Do you need faster, more reliable or a more adaptable networking backbone? Would you like to turn off your home security system from your computer at work? Or would you like to have a printer shared by the whole office? If so, you may need an initial structured wiring infrastructure for your business. A structured wiring system provides upgraded telephone and video wiring (typically category-5 and RG-6) with a home-run design that allows greater flexibility than standard telephone and video wiring.
Details
Structured wiring systems have become increasingly utilized by businesses in the ever changing computer world. Initial costs are offset by the economy of an expandable and flexible structured cabling solution. Structured wiring systems are typically based on Category-5 wiring for voice and data transfer and RG-6 cabling for video signals. Category 5 wiring allows much faster data transfer rates (bandwidth) than plain old telephone systems (POTS). RG-6 video cable provides for digital video and closed circuit video surveilance. Structured systems are based on star topology design to meet todays requirements and add flexibility for the future. Contemprary home-run central hub based backbones allow flexibility for the configuration of voice, data, and video distribution. A variety of connection devices can be used at the central hub, from very simple punch-down blocks to more elaborate switching units that can support a high-speed Ethernet system (100Mbps). For the serious speed demon, some system installers offer Category 6 and even fiber based structured wiring systems.
A variety of installers are available for Category-5 wiring systems depending on the scope and context of the desired system. Specialized installers for advanced applications have low voltage and digital expertise apart from the electrical contractor. Telephone companies have also offer residential structured wiring services.
Installation of Category 5 wiring occurs in a “home run” or star topology configuration—wires run from a central location directly to each wall plate or outlet location. Such a layout can result in substantial wiring for separate runs for each outlet. Therefore, the installation requires advance planning to provide locations that maximize user flexibility while minimizing the amount of wire runs.
Benefits/Costs
Although the principle benefits of Category 5 wiring are networking capabilities and high-speed internet access, it can also provide low voltage sensing and communications functions that can become the basis for more complete office automation systems. In July of 2000 the FCC changed the minimum requirements for telephone wiring in new construction. Category 3 wiring was chosen as the minimum standard. Category 3 wire is very similar to Category 5 in that it is solid copper, unshielded, twisted pair wire. The primary difference is that Category 3 wire has two pairs of wire instead of four, which results in less total bandwidth.
Category 5 wire is more expensive than either standard telephone or Category 3 wire. Structured installation is also more costly since it requires pulling more wire than in a standard (looped) telephone installation. Moreover, the system tends to have more outlet locations to provide for varied functions. Also, the maximum Internet connection rate the inside wiring can realize is sometimes limited by the bandwidth available from the line outside of the house. In some areas local phone companies have not yet upgraded the “last mile,” lines typically found within a mile or so of many homes.
The Electric Industries Association (EIA) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) published EIA/TIA 568 standard, which governs the five categories of unshielded twisted pair cable. To comply with the standard, cables must meet minimum guidelines in regard to cross talk and attenuation of the signal’s strength as it travels through the cable.
We’ll get you wired! Computers, microprocessors and “chips” will continue to to be integrated into our lives through our appliances and systems; in turn, our lives will change significantly in the next few decades. Various companies and utilities are preparing to provide all kinds of information and interactive services. But the wiring systems have not kept pace with these new technologies. As your electronic systems integration specialist, Huntsvilla Technologies will design and install a structured cabling system that guarantees flexibility for changes, additions, moves, or redistribution, as well as the capacity to accommodate system updates, upgrades, and new technologies. As your phone, video, computer network needs change, it can easily be done at the panel without requiring any additional wiring.
With this structured cabling system in place, it enables you to have any security/monitoring camera.
Lawrenceville Network installation and structured cabling