| All businesses these days are reliant on their | | | | network switch that allows connection to the |
| computer networks in order to connect them to | | | | LAN, but sometimes other services such as a |
| the outside world. Most of the devices that are | | | | direct PSTN line, a telephone system extension, |
| used in the office environment need a connection | | | | modem plus many others. The location of the |
| to the internet and also to a way of connecting | | | | data cabinet is where most of the offices IT and |
| to each other. For example, when you print a | | | | communications equipment is centralised which |
| document, it is likely to be sent to a printer that is | | | | means that any circuit can be patched though to |
| on your Local Area Network (LAN). Similarly, if | | | | any location in the office where a socket might |
| you need to access a file on your business | | | | be. |
| server, your PC will need to communicate with it | | | | There is a logically growing link between using |
| via your LAN. If you wanted to view a web page | | | | data cabling for telephone services as the modern |
| you will also use the LAN, but the connection | | | | Telephone systems are moving towards being IP |
| needs to connect to a modem which will also be a | | | | based. There are many applications of voice and |
| device on the LAN. The data cabling involved in | | | | also video where having data cabling installed |
| making this work in an efficient and reliable | | | | becomes essential. The speed of communications |
| manner must be installed and designed correctly in | | | | across CAT5 and CAT6 cabling are critical in |
| order to guarantee these processes. A typically | | | | delivering the high bandwidth requirements of such |
| well designed configuration is usually described as | | | | services. Things like video conferencing and large |
| Structured Cabling. The cable used in these | | | | data files work seamlessly across a structured |
| installations is almost always CAT5, CAT5e or | | | | cabling system. The advantages of having an |
| CAT6. | | | | easily comprehensible data network can be |
| The cables are usually run throughout the office, | | | | appreciated by anyone who needs to make |
| terminating at sockets that are fitted neatly to | | | | additions, moves and changes. Your IT people will |
| the wall. You will then use an Ethernet patch lead | | | | be able to patch your network cable and label |
| to connect the PC or other device to the socket. | | | | their connections, your telephone system provider |
| At the other end of the socket, the cables will all | | | | will be able to patch through a handset to your |
| run into a data rack or cabinet which come in | | | | desk, your other office technology will also be |
| various sizes and styles. Inside of it, the cables will | | | | able to easily connect back to whatever service it |
| be terminated to a patch panel. A patch panel is | | | | requires. Why would any business consider settling |
| used in order to make each socket port visible | | | | for less? The benefits of such an investment will |
| and able to have any service necessary patched | | | | allow your business to move forward into the |
| through to it. The most common of course is a | | | | future of communications. |