Structured vs. Unstructured Data Center Cabling
Many people tend to be unaware of the differences between structured and unstructured cabling. This article will take you through the main differences between the two as well as tell you which is better.
Difference between Structured and Unstructured Cabling
The EIA/TIA TR42 committee has defined structured cabling as the standardized component and architecture for communication cabling. A sequence of trunks and patch panels are used in a structured cabling system to construct a structure that permits hardware outlets to be connected to a patch panel atop the rack. As a network expands, a structured cabling system offers an adjustable cabling layout to suit the typical activities of relocating, expanding, and altering the infrastructure.
When optical cables are designed to run from device to device or point to point without patch panels, the result is unstructured cabling. Cabling paths become crowded with an entangled jumble of two-fiber optical patch cords in this case. Similarly, wiring new patch wires all the way through a data center each time a new device is deployed is incredibly inefficient.
Which is Better?
IT experts, networking engineers, and data center managers all prefer structured cabling due to the numerous benefits it offers that cannot be matched by an unstructured system. Following are some of these remarkable benefits:
- Adaptability
Structured cabling allows for high bandwidth and support for multiple devices. This makes it ideal for video conferencing and other high-volume business tasks. - Less Downtime
The organized cabling network in structured cabling makes it easier to diagnose and resolve network problems, thereby reducing system downtime. - Cost-Effective
Due to lower downtime and faster network expansion, structured cabling has proved much more cost-effective. - Flexibility
With structured cabling, it is incredibly easy to expand the network by deploying new devices. Additionally, it makes it easier to relocate your network.
Conclusion
Keeping in mind the difference between structured and unstructured cabling, it is clear that the former is the superior of the two systems, and is therefore likely to be the future of data cabling technology.