Overview
System Manual
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1.2
Fundamentals of structured cabling
1.2.1
Basic principles
Structured cabling is a uniform setup plan for a network infrastructure. The network
infrastructure is independent of the application and future-oriented. Additional designations for
the structured cabling are Universelle Gebäudeverkabelung (UGV) (universal structured
cabling) or Universelle Kommunikationsverkabelung (UKV) (universal communication cabling).
Structured cabling is to prevent expensive faulty installations and extensions and also make the
installation of new network components easier.
Unstructured cabling is normally bound to requirements or a specific application. If the
changeover to a new technology or technology generation becomes necessary, this could easily
lead to a cost explosion.
Structured cabling is based on a generally valid cabling structure. This cabling structure, among
others, takes the requirements for several years into the future into consideration. It contains
reserves and can be used independent of the applications. E.g., one lets the local network and
the telephony operate via the same cabling.
Structured cabling includes the following points:
■
Standardized components (wires, connectors, etc.)
■
Hierarchical network topology (star, tree, etc.)
■
Recommendations for laying and installation
■
Standardized measuring, testing and documentation processes
Objectives of structured cabling
■
Support of all current and future communication systems
■
Reserve of capacity regarding limiting frequency
■
Neutral behaviour of the network regarding the transmission protocol and terminal devices
■
Flexible expandability
■
Fail-safe due to star-shaped cabling
■
Implementation of data protection and security
■
Adherence to existing standards
Standards for structured cabling
Area of validity
Standard
Description
Europe
EN 50173-1 (2003)
Cabling standard information system - application-
neutral cabling systems
North America
TIA/EIA 568 B.1 (2001)
/ B.2 1 (2001)
Telecommunication cabling standard for building
cabling
World
ISO/IEC 11801 (2002)
Cabling standard for application-neutral building
cabling
Table 1: Standards for structured cabling
