what is structured cabling

Structured cabling is a building or campus telecommunications cabling infrastructure that consists of a number of standardized smaller elements called subsystems. It is the design and installation of a cabling system that will support multiple hardware uses and be suitable for todays needs and those of the future. Structured cabling components include twisted pair and optical cabling, patch panels, and patch cables. The six components of structured cabling are Entrance Facilities, Equipment Room, Backbone Cabling, Telecommunications Room, Horizontal Cabling, and Work Area. Structured cabling greatly simplifies the installation of a cable infrastructure that supports a wide variety of voice and data communications equipment. It also enhances troubleshooting of wiring problems when using the proper diagnostic equipment, which is designed to be compatible with the ANSI/TIA-568.0/1 standards. Structured cabling is important because it provides a convenient, repeatable, and easily implemented framework for installing telecommunications cabling.