What Is the Difference Between Cabling and Structured Cabling?
Unstructured and structured cabling are terms that refer to distinct approaches to designing an infrastructure. Businesses must understand the differences between these to make informed decisions relating to their network architecture. We’ll review each to ensure a simplified choice between the two.
Understanding Unstructured vs Structured Cabling
Point-to-point or unstructured cabling is a less organized approach to network cabling. The system follows no standard or predefined prep as cables are connected between devices.
Unstructured cabling is most often used in a smaller network setup or when there’s an urgent need with little time for planning. The result can be chaotic and tangled, leading to challenges when troubleshooting or maintaining the equipment.
Structured network cabling involves designing an organized and comprehensive infrastructure following certain standards that allow a predictable and flexible system. This approach supports multiple hardware uses and offers a scalable design that easily adjusts as business needs evolve.
Reasons To Design a Structured Cabling System Over an Unstructured Plan
A network cable connects devices to other media. It’s a key aspect of IT infrastructure, whether for business or at home. All electronic devices rely on networks, and these must be efficient and effective.
In that vein, many people depend on structured vs unstructured network cabling for its superior efficiency in helping businesses operate at their best. That’s true, particularly, in the current digital landscape where most people rely on technology.
A structured approach reduces the likelihood of developing issues due to a poor design and unorganized layout, as is often true with unstructured systems. Visit Structured Cabling: The Business Owner’s Quick Guide | SmallBizClub – for a guide on structured cabling. Here are the reasons to choose structured cabling for your business.
Reduced downtime
Downtime costs can be tremendous when networks go down and the internet stops working. Small businesses often need to reach out to a professional technician to diagnose the underlying cause and fix the problem to resume operations.
The extent and cost associated with repairs depend on your network wiring. If you have an unstructured and poorly organized system, the technician will need to contend with a chaotic blend of intertwined cables. This results in added time for labor.
If you have a structured network cable system, technicians can be swift with their diagnosis and initiate repairs immediately. That means your network is back in operation sooner rather than later. Read details on common pitfalls in small business network cabling.
An organized approach
A well-crafted structured cabling job is attractive, with wires orderly bundled together and associated components securely installed. This extends to the business professionalism and efficiency upon first impression instead of a tangled mesh of components and wires, as is the case with an unstructured approach.
When implementing a structure network cabling system, it’s unlikely to have wires dangling from the rafters and no one will be at risk for tripping over wires or inadvertently tugging on the wrong cable.
Cost-efficiency
Structured cabling is not only effective and efficient, but the network is scalable as your business grows and changes. It can readily handle the existing high demands of the company and move forward with future technological advances.
Structured cabling has lower maintenance requirements and energy costs compared to unstructured networks. Repair technicians have the benefit of readily identifying problems and making the necessary fixes without a tremendous effort as would be true with a chaotic tangle of wires.
Businesses can save not only with labor charges but avoid the significant cost associated with extensive downtime if technicians have difficult troubleshooting the issues.
Improved communications and security
Most companies have a few office sites. A structured cabling network allows business owners to configure the system to tie building or sites together into a seamless operation for management and staff. The network simplifies what can be complex, allowing connection between facilities as if they were neighboring.
Additionally, modern structured networks have advanced security features to prevent unauthorized access. An unsecured system is at risk for bad actors entering and performing viral attacks for which you must pay a hefty fee to the attacker to release your data.
A highly professional structured cabling system such as those installed by C3 Communications offers exceptional efficiency and organization from the point of setup. This allows easy management, accessible maintenance, and the capability to upgrade as the company grows.
Nonstructured installation results in a meld of wiring and devices with no one fully understanding which wires go where or enabling simple DIY troubleshooting. In an unstructured network, the system is easy to use and allows simple troubleshooting before reaching out to a professional technician.
Final Thought
Structured cabling offers a range of benefits above that of unstructured systems primarily it offers an organized and efficient network for effective business operations. The design not only accommodates existing needs but will also scale as technology advances and businesses evolve and change.
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