What is Structured Cabling?
The old style of wiring was to wire up each socket in some form of series or loop connection, which makes it messy to add or change the configuration in the future. It has become standard business practice to install CAT 5 cables using a structured wiring system. This involves running a separate cable to each outlet and then running these cables back to a wiring closet. Within this closet the cables are terminated on a CAT 5 patch panel is in effect a 19" rack of RJ45 sockets. All incoming communication feeds (telephone, ISDN, router, burglar alarm etc.) also terminate on the patch panel. You may then chose to connect any socket with any other, using short lengths of patch lead. This allows extreme flexibility and configurations are changed simply by moving the patch lead. The sockets on the walls will be RJ45, which is standard for computers. Wall plates are available which can take a combination of computer, telephone and video sockets as interchangeable modules.

Who needs it?
Any business that currently has separate cabling for telephone systems and computers, especially if you are planning to invest in the latest voice and data systems now or in the near future.

How will it benefit my business?
The reconfiguration is done through patch panel connections which avoids the disruption and cost of calling in external contractors to alter your existing fixed wiring. Through a standard plug it is possible to deliver voice, data or video signals to any desk/workstation. You will be able to add/move staff and add new technology with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

Why should I make this investment?
If you currently have two totally independent telephone and computer cabling systems, each time you add/move staff or add new technology you will probably incur costs on both systems resulting in additional or unbudgeted expenditure and loss of profit. The structured cabling system would be included as an asset on your balance sheet. You will also gain competitive advantages from having the latest technology.

Do I need to use phone sockets?
Not necessarily - you can wire out the phones using standard CAT 5 sockets, there are short adapter leads, which provide an RJ45 plug at one end, the necessary BALUN circuitry and a UK phone socket at the other. Therefore if you wire the whole building with RJ45 sockets you maintain maximum flexibility and can easily interchange telephone & data feeds back at the patch panel. Some authorities advise against this as plugging a telephone into a data socket could cause network problems.

What are Wiring Cabinets?
Special cabinets are available for data, telephone and video distribution. These usually allow modules to be interchanged and will make everything tidy, but they can be expensive and need to be big enough for future needs. Ensure that there are sufficient power points for active units such as network hubs and video amplifiers as well as good lighting and accessibility.

What cable and connectors should I ask for in my cabling network?
Both cables and connectors should be Category 5 standard as a minimum. However, higher standards are now emerging, and costs are highly competitive.

What is CAT 5 cabling?
The standard cable for computer networking is Category 5 (CAT 5). This is a bundle of four pairs of unshielded twisted wires. The advantage of this cable is that it can be used for telephones and alarm systems as well as computer networks up to 100Mb/s. If you lay enough cables you should have enough flexibility to handle your needs for the foreseeable future.

What's the difference between Cat3, 5e & 6?
The term ‘category’ refers to the operational frequency of the physical layer of the network (cabling), which is known as bandwidth. The greater the amount of bandwidth the faster the protocol that can be applied.

Should I ask for a shielded cabling system or will unshielded cables be sufficient?
On occasions, shielded cables will need to be installed, however, 85% of all installed data and voice cables in the UK are unshielded.

What is a U?
A size of measurement for patch panels.

How do I select an appropriate installer?
Always ask installers if they are accredited to install one of the major manufacturers’ cabling systems which carry an audited 15 year guarantee.

Do I need a consultant?
This will depend on several factors. If you are contemplating a large installation and do not have the necessary experience then the answer is, "Yes". Even if you have a smaller project, a consultant can offer alternative solutions which may offer better performance or be more cost effective.

Conclusions
In general you should always install more cable than you think you will need as it is much harder to put it in later. Always use good quality cable which will handle at least some future technology. Remember to include wiring for distributed Hi-Fi, loudspeakers, burglar alarms and external PIR's for lights.