Part Two of a Six-Part Series
BY DAVE GILSON, TERA-BYTE TECHNOLOGIES
In the telecommunications industry, structured cabling refers to standardized cabling infrastructure with its associated hardware including fiber optics. You have likely seen structured cabling systems before — think data centers or those extremely organized overhead cabling systems that look like cable superhighways. These systems transmit data, voice, alarm, video, and many other systems throughout a network.
When a structured cabling system is properly designed and installed, it delivers predictable performance and provides easy usability and maintenance of the system. It is important to note that every structured cabling system is unique because of variations related to:
- Building infrastructure (architecture)
- Transmission speed requirements
- Cable and connection products
- Intended function of the system
- The configuration of an existing system as it relates to upgrades or retrofits
- Customer requirements
The convergence of data, voice, and video has made structured cabling technicians play an even more critical role in new construction projects. Many data networks now utilize PoE (Power over Ethernet), reducing the need for traditional electrical outlets. For example, in a recent new construction project for a large car dealership, Tera-Byte Technologies installed nearly 26 miles of low voltage cable. That’s almost marathon distance! The cable installed provides the dealership with data, voice, security, HVAC control, Wi-Fi, audio, video, and alarm capabilities. These are important for most businesses — large and small.
IEC National’s Structured Cabling course explains:
- Project lead / foreman fundamentals
- Estimating, project planning, and project documentation
- Racks, cabinets, enclosures, and pathways
- Structured cabling
- Network topologies
- Fiber optic cabling
- Wireless communication
- System acceptance and user training
- System maintenance and repair
This course has undergone beta testing and is being revised to meet student and instructor feedback. It is intended to be completed and ready for purchase in the coming months.
To learn more about this course or upcoming ones, contact Chrissy Skudera (cskudera@ieci.org).
