What is Structured Cabling?
Structured cabling is a system of cables, wires and other hardware that connects the infrastructure of your company’s communication systems. This can include phones, video cameras, computers and data centers.
The Benefits of Network Cabling
1. Easily Scalable
Since structured cabling systems package wires neatly in a way that’s easy to manage, there’s never an issue when adding new machines or technology to your IT environment.
If your business grows and you want to buy new computers or add video conferencing, it can be done without interrupting daily operations. It can also make office relocations go much smoother.
2. Less Network Downtime
Unorganized cabling systems with tangled wires often cause connectivity issues, which can result in network downtime and decreased productivity. Well-planned cabling will keep your network running properly.
3. Solves Issues Quickly
Regardless of how well-organized your cabling is, issues may still occur. It’s the nature of technology hardware to malfunction from time to time.
However, a structured cabling system makes it less time-consuming to isolate the problem and solve it.
4. Aesthetically Pleasing
Think about a potential client coming to your office for a meeting and seeing a mess of tangled wires by every electronic device in your office. It’s a bad look.
Preplanned cabling systems are often hidden from plain sight. If they are visible, they’re neatly bundled and plugged into their respective machines. There’s no mess.
5. Safety
In addition to being unsightly, messy cabling systems are downright unsafe. With unorganized cables, there’s a higher chance of:
- Fires
- Electrical shocks
- Trips and falls
6. Better Return on Investment
Due to the optimal design of a structured network cabling system, there’s less maintenance and replacement involved. Your company will also save money on wiring and cables in the long-run.
Not to mention, companies that have flexible voice and data systems have an easier time communicating with clients.
7. Works with the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers the connection of any device, whether it’s a smartphone or a smart car, to the internet. IoT-enabled devices are becoming more and more common in the workplace.
Structured cabling can be combined with the IoT to achieve benefits like the following:
- Automation of key business operations
- Energy management
- Cyber security
A professionally-designed cabling system is vital to the success of your company’s IT environment. It’s an investment that will more than pay itself back over time.