Structured cabling is the term used to describe the installation and integration of a network of cables, which will be used for data, voice, or other communication purposes. It is designed to support a wide range of hardware and software configurations and can be scaled or changed to meet your business’s changing needs.
A structured cabling system is typically composed of 2 main parts: horizontal cabling (the cables that run from the work area to the telecommunications room) and backbone cabling (the cables that connect telecommunications rooms).
Horizontal cabling consists of several different types of cables, including twisted-pair cables (for telephone connections), coaxial cables (for television), fiber-optic cables (for high-quality data transmission), and more. Backbone cabling is most often made up of fiber-optic cable.
The design of a structured network is meant to simplify its management. By using standard tools, the work gets easier and more efficient. Here’s a look at five tools used for structured cabling.
Snips
Snipping is a big part of cabling and involves stripping the outer insulation off cables. It is used to prepare cables before connecting with modular plugs and/or spliced together. Some snipping tools have other functions, such as cutting and stripping the conductors and crimping on modular plugs. The most common snipping tool used for structured cabling is scissors.
Cutters
When you need a structured cabling system, you will need a cutter. To make things easier for you, here are some of the reasons why cutters are important when it comes to structured cabling:
To cut the cable evenly
When you have a structured cabling project, one of your main concerns should be cutting the cables. You need to make sure that the cable is cut evenly to be installed properly on the cable tray. The cutter will help you do this task easily.
When you use the cutter, it can cut through the cable’s center and make sure that there are no sharp edges left behind. This will help ensure that no damage is done to the cable while installing it in the cable tray. It will also help prevent any damage from occurring in case of an accident.
To protect from sharp edges
When working with cables, it can be dangerous to cut them without using a cutter because they may leave some sharp edges behind. If you do not want this to happen, make sure that you use a cutter every time you need to cut a cable.
Crimps
Crimps are useful for structured cabling because they allow you to join two insulated wires without stripping away the insulation, which can be inefficient. Crimps are molded to fit the specific type of cable used in a project. A crimp is designed for one specific application, so you must have the correct tools for your project. This ensures that the wires will be securely fastened together with the proper tension and pressure.
I-Punch
I-Punch is a device that makes it easier to manage structured cabling. I-Punches are useful for structured cabling because they make it easy to punch down wires into patch panels. This means that technicians will be able to set up structured cabling more quickly, saving their clients time and money. The I-Punch also makes it easier for technicians to troubleshoot problems with structured cabling systems because it can help them identify these problems faster.
Label Maker
A label maker allows you to organize your system in a consistent way that’s easy to understand. You can use it to:
- Write down what each cable or wire connects to and from where
- Assign each cable a unique identifier number so you know how many cables you’ve used and which ones are still available
- Create an index that lists all of the connections by type and location, so it’s easy to find them again
Using a label maker will give you more control over your structured cabling system. It makes it easier for everyone involved in the project—including contractors, electricians, and designers to work together efficiently and effectively.