structured cabling services rather than continuing to add connections informally.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a System

What structured cabling solution is best for you depends on many factors unique to your operation. Here is not a definitive “best” configuration — the accurate selection relies upon on the constructing, the enterprise and in which it’s going. Here are some of the more important ones:

1. Device count : how many workstations, phones, cameras, and wireless access points need wired connections now and will over the next three to five years.
2. Configuration and size of a building : larger or multi-story buildings frequently will necessitate distribution frames (or an equivalent) as well as vertical-cabinetry plus horizontal cabling that includes the work area.
3. Data transfers data speeds over cable:  Bandwidth requirements  businesses dealing with large files, video conferencing or cloud-based applications need higher-rated cabling.
4. Needs of the industry : for example, compliance requirements affect how cable is laid which can impact labeling and security; this is particularly true in healthcare, finance and legal industries.
5. Budget & Timescale : higher-category cabling is an upfront expense, albeit one with a longer shelf life before replacing.

Considering these early on as opposed to retrofitting cabling later tends to yield more favorable long-term outcomes, particularly if it is done prior to construction or renovation.

Comparing Common Cable Categories

One of the more technical (but important) pieces in this decision is what category of copper cabling to use: because this influences the maximum reliable speed and distance available for any network. The table below summarizes the options that are prevalent today.

The ‘right’ choice of cable for most small to mid-sized businesses will be Cat6 or Cat6a – balancing cost and future-proofing in a reasonable way. However if you are considering backbone connections between floors or buildings note that fiber optic cabling is a completely different category of cable that also isn’t affected by electromagnetic interference and supports much greater distances.

Fiber vs. Copper: When Each Makes Sense

Copper cabling remains the standard for connecting individual workstations, phones, and devices because it’s cost-effective and simple to terminate. Fiber optic cabling, on the other hand, is generally reserved for longer runs, such as connecting network switches between floors or linking separate buildings on a campus. Fiber transmits data as light rather than electrical signals, which means it isn’t susceptible to electromagnetic interference from motors, elevators, or fluorescent lighting a real consideration in older commercial buildings.

That said, fiber installation and termination require more specialized tools and training, which is typically reflected in labor costs. A business evaluating structured cabling services should ask whether a hybrid approach  fiber for backbone connections and copper for workstation drops fits their building layout and budget better than an all-copper or all-fiber approach.

Planning for Scalability and Standards Compliance

A structured cabling system built only for the present will soon become obsolete. Industry estimates indicate a generic commercial building’s cabling infrastructure lasts in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 years, BICSI being the professional association that certifies installation standards for cabling systems. Which in technology years is eternity, so design for headroom.

Here are a few actionable steps that facilitate the long-term scalability:

1. Wiring multiple cable drops in every work area, even if not all will be used right away.
2. While it may cost more, going one cabling category above current needs.
3. Complete documentation with tagged patch panels and as-built diagrams
4. Wired data services that follow TIA/EIA-568 standards for termination and pathway design, in which most structured cabling services are based.
5. Designing physical space within wiring closets and conduits for future growth

Compliance with standards isn’t simply a technical box-ticking exercise it determines insurance coverage, resale value of the property, and how easy a future contractor can take over without having to effectively start from scratch.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Costly Rework

Here are some common incidents that frequently arise amongst organizations who require annual replacements or repairs:

• Not tagging correctly; this slows down debugging significantly later on.
• Perhaps most critically of all, underestimating future bandwidth needs (especially given the changes in usage patterns where video conference and cloud are no longer the exception)
• Combining different cable types without forethought, leading to potential bottleneck conditions if a lower category of cable is introduce into the system.
• Not maintaining separation distances from electrical conduits that in which they have the potential to introduce interference.
•  Picking the lowest priced supplier without regard to total lifecycle cost—especially upkeep and future replacement as needed.

Steering clear of these traps often simply is a matter of looking at the big picture instead of just the very short term installation costs.

What We’ve Learned

There may be little glamour or excitement in structured cabling systems; however, these systems will have an impact on the reliability with which your business can operate day-in-and-day-out. In terms of determining what structured cabling system is best suited to meet your needs, factors include; the total square footage of the area you are going to be supporting , the number of devices you plan on connecting to this system, expected future expansion/changes, and specific industry requirements. There is no single solution that meets the needs of all businesses. 

One thing that holds true in most cases, though, is that taking the time to develop a well thought out plan now, while adhering to established standards, and leaving room for future growth and changes will pay dividends for the life span of a structured cabling system – typically 10-15 years.Businesses looking at selecting a structured cabling service should research multiple services and compare how they approach designing, documenting and meeting established standards. Comparatively shopping based solely on cost could lead to a less-than-optimal selection. A network is only as good as its underlying cabling. That’s why getting the cabling portion correct from the start is so important.