ICT - Networking and Communications

Structured cabling

Unseen friend or foe?

By Rosemary McGlashon, European Product Manager, 3M

T

he education sector often has demanding and complex networking requirements. Networks

are typically dispersed across multiple sites, supporting a variety of applications and users, all with high expectations of network availability. This places considerable demand on the structured cabling system, which is the ‘bloodstream’ that enables all those packets of data to reach their final destination. When the structured cabling system works

well, it can enhance network performance and conversely, when inadequate, cabling can bring a network to a standstill and contribute to network downtime. So how can educational establishments ensure that their structured cabling networks are fit for purpose? The installation environment itself can be a

hurdle, often involving old buildings with strict planning restrictions and confined space. One of the biggest challenges is that the higher the data traffic rate, the more advanced the structured cabling standard becomes and, when copper cabling is involved, the cable size increases and the bend radius becomes more limited. For instance, cabling for the new Category 6A standard – designed to support up to 10Gb/s - has more limitations than Categories 5, 5E and 6, so it is vital to only use installers trained on the specific requirements of Category 6A.

Increasingly, fibre cable is the chosen

alternative: it is much smaller and lighter than its copper counterpart, meaning that a far greater density of communications can be supported in the same comparative space. Furthermore, since fibre is resistant to electrical magnetic interference (EMI), it can be installed in the same ducts as standard electrical cables. However, fibre also requires skilled installation, though new product developments - such as the No Polish Connector (NPC) from 3M – help by ensuring a more consistent connection quality and reducing room for human error. Since education networks are often spread over

multiple sites, they can involve a combination of ‘telecom carrier’ grade products and local area network or data products. Since few installers and brands cover both areas, this can lead to lack of uniformity and the risks associated with shared responsibilities. My advice is to use the few installers and brands that have the breadth and products to cover both environments and create clear network cabling strategy that gives all contractors and internal staff a ‘blueprint’ to follow, particularly regarding responsibilities. This will also help with routine maintenance too, for example, the inevitable ‘Moves Adds & Changes (MACs), such as switching a port from voice to data communications.

24 www.education-today.co.uk

Standards matter

Cabling systems can be a large investment and are expected to last several years at least, so it pays to plan ahead. Awareness of the latest cabling standards helps. If requirements are unlikely to exceed 10Gb/s in the next few years, then copper cabling designed for Category 6A should suffice. However, some universities may find that fibre cabling is more ‘futureproof’, particularly when looking at 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s which are expected to be commonplace within the next decade. Copper cabling is unlikely to be able to support these levels of demand, especially over distance. Plus, the price gap between fibre and copper cabling continues to diminish and in many situations, fibre ultimately provides a lower total cost of ownership. Cabling technology and standards continue to

evolve all the time and have much to offer education establishments, but technology is just one part of the story. A coherent network strategy and an emphasis on the right standards, skilled installation techniques and the right products can help education network owners to maximise their return-on-investment, and for their contractors to offer a superior quality of service.

u0870 6094639 uwww.3M.co.uk/telecommunications

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