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Structured Cabling – Proper Way

Structured Cabling vs Conventional Point-to-Point Cabling

What is structured cabling?

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

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.

– as defined on CABLExpress.com cabling glossary

Structured Cabling Solution

structured cabling

Point-to-Point Cabling (Conventional Structured Cabling System)

point to point

What is the benefit of structured cabling system

What Are the Benefits of Structured Cabling?

Once again, organization is the key word here. 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: Never underestimate the looks! 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.

What are Risk staying with conventional 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.

Is there a minimum length?

For Category 5e and 6, there is no minimum length requirement. ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 in Annex K does give a warning about reflected FEXT on shorter links with minimally compliant components. The obvious solution is not to purchase minimally compliant components. In the early days of Cat 6 when vendors were struggling to do better than marginally compliant, short links were an issue. Today, this is not an issue if you stay with a main stream vendor.

Within this same standard, there is also advice on distance when using a consolidation point. It advises a minimum distance of 5 m between the CP and TO. In ISO/IEC they are a little more clearer is specifying 15 m between the DP and CP. This is all for Category 6/Class E.

With regards to Category 6A, there is a minimum length requirement – kind of. In Annex J of ANSI/TIA-568-B.2-10 is describes worst case modeling using a 10 m link. The suggestion therefore is that you should not go less than 10 m. But again, that is with minimally compliant components. As with Category 6 stated above, there are now components available that will give you passing field tests below 10 m. HOWEVER, even vendors with good components may still have a minimum length requirement in their design specifications. The only way to know where you stand is to talk to the vendor AND test it to see.

If you are talking specifically about patch cords, then 0.5 m is the implied minimum length in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 for a certified patch cord. That’s because the math for the limit lines really does not work below this. Infact, getting a certified patch cord of 0.5 is going to be tricky. Many vendors only offer a certified patch cord of 1.0 m or longer. I suspect that this may be the most useful information with regards to your question.

Kind regards

Adrian Young
Sr. Customer Support Engineer

Fluke Networks Technical Assistance Center
6920 Seaway Blvd, Everett, WA 98203
Toll Free 1 800 283 5853
International + 1 425 446 4519

Are you current with your software?

– DTX Version 2.12
– LinkWare Version 5.0 (New NOV 08)
– AxTalk Analyzer Version 3.0
– OptiFiber Version 2.2.1
– CableIQ Reporter 1.31
– CableIQ Version 1.3
– DSP Version x.925

http://www.flukenetworks.com/fnet/en-us/supportAndDownloads

Kind regards

Adrian Young
Senior Technical Support Engineer
Fluke Networks Technical Assistance Center

 

CABLE 10G F/UTP CATEGORY 6A LSZH

1859218-2Performance Category  Cat 6A
Shielded  Yes
Cable Style  Multi-Pair
Product Classification  Cable – TIA/EIA Category
Wire/Cable Type  Twisted Pair
Product Type  Cable

Number of Pairs  4
Number of Conductors  8

Voltage Rating (VDC) 300
Conductor Diameter (mm) .575
Length 305 m [ 1001 ft ]
Wire Size (AWG) (AWG) 23
Wire Size (mm²) (mm²) .259
Wire Diameter 6.04 mm [ .238 in ]
Overall Outside Diameter 7.2 mm [ .283 in ]
Operating Temperature Range -20 – 60 °C [ -4 – 140 °F ]
Flammability Rating  LSZH
UL/NEC Rating  Horizontal Cable