Why is Structured Cabling a Preferred Network Architecture

Why is Structured Cabling a Preferred Network Architecture

How is Structured Cabling Different From Point to point Cabling

We all know that anything that is well-planned, designed and laid out ahead in time has an edge over the last minute planning. The same can be said about the structured cabling and the point to point cabling. The Structured Cabling is more organized and predictable with all the add-ons, changes and moves well anticipated during the setup, which is, therefore, a more stable cabling network. On the other hand, the point to point cabling is a cable connection between the switch to switch, switch to the server or a server to storage. Though the upfront cabling is less in the point to point cabling, it leaves no room for flexibility. Any new additions, changes or moves should be done by the technician right from the beginning.

How does Structured Cabling work?

Structured cabling is also referred to as the any-to-all cabling. In this cabling method, the copper and the fiber patches are set up separately which each correspond to the copper patches of the Central Patching Area. There is a dedicated section in this cabinet where the fiber cables run. Therefore, we can say that irrespective of any add-on connections or changes in the cabling needs, the fixed portion of the cabinet remains unchanged.

Key Points of Structured cabling architecture:

• Structured Cabling is a predictable, flexible stable cabling architecture.
• In case the structured cabling is well-planned, it can last up to 10 years witnessing 2 or 3 generations of active electronics.
• The structured cabling is cost-effective as compared to the point to point cabling architecture, where each add-on, change or move will garner most cost.
• The upfront cabling is more, in this case, the maintenance and its cost are almost negligible as they are passive channels that do not need upgrading.
• All the fiber connections diverge to a single section of the central patching area. Any fiber connection changes that need to be incorporated can be done by mere switching the fiber cable from one port to another.
• Cabling standards are written for 2-3 generations of active electronics.
• Less contractor/technician visits to the premises as a fixed portion of the central patching area remains unchanged.
• Faster deployment of equipment after the initial set up as no new cabling channels need to be set up each time.
• Recycling of cables is minimized as several generations of electronics use the same channels.
• Structured cabling is aesthetically neater as all that needs to be managed are the patch cords and jumpers.

What is Point to Point Cabling?

This is the cabling architecture which has been used since ages where the cabling connections are made from one point to another. Though initially, it seems very simple, going forward it creates a mess of cables which become confusing even to the contractors who deal with it. In fact, with this unplanned cabling architecture, many networks find themselves victimized as they need to keep upgrading it multiple times.

Structured Cabling is an outright winner as per the cabling architecture norms, which needs keen planning and expertise. We at Techno Edge Systems, are pioneers in providing Structured cabling services in Dubai. For long-lasting, flexible structured cabling services, contact us at +971-50-8740112 or visit our website www.structurecabling.ae.