History of Structured Cabling Systems
In the early days, computer networks were designed without anticipation for future expansion or upgrading.
The networks during those days were very small, and the existing equipment which in most cases comprised a computer or two of them together with a printer were connected together in a random manner.
If the network went beyond its site location then it was more likely unplanned for or not envisioned at all.
No cabling as well as networking standards were followed then.
As time went by, the networks grew bigger and bigger and as a result forcing the vendors to come up with standards that were to be implemented in order to provide interoperability.
The first structured cabling standards differed from one vendor to another.
For instance, there were Ethernet networks from the Digital Equipment Company and Token Ring networks from the IBM Company.
These standards worked perfectly well back then since networks were found in single site office points and therefore a business or an individual could have cabling devices from a single vendor.
With time, the networks expanded such that they comprised of various offices or a number of buildings.
These networks were also crucial to the day-to-day operations conducted by large corporations.
This caused interoperability issues whereby a company had, for instance, IBM equipment in the same network with Compaq equipment.
It became very expensive to extend the network to other offices or buildings of the companies.
These vendor-specific standards also caused world-wide networking to be really hard and as a result there arose the need for a more permanent, interoperable as well as industry-wide structured cabling systems that could be used without raising concerns like the ones mentioned above.
The early 90's saw the emergence of the cabling standards that could use across industries which were developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association(TIA) / Electronics Industries Association (EIA).
These standards were meant to make sure that installation of cable networks is consistent and efficient like it is with the telephone systems.
This was made possible by breaking down cable installation in a building into manageable pieces and also governing various wiring specifications for different networks.
During the design and expansion of structured cabling networks, TIA / EIA standards helps system administrators a great deal when it comes to offering guidance regarding the specifications required.
This is very important when it comes to ensuring backward compatibility as well as forward compatibility of the structured cabling system that is being designed.
Backward/forward compatibility simply refers to the ability of the new equipment to function well with the already existing network equipment.
The compatibility also considers future expansion requirements that might need to be done.
Therefore if you need a good structured cabling system for your company, you will need to seek services of a structured cabling company that has been in existence for long.
Reviews from customers who have experienced services from that company can also help you determine if indeed the company offers outstanding services.
The networks during those days were very small, and the existing equipment which in most cases comprised a computer or two of them together with a printer were connected together in a random manner.
If the network went beyond its site location then it was more likely unplanned for or not envisioned at all.
No cabling as well as networking standards were followed then.
As time went by, the networks grew bigger and bigger and as a result forcing the vendors to come up with standards that were to be implemented in order to provide interoperability.
The first structured cabling standards differed from one vendor to another.
For instance, there were Ethernet networks from the Digital Equipment Company and Token Ring networks from the IBM Company.
These standards worked perfectly well back then since networks were found in single site office points and therefore a business or an individual could have cabling devices from a single vendor.
With time, the networks expanded such that they comprised of various offices or a number of buildings.
These networks were also crucial to the day-to-day operations conducted by large corporations.
This caused interoperability issues whereby a company had, for instance, IBM equipment in the same network with Compaq equipment.
It became very expensive to extend the network to other offices or buildings of the companies.
These vendor-specific standards also caused world-wide networking to be really hard and as a result there arose the need for a more permanent, interoperable as well as industry-wide structured cabling systems that could be used without raising concerns like the ones mentioned above.
The early 90's saw the emergence of the cabling standards that could use across industries which were developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association(TIA) / Electronics Industries Association (EIA).
These standards were meant to make sure that installation of cable networks is consistent and efficient like it is with the telephone systems.
This was made possible by breaking down cable installation in a building into manageable pieces and also governing various wiring specifications for different networks.
During the design and expansion of structured cabling networks, TIA / EIA standards helps system administrators a great deal when it comes to offering guidance regarding the specifications required.
This is very important when it comes to ensuring backward compatibility as well as forward compatibility of the structured cabling system that is being designed.
Backward/forward compatibility simply refers to the ability of the new equipment to function well with the already existing network equipment.
The compatibility also considers future expansion requirements that might need to be done.
Therefore if you need a good structured cabling system for your company, you will need to seek services of a structured cabling company that has been in existence for long.
Reviews from customers who have experienced services from that company can also help you determine if indeed the company offers outstanding services.
