Structured cabling refers to the installation of a standardized cabling infrastructure designed to support various communication services including data, voice, and video. It is a critical component of any modern communication infrastructure because it provides a reliable, efficient, and flexible system that can accommodate the communication needs of an organization.
Structured cabling is designed to support a variety of communication devices such as computers, telephones, printers, and servers, and enables these devices to communicate with each other and with the outside world. The cabling infrastructure includes various components such as cables, connectors, patch panels, and other hardware that are organized in a structured and standardized manner.

Structured cabling is important for many reasons, including:

1. Improved Reliability: A well-designed structured cabling system can provide a reliable and robust communication infrastructure. It reduces the risk of communication failure, downtime, and other issues that can negatively impact productivity and customer satisfaction.
2. Scalability: Structured cabling is designed to accommodate future expansion or upgrades. It is easy to add or remove devices, reconfigure the network, and make changes to the cabling infrastructure as needed.
3. Reduced Maintenance: A structured cabling system is easy to manage and maintain. It is organized in a way that allows for quick identification and resolution of any issues that may arise.
4. Cost-effective: Structured cabling reduces the total cost of ownership by minimizing the need for expensive upgrades or replacements. It is a long-term investment that provides a reliable and efficient communication infrastructure for many years.
5. Compliance: Structured cabling helps organizations comply with industry standards and regulations related to communication services, such as data privacy and security.
6. Enhanced Performance: A well-designed structured cabling system provides faster and more reliable communication services. It enhances productivity and customer satisfaction by improving the speed and quality of communication.
7. Future-proofing: Structured cabling enables organizations to prepare for future technologies and upgrades, avoiding the need for costly retrofits or replacements.​

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To ensure that structured cabling systems are designed and installed to the highest industry standards, organizations should follow the guidelines set forth by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These organizations provide standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of cabling systems.
There are two types of structured cabling systems:

1. Horizontal Cabling: Horizontal cabling refers to the cabling that runs from the telecommunications room to individual workstations or devices. This includes the cables, connectors, and patch panels that connect the devices to the central communication network.
2. Backbone Cabling: Backbone cabling refers to the cabling that connects the various telecommunications rooms throughout a building or campus. This includes the cables, connectors, and other hardware used to connect the main distribution frame (MDF) to the intermediate distribution frame (IDF) and other telecommunications rooms.​

In addition to the horizontal and backbone cabling, structured cabling systems also include other components such as racks, cabinets, cable management systems, and labeling systems. These components are essential to maintaining an organized and structured cabling infrastructure.
A well-designed structured cabling system should meet the following criteria:

1. Standardization: The cabling system should be standardized to ensure compatibility, scalability, and ease of maintenance.
2. Simplicity: The cabling system should be simple and easy to use, minimizing the risk of errors and confusion.
3. Documentation: The cabling system should be fully documented, with a clear record of all components, configurations, and maintenance procedures.
4. Flexibility: The cabling system should be flexible and adaptable to accommodate future changes and upgrades.
5. Reliability: The cabling system should be reliable and efficient, providing uninterrupted communication services to the organization 

​Structured cabling is an essential component of any business.