Server Rooms & Data Centre Info

Frequently asked questions:

Structured cabling versus Unstructured cabling, what's the difference?

Structured cabling is an organized, labelled, certified, & reliable communications network set-up. Whereas, Unstructured cabling is a very poorly planned, disorganized, & unreliable communications network that doesn't meet industry standards.

Structured cabling, generally, includes the use of CAT5e / CAT 6 network cables that run from a central point to each individual work station. The cables can never exceed 100 meters in length, which causes problems. They are always terminated on a wall jack, at the far end, and a structured patch panel, at the near end (server room). They generally use Quality Premise distribution components, such as name brand products, that are guaranteed to perform or exceed TIA/EIA 802.3 IEEE North American Standards. Both end-points are labelled with a computer labeller, which creates professional looking markers. Finally, all cables are then audit scanned to ensure maximum performance, for Gigabit 1000 base-t or higher standards for ethernet. Audit scanning must be performed to assure Structured cables have suffient headroom or exceed dB requirements to perform under loads, when in use.

Unstructured cabling generally has the wrong cables, CAT5 or lower, running from within an office area that aren't Audit Scanned, therefore they do not follow North American Standards. They usually use DIY crimped ends on both sides of the cable, which reduces it's speed transfer capacity. It can also include spliced junction points, which causes resistance also known as Attenuation Loss. Sometimes cables can exceed 100 meters in length which cause problems with NEXT, ELFEXT, and issues when servers are connected to new cables.


More information is coming soon - Let us know if you have any questions.

We Install: Server Cabinets, Structured Network Racks, Patch Panels, Network Cables, Conduit, Cable Trays, Patch Cords, & more