The main arteries of your office

    When it comes to office IT communications, everyone always writes and talks about computers, servers, switches, and other equipment that everyone has in mind.
    In this topic, we would like to discuss the topic of the so-called passive network equipment, which, as a rule, is hidden from the eyes of office workers - these are copper and optical cables, sockets, patch panels, etc.
    We will consider the main possibilities for creating an office network infrastructure (and indeed, of any enterprise), we outline their features and tell you why it is so important to make the right choice of equipment from the very beginning.


    As you know, human health depends not only on the work of internal organs, but also on the state of blood vessels - capillaries, veins, arteries. In the same way, the efficiency of office communications is determined not only by the stability of the servers and switches, but also by the quality of the cable, patch cords and modules, other large and small components of the cable system, as well as the quality of their installation.
    Particular attention should be paid to the fact that replacing or installing a switch or a server component, as a rule, is straightforward, and cable pulling is a time-consuming procedure that is usually performed once and for all. Therefore, having made the wrong choice of “passivation” initially, you can negate all the advantages of the quality of the active components of the network and provide your employees with a complete set of problems with data transmission, both on the local network and when accessing the Internet.

    Office cabling options


    Consider the existing opportunities for creating cable infrastructure of any office or enterprise. In fact, there are only three of them:
    • A set of network components integrated into a certain structure
    • Structured cabling system (SCS) without certification
    • Structured cabling system (SCS) certified by the manufacturer

    Since the concepts of pros and cons are rather arbitrary, we will use the term “features” when describing a solution.

    A set of network components

    Something similar can be obtained by installing a network from a set of disparate components It is a structure assembled on initially disparate components of one or more manufacturers.
    Features:

    • As a rule, this solution is the cheapest possible. Low cost is achieved mainly by saving on the quality and quantity of components.
    • Separate cable systems are used for different needs - telephone network, local area network, etc.
    • There is no warranty on the system. If problems arise, the end user will have to solve them, putting money out of his pocket.
    • Certification testing of the finished network is not carried out. In the best case, the installer checks that the contacts are connected correctly.
    • The reliability of such a "set-up" system is not supported by a manufacturer’s certificate and depends only on the quality of components and the qualifications of installers.
    • Due to the use of cheap components and the lack of clear cable routing standards, the probability of physical damage increases.

    Based on the above, it can be said that a network assembled on a set of components may well be workable, however, using this solution for serious projects is still not recommended - saving at the installation stage can turn out to be a serious cost in the future.

    SCS without certification

    And here is SCS.  Another thing, right? At this stage, clarification of the terms “SCS” and “certification” is necessary.

    Structured cabling system (SCS) is a specially developed integrated solution for organizing an office or enterprise network. SCS includes the ability to organize all the services needed by a modern enterprise - local area networks, telephony, video surveillance systems, security, etc.
    In contrast to the set of components, SCS is a complete solution, the development of which, as a rule, is carried out “from the needs of users”.

    SCS certification is not a mandatory but desirable process that is performed after the installation of the system. It consists in testing the network, checking the quality of installation and, in fact, in issuing a certificate with a system warranty .
    The SCS installation is performed by the integrator company (installer), and the manufacturer company certifies and provides a guarantee.

    Features of structured cabling systems without certification:
    • The cost of an uncertified SCS, as a rule, exceeds the cost of “artisanal” cable wiring and depends on the quality of the components used.
    • A single system is used for all applications (LAN, telephony, alarm, video surveillance, etc.).
    • Changing the system configuration is carried out by simple reconnection in the switching node.
    • The result of installation is neatly laid cables, in compliance with standards for bending radii, etc.
    • Moreover, the quality of installation depends on the professionalism of the performers and is not guaranteed by the manufacturer of SCS.
    • There is no warranty service from the system manufacturer, which increases the likelihood of additional investments.

    Summarizing the above: a structured cabling system is without a doubt a better solution than a network based on a set of disparate components, but in the absence of a manufacturer’s certificate, the end user is not immune to poor installation and the need for subsequent investments.

    Certified SCS

    After installing the SCS, the installer company either tests on its own or invites a specialist manufacturer of the system for certification.
    The installation quality is checked, network parameters are tested, and upon successful completion of all tests, a certificate is issued confirming the compliance of the project with SCS standards and giving the right to use the manufacturer’s branded guarantee.

    Features of certified SCS:
    • The cost of a certified system is the highest of the solutions we are considering. At the same time, the costs are due to the quality of the components and the strict observance of the norms of design and construction of the network.
    • A single system is used for all applications (LAN, telephony, alarm, video surveillance, etc.).
    • Changing the system configuration is carried out by simple reconnection in the switching node.
    • When adding new workplaces, installation work is not required, or the need for them is minimized, since the number of sockets complies with SCS standards.
    • The result of installation is neatly laid cables, in compliance with standards for bending radii, etc.
    • The reliability of the system is confirmed by a certificate and a manufacturer's warranty, therefore, the need for additional investments is minimized.

    In general, as they say, "think for yourself, decide for yourself."
    In our opinion, the best treatment is prevention. Lead the right way of life and enjoy excellent health. Install high-quality equipment from the very beginning and be safe from problems and unnecessary investments in the future.

    Do not be ill! ;)

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