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Voice/Data/IT/Convergence

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Structured Wiring Systems 

By Mike Dailey

A sure way to get a hot debate going with technical groups is to bring up the pros and cons of "Structured Wiring Systems". Typically the IS/LAN/WAN group thinks "Structured Wiring" is great and the PBX centric group tend to prefer the traditional punch block and separate telephone wiring. For the purpose of this discussion, the term "Structured Wiring" refers to a LAN and telephone wiring design where any horizontal cable to any given workspace can be used for a LAN connection or a telephone connection.

A "Structured Wiring" system includes each workspace wired with three drops from the wiring closet. Each of the drops would be fully tested Category five/six wiring from the workspace to the wiring closet and terminated on full patch panels in the wiring closet. This arrangement provides a lot of flexibility by provide two telephone connections and one LAN connection or two LAN connections and one telephone connection, etc. In additional the wiring infrastructure investment is protected because of the very flexible configuration..

Issues to consider when determining whether structured wiring is appropriate for a project include:

  1. The LAN and telephone backbone should be planned together so that LAN and telephone wiring share the same IDFs. This could result in more LAN Switches/hubs being used and more fiber backbone connections required.
  2. Special consideration should be given to how the telephone system risers are configured to provide the same type of flexibility offered in the telephone punch block arrangement, e.g. how do you provide the ability to put two phones on one drop if needed?
  3. Patch panel wire management systems are very important because of the large number of patch cables involved.
  4. Planning of the IDF space is very important, because large installations will generally require floor mounted racks for the patch panels.
  5. Consideration should be given to what standards the wiring vendor will be held to?
  6. How must the wiring vendor certify the wring system?
  7. What qualifications and certifications must the wiring vendor have?
  8. What documentation must the wiring vendor provide to you for the wiring system?
  9. The Request For Proposal (RFP) created for obtaining "Structured Wiring" proposals from vendors needs to be carefully crafted to make sure the correct end result is achieved. The cost of wiring projects can spiral out of control if the RFP does not define the project in such a way that the wiring vendor is responsible for achieving the end result.
  10. In new buildings or remodels the wiring should be planned early on to make sure space is provided for the wiring system.

If you require assistance with implementation of a Structured Wiring System, please contact Mike or Pam Dailey at (770) 458-3411 or email pdailey@tectelsolutions.com

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