Structured cabling is a standardized method for organizing and managing network cables in a data center. It connects servers, switches, and other devices through a structured layout that ensures reliable performance and easy scalability. When done right, structured cable design allows data centers to scale up.

A structured cabling system consists of defined connection points and distribution areas. It supports high-speed connections like Ethernet and fiber optics, reduces congestion, and simplifies maintenance. It serves as an organized alternative to decentralized point-to-point cabling.

Key Components

Distribution Areas

• Entrance Room – The point where external network services connect to the data center.

• Main Distribution Area (MDA) – The central hub where core networking equipment, such as routers and main switches, are located.

• Horizontal Distribution Area (HDA) – The section where switches distribute connections to individual racks and server rows.

• Equipment Distribution Area (EDA) – The final point where equipment, such as servers and storage devices, connect to the network.

Cabling Types

• Backbone Cabling – Connects different sections of the data center, linking the MDA, HDA, and entrance room.

• Horizontal Cabling – Runs from the HDA to racks and equipment in the EDA.

• Equipment Cables & Patch Cords – Short cables connecting devices within racks.

Infrastructure Support

• Racks & Pathways – Structures for mounting equipment and organizing cables.

• Labeling & Documentation – Identifies cables for easier management and troubleshooting.

Structured Cabling Design Principles in Data Centers

The principles of structured cabling that allow for excellent cable organization in data centers are:

Hierarchical Organization

• Top-down cabling structure.

• MDA is the central hub, distributing to HDAs and then EDAs.

• The entrance room connects the data center to external networks.

Segmentation for Scalability

• Each area has a specific function to reduce bottlenecks. No area is made to do 2 tasks at once.

• Modular patch panels and modular fiber cassettes are used in MDAs and HDAs to allow easy scalability and quick reconfiguration.

• MDA houses core routers and separates high-traffic backbone connections.

• HDA distributes connections to localized racks.

• EDA connects only end-user equipment to prevent congestion.

Physical Separation of Cable Types

• Data and power cables use separate routes to avoid EMI.

• Overhead trays or underfloor conduits keep cables organized.

• Cross-connects and patch panels (intermediate connection points for routing and managing network cables) allow easy rerouting.

Redundancy & Fault Tolerance

• Dual MDA connections prevent single points of failure.

• Multiple HDAs distribute the load to minimize the impact if one fails.

• Redundant cabling paths prevent downtime from damage.

Standardized Lengths & Connections

• Backbone Cable Lengths
  

• Fiber optic and copper backbone cables follow industry standards to maintain signal integrity and reduce latency.

• TIA-942 recommends a maximum backbone length of:

• 300m (984 ft) for multimode fiber (OM3, OM4).

• 100m (328 ft) for copper Ethernet (Cat6, Cat6a).

• Structured Patching Panels
  

• Centralized connection points that maintain consistent cable lengths, prevent slack, and simplify expansion and troubleshooting.

• Color-Coded Cabling & Labeling
  
  

• Blue – Standard Ethernet (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a).

• Yellow – Fiber optic (single-mode).

• Aqua – Fiber optic (multimode OM3, OM4).

• Red – Critical network links or high-priority circuits.

• Black – Power cables.

• Labeling at both ends ensures quick identification and avoids unplugging critical connections.

Cables in Structured Cabling

1. Fiber Optic Cables (Backbone & High-Speed Connections)

• Single-Mode Fiber (OS1, OS2)

• Best for long-distance transmissions.

• Used in backbone connections and between buildings.

• Supports speeds up to 400 Gbps over long distances.

• Multimode Fiber (OM3, OM4, OM5)

• Optimized for shorter distances within the data center.

• Used in horizontal distribution and high-speed applications.

• OM3 and OM4 support 10-100 Gbps speeds, and OM5 supports higher bandwidth and SWDM (Shortwave Division Multiplexing) for more efficient data transmission.

2. Copper Cables (Horizontal & Equipment Connections)

• Cat5e (Category 5e Ethernet Cable)

• Supports up to 1 Gbps.

• Used in office networks, VoIP systems, and low-speed device connections.

• Cat6 (Category 6 Ethernet Cable)

• Supports 1-10 Gbps over short distances.

• Used in structured cabling for connecting switches and servers.

• Cat6a (Augmented Category 6)

• Enhanced shielding for reduced interference (EMI).

• Supports 10 Gbps at 100m distances.

• Used in high-bandwidth applications like virtualization, big data, and cloud computing.

• Cat7 & Cat8

• Higher performance with better shielding.

• Cat7 supports 10 Gbps up to 100m.

• Cat8 supports 25-40 Gbps, used in high-speed data centers.

3. Plenum-Rated Cables

• Labeled CMP (Communications Plenum) for copper cables and OFNP (Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum) for fiber cables.

• Available in Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and fiber optic.

• Required in ceiling plenums, raised floors, and return air spaces where fire codes apply.

  

At Nassau National Cable, we offer copper and aluminum power cables that seamlessly fit into the infrastructure of a data center with structured cabling.