Structured Cabling System Solutions in the Philippines: A Helpful Guide

November 12, 2024

Introduction

Structured cabling systems are crucial for modern businesses because they serve as the main foundation of an entire network. As the name implies, they are meticulously designed “structures” that eliminate the chaotic wired systems that many organizations have already gotten used to.

In different parts of the world (including the Philippines), structured cabling systems are needed not just to organize wires but to promote optimal network performance. After all, structured cabling systems minimize signal interference and ensure consistent data transmission, helping prevent lags and delays.

InfoBahn Communications, Inc. is your trusted partner in structured cabling systems. We provide this service to our clients all over the country. Read the rest of this article to learn more.

Core Components of a Structured Cabling System in the Philippines

Structured cabling systems have six major components. They are:

Entrance Facilities

The entrance facility is the gateway for external cables (usually from internet service providers or landline connections) to enter your building. This component is critical for the security and reliability of external networks, so it should be robust enough to prevent damage against physical forces, unauthorized access, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Equipment Room

The equipment room houses all active network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. Since it houses sensitive devices, it is often equipped with high-end components, like advanced ventilation systems, power management devices, cooling equipment, etc. Investing in these is crucial to creating an environmentally controlled space that protects your networking devices from damage.

Backbone Cabling

Also known as vertical cabling, this specific component connects networking devices in your entrance facilities, equipment rooms, and telecommunications rooms. Data network cabling installation service providers typically cause high-capacity cables for backbone cabling systems. These include fiber-optic cables or high-grade copper wires designed to handle a lot of data traffic.

Telecommunications Room

Telecommunications rooms are located on each floor of the building. As the name suggests, they house telecommunications equipment specific to that floor. They typically contain patch panels for vertical and horizontal cabling systems and network switches that help distribute network traffic to individual work areas or stations on the floor.

Horizontal Cabling

Horizontal cabling systems connect the network devices in the telecommunications room to individual outlets or work areas. Unlike backbone cabling systems, horizontal cabling systems can be made of low-cost cables (like Category 6 twisted pair cables, designed to deliver up to 10Mbps of data). In some cases, fiber-optic cables are also used to deliver faster connections.

Work Area

The final point of any structured cabling system is the work area. This is where end-user devices (such as computers or phones) connect to the network. Each work area needs several components, too, such as cable outlets, wall plates, adaptors, and converters.

Benefits of Structured Cabling System Installation

Requesting structured cabling systems from a trusted provider can do wonders for your organization. Structured cabling systems offer plenty of benefits, including:

Enhanced Network Performance

Structured cabling systems enhance network performance by reducing signal interference. These systems use high-quality, standardized cables to minimize signal interference, leading to faster data transfers and better network stability.

The organized setup of structured cabling systems allows organizations to document their entire cabling layout better. This way, you can easily identify specific connection issues and troubleshoot network problems quickly and efficiently as they arise. This reduces downtime and prevents loss of productivity and revenue for your business.

Improved Security

Structured cabling systems enhance network performance and help improve physical security in buildings. They use dedicated pathways and rooms to house network components, deterring unauthorized access to critical network equipment.

In terms of safety, structured cabling systems help prevent accidents. Unorganized cables are susceptible to faults and frays, which can cause fires if not resolved immediately. Your employees can trip from the messy wires, possibly leading to injury.

Many people do not realize that structured cabling systems positively affect an organization’s cybersecurity measures. This system prevents cable tampering, helping you detect unauthorized cable connections caused by individuals who may want to steal or destroy your organization’s sensitive data.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Structured cabling systems can reduce network maintenance costs. These systems use high-quality cables, helping prevent damage and failure even if a large number of people are using the network simultaneously.

Additionally, the organized layout of these systems simplifies troubleshooting; technicians can quickly identify connection problems, allowing them to resolve issues faster. This can effectively minimize downtime and prevent productivity loss.

Structured Cabling System Standards in the Philippines

Companies that offer structured cabling systems in the Philippines adhere to different standards. These include:

TIA/EIA-568

The TIA/EIA wiring standards are developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). In particular, the TIA/EIA-568 is used for structured cabling systems in commercial buildings. It outlines specific cable types and wiring configurations to improve network performance, prevent interference, and avoid accidents.

ISO/IEC 11801

Some private businesses in the Philippines also adhere to ISO/IEC 11801. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and it provides a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing structured cabling systems.

IEEE 802.3

The TIA/EIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801 standards focus on the physical structure and cabling within a network. The IEEE 802.3 standard is slightly different because it emphasizes Power over Ethernet (PoE), a technology that delivers electrical power and data over a single ethernet cable. It was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), an international organization that defines industry standards for technology use (including ethernet applications).

FAQs About Structured Cabling Systems in the Philippines

How Can You Find the Right Structured Cabling Solutions Provider in the Philippines?

Finding the right structured cabling solutions provider in the Philippines involves careful research. Start looking online for tech companies with years of experience setting up structured cabling systems in commercial establishments nationwide. Your vendor should also have the proper certifications or licenses to ensure they possess the skills and knowledge for the job.

How Much Do Structured Cabling Solutions Cost?

Like any reliable tech solution, setting up structured cabling systems in your building is not cheap. Many factors affect the overall cost of the service, including:

Building Size and Project Complexity– Setting up structured cabling systems in larger buildings will naturally cost more. In addition to the size of your building, the intricacy of your planned cabling design and layout can significantly affect the overall cost of the service.
Cable Type– High-end cables generally cost more, but they are required for vertical cabling systems. Horizontal cabling, though, does not always require high-capacity wires, so you can save a bit.
Provider’s Experience– Your service provider's overall experience and reputation can play a crucial role. IT companies with many years of experience in the business may charge higher amounts because of their skills and expertise.

What Happens if You Do Not Have Structured Cabling?

Neglecting structured cabling systems can be detrimental to your business. Here are a few of its consequences:

Network Performance Issues – Unorganized cabling systems can lead to signal interference and bottlenecks. This results in slow network speeds and frequent outages, further leading to delays and loss of productivity.
Increased Maintenance Costs –Troubleshooting network issues becomes time-consuming with untraceable cables, leading to higher maintenance costs. This problem can be resolved by relying on structured cabling systems.
Security Risks – Unmanaged cables can be easily tampered with, increasing the risk of cyber security breaches. They can cause tripped wires, leading to fires and other safety incidents.

InfoBahn: Your Trusted Structured Cabling Solutions Provider in the Philippines

InfoBahn Communications, Inc. is here to provide you with structured cabling systems in the Philippines. Our services can help enhance network performance, boost physical and digital security, and even lower your organization's network-related maintenance costs. We have been in the business for quite a while, so you can rest assured that we have the skills and knowledge to get the job done while adhering to industry best practices and standards.

Contact our team today! We will be more than happy to assist you if you have questions about our structured cabling system services.