The Difference Between Backbone And Horizontal Cabling<\/h1><\/div>![\"Backbone](\"https:\/\/iesmartsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/backbone-cabling-scaled.jpg\" "\\"backbone-cabling\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div>For the casual observer it\u2019s easy to dismiss the nuanced structure of a data network. The cables bring internet in from the internet service provider (ISP) and deliver it to the individual workstations or the wifi routers that service each floor. For the IT professionals responsible for building and maintaining the network, the nuances are critical.<\/p>\n
The difference between backbone cabling and horizontal cabling is one such difference. The two categories seem superficially identical and often use the same types of structured cabling<\/a>. Perhaps it\u2019s as simple as saying that backbone cabling runs vertically (similar to a human backbone) through a building and horizontal cabling runs\u2026 horizontally through individual floors. And that\u2019s where the details really matter.<\/p>\n<\/div>Anatomy Of A Network<\/h2><\/div>As with human anatomy, you can break a data network into broad sections and as you examine closer, the details grow vastly more complex.<\/p>\n
In order to understand what makes backbone cabling different from horizontal cabling, it\u2019s enough to examine the anatomy of a data network in broad categories.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Equipment Room<\/h3><\/div>This is where the primary data \u201cpipe\u201d from your ISP enters the building. You may have multiple equipment rooms in a given building or campus, but the one where your network interfaces with the worldwide web is where all other connections emanate from.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Backbone Cabling<\/h3><\/div>Backbone cabling connects your ISP to your equipment room and then runs throughout the building to service other subsequent telecommunication rooms. It commonly passes between floors and is subject to additional installation regulations to ensure optimal performance and hazard resistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Telecommunications Room<\/h3><\/div>While smaller businesses and buildings may only require a single telecommunications room or closet, for buildings with large floor plans or multiple stories, numerous telecommunications rooms are necessary. These rooms service the network on each floor or area vial horizontal cabling.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Horizontal Cabling<\/h3><\/div>Horizontal cabling emanates from individual telecommunications rooms to service work areas on a single floor.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Work Area Components<\/h3><\/div>These are the connection components that allow individual users to connect to the horizontal cabling that services the floor. It may look like ethernet outlets embedded in cubicles or wife routers and wifi mesh points.<\/p>\n<\/div>
What Is Backbone Cabling<\/h2><\/div>Although the term \u201cbackbone\u201d hints at a hard, skeletal structure, the reality is that backbone cabling behaves more like the primary arteries in a human vascular system. They carry the greatest load and service other smaller branches, much the way that the arms, legs, and head each have their own primary artery that is responsible for pumping blood to that area.<\/p>\n
And while backbone cabling may connect telecommunications rooms at the same elevation, backbone cabling is the recommended way to connect telecommunication rooms on separate floors of a building. As such it requires specialized cable management supports and fire protection.<\/p>\n
Backbone cabling must perform at the highest possible level since it supports the entire network.<\/p>\n<\/div>
What Is Horizontal Cabling<\/h2><\/div>Horizontal cabling is equivalent to the smaller blood vessels the arms, legs, and head. Horizontal cabling emanates from the telecommunications room to deliver data to individual work areas or work stations. Aside from ceiling drops or floor risers, horizontal cabling runs primarily flat throughout the floor along a raceway or other cable support system.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Structured Cable Types For Each<\/h2><\/div>While it\u2019s possible to use the same structured cable<\/a> throughout your building, there is good reason to blend fiber optic and copper cables to deliver optimal performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>Fiber Optic<\/h3><\/div>
<\/span><\/div>For the casual observer it\u2019s easy to dismiss the nuanced structure of a data network. The cables bring internet in from the internet service provider (ISP) and deliver it to the individual workstations or the wifi routers that service each floor. For the IT professionals responsible for building and maintaining the network, the nuances are critical.<\/p>\n
The difference between backbone cabling and horizontal cabling is one such difference. The two categories seem superficially identical and often use the same types of structured cabling<\/a>. Perhaps it\u2019s as simple as saying that backbone cabling runs vertically (similar to a human backbone) through a building and horizontal cabling runs\u2026 horizontally through individual floors. And that\u2019s where the details really matter.<\/p>\n<\/div> As with human anatomy, you can break a data network into broad sections and as you examine closer, the details grow vastly more complex.<\/p>\n In order to understand what makes backbone cabling different from horizontal cabling, it\u2019s enough to examine the anatomy of a data network in broad categories.<\/p>\n<\/div> This is where the primary data \u201cpipe\u201d from your ISP enters the building. You may have multiple equipment rooms in a given building or campus, but the one where your network interfaces with the worldwide web is where all other connections emanate from.<\/p>\n<\/div> Backbone cabling connects your ISP to your equipment room and then runs throughout the building to service other subsequent telecommunication rooms. It commonly passes between floors and is subject to additional installation regulations to ensure optimal performance and hazard resistance.<\/p>\n<\/div> While smaller businesses and buildings may only require a single telecommunications room or closet, for buildings with large floor plans or multiple stories, numerous telecommunications rooms are necessary. These rooms service the network on each floor or area vial horizontal cabling.<\/p>\n<\/div> Horizontal cabling emanates from individual telecommunications rooms to service work areas on a single floor.<\/p>\n<\/div> These are the connection components that allow individual users to connect to the horizontal cabling that services the floor. It may look like ethernet outlets embedded in cubicles or wife routers and wifi mesh points.<\/p>\n<\/div> Although the term \u201cbackbone\u201d hints at a hard, skeletal structure, the reality is that backbone cabling behaves more like the primary arteries in a human vascular system. They carry the greatest load and service other smaller branches, much the way that the arms, legs, and head each have their own primary artery that is responsible for pumping blood to that area.<\/p>\n And while backbone cabling may connect telecommunications rooms at the same elevation, backbone cabling is the recommended way to connect telecommunication rooms on separate floors of a building. As such it requires specialized cable management supports and fire protection.<\/p>\n Backbone cabling must perform at the highest possible level since it supports the entire network.<\/p>\n<\/div> Horizontal cabling is equivalent to the smaller blood vessels the arms, legs, and head. Horizontal cabling emanates from the telecommunications room to deliver data to individual work areas or work stations. Aside from ceiling drops or floor risers, horizontal cabling runs primarily flat throughout the floor along a raceway or other cable support system.<\/p>\n<\/div> While it\u2019s possible to use the same structured cable<\/a> throughout your building, there is good reason to blend fiber optic and copper cables to deliver optimal performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>Anatomy Of A Network<\/h2><\/div>
Equipment Room<\/h3><\/div>
Backbone Cabling<\/h3><\/div>
Telecommunications Room<\/h3><\/div>
Horizontal Cabling<\/h3><\/div>
Work Area Components<\/h3><\/div>
What Is Backbone Cabling<\/h2><\/div>
What Is Horizontal Cabling<\/h2><\/div>
Structured Cable Types For Each<\/h2><\/div>
Fiber Optic<\/h3><\/div>
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