Cabling

Cabling involves understanding the physical infrastructure that supports data, voice, and multimedia communications. It includes the design, installation, management, and troubleshooting of cable systems that connect hardware within buildings with a disciplined approach rooted in telecom field standards. Implementing a structured cabling system is vital to maintaining an organized and standardized cabling infrastructure that supports multiple hardware uses and future expansions. Adhering to standards and best practices in cable routing, labeling, testing, and documentation to maintain system integrity and streamline troubleshooting. This discipline includes using structured cabling standards to reduce human error and minimize downtime. Technicians must be skilled identifying cable faults, connector issues, and signal degradation using tools like cable testers, certifiers, and network analyzers that provide comprehensive performance measurement while following systematic approaches rooted in physical layer and data-link layer diagnostics.

Main Components of Cabling
  • Main Point of Entry (MPOE)
  • Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
  • Network Skeleton (Backbone)
  • End Point

The Main Point of Entry (MPOE) is the demarcation point where external telecom cables enter a building and connect to the internal network infrastructure. It's typically housed in a secure room or area that provides an interface between the service provider's network and the building's MDF.

The Main Distribution Frame (MDF) is the central point where all telecommunication cables converge in a building, connecting external cables with internal network infrastructure. On the other hand, an Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) serves as a secondary hub, connecting to the MDF and distributing the connections to specific areas or floors within a building. The MDF is central, while IDFs are decentralized to efficiently manage connections across different parts of the structure.

The Network Skeleton (Backbone) refers to the high-capacity cabling that interconnects various network segments within a building or campus. It provides the primary pathway for data traffic and is designed to support high-speed connections between different areas. The endpoint connecting user devices to the horizontal cabling system.

Cabling Network Setup
  • Inventory Materials (Report Damaged Goods / Re-Order Missing Goods)bc
  • Kit, Scan AP MAC/Serial #s & Label Components
  • Evaluate MDF & End-Point to Determine Cable Pathways
  • Run & Terminate Cables
  • Terminate Cables
  • Install APs & Rack Devices
  • Label Patch Panel & Terminate Cables
  • Test Cable Connectivity & WiFi Network Grade Operability
Cable Standards

Structured cabling standards provide a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing cabling systems that ensure performance, reliability, and scalability. These standards cover various aspects of cabling, including cable types, installation practices, testing procedures, and documentation requirements. Adhering to these standards is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the cabling infrastructure and ensuring compatibility with networking equipment.

In America, the TIA/EIA standard is the set of rules that define how to design, install, and test telecommunications cabling so it's reliable and compatible. For my work, I utilize the Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard, which is TIA/EIA-568, and I specifically implement the T568B standard that defines pinout and wiring schemes:

Cabling Compliance Standards for Cable Support, Routing, Conduit Fill, Cable Ratings, Service Loops, Termination and Installation Practices:
    Do not lay cable directly on ceiling tiles or grids. Use J-Hooks, D-Rings, or cable tray.
    Maximum distance between supports: 5 ft (1.5 m).
    Run cable perpendicular to electrical wiring.
    Maintain at least 12 in (1 ft) clearance from power lines to reduce EMI.
    Avoid proximity to EMI sources: transformers, ballasts, motors, fluorescent lights.
    When wall routing is not possible, use conduit or raceway.
    Maximum fill for multiple CAT5/CAT6 cables: 40% of conduit capacity.
    Use CMP-rated cable (Plenum) in air handling spaces such as drop ceilings.
    Use CMR-rated cable (Riser) for vertical shafts between floors.
    Ceiling-mounted APs: 10-15 ft service loop.
    Never use zip ties to secure loops (always use velcro).
    Keep cable sheathing within a half-inch of the termination point.
    Maintain pair twist as close as possible to the termination—max untwist: half-inch.
    Avoid sharp bends (minimum bend radius is 4x cable diameter).
    Do not exceed maximum pull tension (typically 25 lbf for CAT5/6).
    Do not kink, crush, or staple through cable.
Cabling Troubleshooting