Structured Cabling System (SCS)

SCS Background

The English expression for comprehensive cabling is Structured Cabling System (commonly known as Cabling System, abbreviated as CSC, first proposed by AT&T) or Premises Distribution System (PDS, currently used in national standards).

The development of integrated cabling is closely related to Building Automation (BA). Integrated cabling is a modular and highly flexible information transmission channel within buildings or between building clusters. Through it, voice devices, data devices, switching devices, and various control devices can be connected to information management systems, while also connecting these devices to external communication networks through comprehensive cabling. It also includes all cables and related connecting components between the connection points of the building's external network or telecommunications lines and the application system equipment.

Integrated cabling consists of components of different series and specifications, including transmission media, related connection hardware (such as patch panels, connectors, sockets, plugs, adapters), and electrical protection equipment. These components can be used to build various subsystems, each with its own specific purpose. They are not only easy to implement, but also can be smoothly upgraded with changes in demand.

The four main characteristics of integrated cabling are:

• Building automation (BA) includes fire automation (FA)
• Communication Automation (CA)
• Office Automation (OA) (including Information Management Automation (MA))
• Integrated cabling

The relationship between comprehensive cabling and intelligent buildings

The comprehensive cabling system is like a highway inside an intelligent building. During the civil construction phase, we can connect 3A cables and install or add any systems inside the building. We can decide according to the time and needs, development, and possibility. Integrated cabling (PDS) is only a part of smart buildings and cannot be considered as a smart building. As long as there is a "highway" and a "comprehensive cabling system", it becomes very simple to run any "car" and access any system you want. The initial investment in the comprehensive cabling system only accounts for 3-5% of the total cost of the building.

Structured cabling is a standardized, modular approach to designing and installing cabling infrastructure for telecommunications in buildings or campuses. It involves organizing various subsystems like horizontal cabling, backbone cabling, and work area components, ensuring a flexible, reliable, and scalable network. This system supports multiple devices and applications, offering predictable performance and simplified management.

Essential Elements of Structured Cabling Systems

Entrance Facilities（EF）

Entrance Facilities (EF) are the initial entry point for external telecommunications cabling into a building, connecting it to the internal network infrastructure. This area contains essential equipment for grounding, shielding, and protecting against electrical surges. Grounding equipment establishes a safe electrical connection while shielding equipment protects against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Surge protection devices safeguard the network from lightning strikes and power fluctuations. Additionally, the EF allows technicians to access and manage external cabling connections efficiently, ensuring reliable network performance and minimal disruptions.

Equipment Room（ER）

The Equipment Room (ER), or main distribution frame (MDF), is the central hub connecting external cabling from Entrance Facilities (EF) to a building's internal wiring. It houses critical network equipment like switches, servers, and patch panels. Environmental conditions are carefully controlled with temperature and humidity systems to ensure equipment longevity and performance. Patch panels in the ER organize backbone, horizontal, and intermediate cabling, while switches direct network traffic and servers handle various network services. The ER enables efficient network management, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring minimal disruptions.

Backbone Cabling

Backbone cabling is a crucial component of structured cabling systems, responsible for connecting different areas of the network to ensure smooth communication and data transmission. In data centers, cabling is divided into zones, primarily consisting of horizontal cross-connections (HCC), intermediate cross-connections (IC), and main cross-connections (MC).

Cabling Subsystem 2: Links between horizontal cross-connections (HCC) and intermediate cross-connections (IC). This subsystem typically uses 100-ohm twisted-pair cables (such as Cat3, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) and multimode or single-mode optical fiber cables.

Cabling Subsystem 3: Links between intermediate cross-connections (IC) and the main cross-connect (MC), which centralizes network management.

Organizations choose backbone cabling based on network requirements, distance, bandwidth, and future scalability, with twisted-pair cables for shorter distances and optical fibers for longer connections.

Telecommunication Room（TR）and Enclosures (TE)

Telecommunications Rooms (TR) and Enclosures (TE) are central elements in a structured cabling system, serving as dedicated spaces for the termination and management of both horizontal and backbone cables. These areas, which can either be separate rooms or designated sections within larger spaces, house essential components such as patch panels, jumpers, and patch cords. The primary function of TR and TE is to terminate horizontal cables that extend to work areas and backbone cables that interconnect different network sectors. Equipped with patch panels, these rooms aid in the efficient organization and management of cables, while jumpers and patch cords facilitate connectivity. Additionally, TR and TE may feature intermediate (ICs) and main cross-connects (MCs), enhancing network flexibility and centralization. Proper organization and labeling within these areas are crucial for simplifying network management, troubleshooting, and maintenance, ensuring minimal disruptions and optimal efficiency.
Horizontal Cabling

Horizontal cabling connects the Telecommunications Room (TR) or Enclosure (TE) to individual work areas, enabling seamless communication for end-user devices. This subsystem, with a maximum cable length of 295 feet, includes cables, connectors, patch panels, and jumpers. Options like Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and both multimode and single-mode optical fiber cables cater to different network needs. Patch panels organize and manage connections, while jumpers link these to devices, ensuring efficient data flow and simplified maintenance.

Work Area（WA）

The Work Area (WA) encompasses the space from wall outlets to end-user devices, marking the endpoint of a structured cabling system. It includes the cabling and connection points needed to link devices to the network. Within the WA, users connect devices such as computers, phones, and printers to the network infrastructure. Strategically placed wall outlets ensure convenient access for connectivity. Various cable types, including Ethernet (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), telephone, and USB, are used to facilitate seamless data flow between devices and the network. Proper cable management, power outlets, and surge protectors enhance organization and device safety. The WA is essential for providing reliable and efficient network access, enabling effective communication and productivity within an organization.

Key aspects of structured cabling

Standardization:

Structured cabling adheres to industry standards (like TIA/EIA-568) to ensure consistent performance and compatibility. 

Subsystems:

It comprises six main subsystems: entrance facilities, equipment rooms, backbone cabling, horizontal cabling, telecommunications rooms, and work-area components. 

Flexibility and Scalability:

Structured cabling allows for easy moves, adds, and changes (MACs) and can adapt to evolving network needs. 

Simplified Management:

Organized and well-labeled cabling simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance. 

Reduced Downtime:

Consistent labeling and standardized components contribute to faster problem identification and resolution, minimizing network downtime. 

Cost-Effectiveness:

While the initial installation might be more expensive than unstructured cabling, the long-term operational costs and reduced downtime often lead to cost savings. 

Applications:

Structured cabling is used in various settings, including commercial buildings, data centers, and even residential environments. 

Benefits of Structured Cabling

Improved Network Performance

By providing a reliable and organized infrastructure, it ensures optimal data transmission and network speed.

Enhanced Reliability:

Standardized components and proper installation minimize the risk of network failures and downtime.

Future-Proofing:

The modular design and adherence to standards allow for easy upgrades and expansions to accommodate future technologies.

Simplified Troubleshooting:

Consistent labeling and organized cabling make it easier to identify and resolve network issues.

Cost Savings:
Reduced downtime, simplified management, and easier upgrades contribute to long-term cost savings. 

Video

Strcutured Cabling Series Courses

• Introduction to Cabling Standards
• Key Structured Cabling Standards in IT
• Copper Cabling Basics
• Selecting the Right Network Cable
• Optical Fiber / Fiber-optic Communication Cables
• Cable Performance Fundamentals
• Signaling Basics
• Definitions of Electrical Parameters

Telecom Base Station Materials: A 3D Walkthrough

Understanding Fibre Optic Cables & Types with Network Switches & Patch Panels