Structured Wiring
Within a data center, cabling can be categorized as either structured or unstructured. Structured cabling adheres to predefined standards, featuring designated connection points and pathways. The selection of cables in a structured wiring design is based on the system’s bandwidth requirements, ensuring optimal performance through rigorous testing. The organized and labeled arrangement of cables in a structured wiring system minimizes operational costs and extends the system’s lifespan, outweighing the longer installation time and higher initial investment when compared to an unstructured system.
Unstructured Wiring
Unstructured cabling, also known as Point to Point, lacks predefined standards, connection points, and pathways, resulting in cooling restrictions, increased energy costs, and challenges in managing system growth. This unreliable system leads to extended downtime. Despite its shorter installation time and lower initial cost, unstructured cabling incurs higher operational costs and has a shorter life cycle compared to structured systems.