Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
LAN wiring standards cover everything from electrical performance to safety
issues. Should you dream up an exotic wiring system that meets your creative needs?
Should you try to use some existing older data or telephone wiring and add what-
ever else you need to make the system work? Should you pick and choose from var-
ious manufacturers' catalogs?
How do you sort out all the options?
One way to proceed is to choose a very structured LAN wiring installation that
uses the standards to your advantage. In such an installation, you will wire your
cables in a manner that will support the widest variety of current and future applica-
tions. This means you must use the proper cable, install it properly, maintain lengths
within the maximum proscribed distances, use only connectors and jacks that meet
the category of operation you need, and use proper installation techniques.
In addition, you will want to thoroughly test and document your cable system
for the appropriate level of performance. Of course, any future changes and addi-
tions to your standard cable system must also be done the same way.
Designing a standards-compliant, conventional installation will have distinct
advantages. For example, your properly installed cable will never contribute to a
connectivity failure. You can be assured that any problems will be found in the net-
work hardware or software that utilizes your cabling system, not in the cable itself.
That is true, assuming no inadvertent change has occurred in a cable. Naturally, it
is always possible that someone could damage a cable while doing unrelated work
on an electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), or
even telephone problem. Remember also that user cables (from the workstation to
the wall jack) are considered part of the cabling system, and their failure can indeed
disable a network connection.
Your standard installation will also ensure that any trained cable installer will
be able to easily expand, troubleshoot, or repair your cabling system. If you test
your cable when it is installed, you will be able to retest any cable drop and com-
pare the results to the original cable certification done at installation. You will also
know that your cable system meets the electrical and fire protection standards
required by local and national authorities.
The standards you will need to reference are described throughout this topic
and are listed in the appendix. The appendix also contains sources for copies of the
pertinent standards.
Installability
Your LAN wiring system should be easy to install and maintain. A variety of wire
types, connector types, termination devices, and patching devices exist to support
