As the Internet of Things has evolved and cloud has emerged, so many conversations regarding network connectivity have been centered on wireless. However, cabling—at its core—is not going anywhere soon and remains an important component of a business’s IT environment. What’s more is that the lifecycle of a cabling system is going to extend much longer than other IT infrastructure. As such, it is important to have an understanding of the two primary cabling methods.
In this new blog, the cabling and IT infrastructure experts will analyze the differences between structured cabling and point-to-point cabling. We invite you to read on so you can understand how these cabling methods could impact your business.
Two Primary Cabling Approaches
Firstly, structured cabling is a comprehensive network of cables, equipment, and management tools that enables a continuous flow of data, voice, security, video, and wireless communications. This cabling method uses distribution areas that offer flexible and standards-based connection between equipment like servers, switches, and storage devices. Structured cabling will be designed to meet standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Electronic Industry Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA) that relate to design, installation, maintenance, documentation, and system expansion. A structured cabling system enables an organization to reduce both costs and risk in complex IT environments.
On the other side point-to-point cabling refers to a data center cabling system that encompasses “jumper” fiber cables that connect a switch, storage unit, or server to another. This type of system will typically suffice for a small number of connections. A problem will be experienced when the number of connections within a data center increases, the network and equipment needs to expand, and the IT environment intensifies in complexity, because point-to-point cabling lacks the flexibility, reliability, and performance that the majority of networks need to accommodate growth.
What Solution Should You Choose?
Ultimately, point-to-point cabling should not be viewed as a replacement for standards-based structured cabling systems. It really can only be a viable business option if your organization relies upon a small number of connections. Structured cabling has long been heralded as an industry best practice for quite a few years now, even for small businesses.
Structured cabling is scalable, which will help future proof your business, plus it is easier to upgrade, manage, and maintain. The cabling approach offers a more organized layout as well as less vulnerability to human error. Finally, structured cabling will improve your business’s reliability, performance, and productivity while reducing risk and cost as your IT environment evolves, grows, and changes.
The team at Connectivity is passionate about designing structured cabling networks that enable high business performance on behalf of a variety of organizations. We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a consultation about the benefits structured cabling can offer your company. We are eager to develop a solution that is best for you.