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In the cable world the term structured cabling has become a buzzword. The correct definition, according to the Fiber Optic Association is:

“Structured Cabling is the standardized architecture and components for communications cabling specified by the EIA/TIA TR42 committee and used as a voluntary standard by manufacturers to insure interoperability.”

Structured Cabling in plain language

Structured Cabling is defined as building or campus telecommunications cabling infrastructure that consists of a number of standardized smaller structured elements.

A properly designed and installed structured cabling system provides a cabling infrastructure that delivers predictable performance as well as has the flexibility to accommodate moves, adds and changes; maximizes system availability, provides redundancy; and future proofs the usability of the cabling system.

Structured Cabling basics

Structured cabling is an organized approach to a cabling infrastructure. To fully understand this concept, it is easiest to look at what structured cabling isn’t. In many data centers the cabling methodology used is defined as “point to point”. This is running patch cables (or “jumpers”) directly to and from the hardware that needs connectivity.

In a structured cabling system, a series of patch panels and trunks are used to create a structure that allows for hardware ports to be connected to a patch panel at the top of the rack. That patch panel is then connected to another patch panel via a trunk (multi-fiber assembly designed for use in conveyance) in the MDA (Main Distribution Area).

The MDA is the key aspect of structured cabling. This is where all the MAC’s (Moves, Adds and Changes) can be made with short length patch cords.

Benefits of Structured Cabling

Once again, organization is the key word and with an organized structured cabling system the benefits are:

·         MAC’s are much quicker due to the fact that they are done in the MDA versus running long patch cords from equipment racks.

·         Potential for downtime is reduced as potential for human error is drastically reduced due to this organization.

·         Time savings: cable and port tracing becomes a much easier job with a structured cabling system.

·         Aesthetics: A structured cabling system will look much cleaner than a point to point method. Since the changes are done in the MDA versus at the hardware, the hardware can be cabled up and not touched in most instances. This allows the cabling in front of the switch to remain aesthetically pleasing.

Risks of not switching to a Structured Cabling System

·         Downtime: With an unorganized messy cabling infrastructure, mistakes are commonly made. Incorrect ports are unplugged. Even worse is the messy cabling that gets in the way. Trying to remove a single cable from a large tangled mess can cause stress on the other cables. This stress can lead to network and channel errors in the hardware that are very difficult to trace.

·         Airflow: If a point to point method is used, the front and potentially the sides of the switch are congested with cabling bulk. This impedes the airflow that the switch needs to operate. This also translates to underfloor cooling; cabling congestion in this space hinders the airflow of the CRAC unit and can cause cooling issues.