Structured Cabling
In the past, buildings could have several different cabling systems for different communications systems, for example; block wiring for voice, coaxial for Ethernet, multi-pair for RS232 etc. Structured cabling replaces all the different cabling with a single cabling system which covers the whole building for all voice and data (including CCTV and video) requirements.
A structured cabling system consists of outlets, which provide the user with an RJ45 presentation. User outlets are usually supplied as either one or two RJ45 connectors mounted in a standard single gang faceplate (but multiple sockets are also available), or as single snap in modules which can be fitted into floor boxes.
Each user outlet is cabled back to a patch panel using an individual cable containing four twisted pairs, this cabling is known as 'horizontal cabling'.
Why have it?
A structured cabling system is the backbone of a modern communications system. With the increasing pace of voice and data convergence a unified cabling system makes sense; any socket can take any device and it is simple to add, move or change applications and services without calling out service providers. Most structured cabling systems come with a long lifetime guarantee
