Structured cabling is the design and installation of a complete system of cabling and associated equipment that enables a comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure. Structured cabling uses a predefined standards-based design with predefined connection points and pathways. The cabling used is determined by the bandwidth requirements of the system and is tested ensure optimal performance. In a structured cabling system, all cables should be well-organized and labeled. This system may take longer and cost more to install compared to unstructured systems, but it typically has a lower operational cost and a longer lifecycle.
Structured cabling installations often include the following subsystems:
- Entrance facilities
- Equipment rooms
- Backbone cabling
- Horizontal cabling
- Telecommunications rooms
- Work-area components
The benefits of structured cabling include:
- Improved uptime
- Consistency of design and installation
- Easier documentation
- Increased scalability
- Smaller footprint
- Reduced operational costs such as heating, cooling, and power
- Reduced installation and maintenance time
- Faster moves, adds, and changes
- Minimized potential points of failure
Structured Cabling Management with DCIM Software
In the data center, structured cables are the highways, and the connections are the on/off ramps. With so much structured cabling, it’s easy to let maintenance and infrastructure updates go by the wayside. Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software allows you to go from Point A to Point B with ease by managing your structured cabling in bulk.
With DCIM software, you can:
- Add, edit, and delete structured cabling connections in bulk to easily and accurately document your infrastructure
- Capture structured cabling attributes, including cable media, length, color, and group
- Decrease the risk of downtime and unexpected issues when you perform maintenance or updates
- Determine if your structured cabling can adequately support your network
Want to see how Sunbird’s world-leading DCIM software makes it easy for you to visualize and manage your structured cabling? Get your free test drive now!