Modern categories and standards of scs. Structured Cabling Networks
A structured cabling system (SCS) is the physical basis of a building's infrastructure, which combines various network information services into a single complex.
Such services are:
Figure 1 - Structured building cabling system
Principles of construction of SCS
A structured cabling system ensures the transmission of signals of all types and is the basis of a local area network (LAN). A LAN connects phones, computers and other equipment. Each connection point provides access to all network resources. Therefore, at each workplace there are enough two lines - a computer and a telephone. These lines can be interchanged.
Below are the basic principles for constructing SCS.
Structuring
Cable wiring and its components are divided into separate subsystems. Each subsystem performs specific functions and communicates with other subsystems and network equipment. Each subsystem has switching capabilities that allow you to easily change the system configuration. When building a system, various types of cable and switching equipment can be used, depending on the conditions of a particular project.
Versatility
The cable system is built according to the principles of open architecture with technical characteristics defined in the standards. The parameters of electrical and optical cable routes of subsystems and their interfaces are specified in the regulatory documentation. Thus, the cabling system can be used to transmit signals for various applications using only two types of cables - twisted pair and optical fiber.
Switching of SCS subsystems with each other and with active network equipment is carried out by a certain set of cords with universal connectors, which facilitates the administration of the cable system and its adaptation to various applications.
Redundancy
SCS provides for the possibility of expansion - its topology and equipment provide the opportunity to increase the number of connected equipment and the volume of traffic. All SCS equipment is selected with reserves for performance, the possibility of installing additional modules and expanding functionality.
Reliability
Manufacturers of SCS guarantee the functionality and compliance of the cable system with standards throughout its entire service life. In the event of an accident in the SCS, the faulty section is quickly localized, a transition is made to the backup line and repair work is carried out. Restoration of the SCS operation is carried out without stopping the network operation by the SCS administrator, without the involvement of third-party specialists.
Flexibility
A functioning SCS provides the following capabilities without changing the cable system and without any additional costs:
- modification of the software and hardware complex;
- control the movement of users in the building;
- change in the number of users;
- dividing users into groups according to various characteristics.
Economical
Large initial investments in SCS quickly pay off due to lower costs for modification and support of telecommunications infrastructure. The service life of SCS is significantly longer than the life of other components of the information system (active network equipment, servers and personal computers, software, telephone exchanges and communication equipment, etc.).
Durability
SCS will ensure a gradual transition to high-speed protocols that will work for the future by simply replacing active equipment, without requiring reconstruction of the cable system. The technological stock of characteristics and SCS standards guarantee that obsolescence of cable wiring will not occur before the end of its system warranty (for most manufacturers it is 20 years).
SCS subsystems
SCS is a cable system of a building (group of buildings) of a hierarchical type, which consists of structural subsystems. Each subsystem performs its own functions and has a specific topology and composition of components. For each type of subsystem, the standards define requirements, restrictions and rules.
SCS cable subsystems:
Figure 2 - SCS subsystems
EDP - floor distribution point;
GRP - main distribution point;
PRP - intermediate distribution point.
Trunk subsystem of the first level
The trunk subsystem of the first level is located between the main distribution point and the intermediate distribution point, as well as between the main distribution point and the floor distribution point.
This subsystem includes:
- Level I trunk cables;
- distribution devices used for the trunk cable of the I level;
- patch jumpers and cords that are used for switching at the main distribution point.
Trunk subsystem of the second level
The intermediate distribution point divides the main SCS system into the main subsystem of the first level and the main subsystem of the second level.
This subsystem includes:
- Level II trunk cables;
- distribution devices used for the Level II backbone cable;
- patch jumpers and cords that are used for switching at an intermediate distribution point.
Horizontal subsystem
The horizontal subsystem is located from the distribution devices of the floor distribution point to the telecommunication sockets.
This subsystem includes:
- horizontal cables;
- distribution devices used for horizontal cables;
- switching jumpers and cords that are used for switching with the floor distribution point;
- telecommunications outlets;
- consolidation points.
SCS components
A structured cabling system is created during the construction of a building or refurbishment of premises and has a guaranteed service life of at least 10 years.
SCS includes the following equipment:
- telecommunication cabinets;
- server cabinets;
- cables;
- wire trays;
- Column;
- patch panels;
- electric brushes;
- connectors;
- sockets (computer, telephone);
- telephone plinths;
- cross panels.
SCS architecture
There are two types of SCS architecture:
- distributed;
- centralized.
Distributed SCS
Distributed architecture is most often used for SCS of multi-storey buildings and building complexes. A distributed architecture can have one or two levels of hierarchy. In the first case, the main distribution point is connected to the floor distribution point using a cross. In the second case, the SCS consists of three subsystems: the main level I, the main level II and horizontal subsystems.
Figure 3 - Distributed SCS
Advantages of distributed architecture:
- greater flexibility of SCS;
- ease of expansion of the cable system;
- ease of installation of the cable system.
Disadvantages of distributed architecture:
- cumbersome cable system (large number of components);
- large area of telecommunications premises;
- complexity of control and security.
Centralized SCS
A centralized architecture may have one hierarchy level with no horizontal or backbone subsystem cross-connection, or no hierarchy levels at all and consist only of a horizontal subsystem.
Figure 4 - Centralized SCS 
Advantages of centralized SCS architecture:
- a small number of cable system components;
- small area of telecommunications premises;
- a small amount of active equipment;
- lack of active and passive equipment for organizing the highway;
- simplicity of organizing a redundancy system for active equipment.
Disadvantages of centralized SCS architecture:
- a large amount of cable;
- low flexibility of the cable system;
- difficulty in expanding SCS;
- complexity of installation;
- the difficulty of delimiting the area of responsibility in a telecommunications premises when renting a building by different organizations.
is the basis of the information structure of any enterprise. The entire variety of information services of various types and purposes, various peripheral devices, as well as automated workstations, SCS allows you to combine into one system. Systems such as local and telephone networks, security and fire alarms, video surveillance systems, access control and management are an integral part of any modern organization. A competent and high-quality SCS allows you to structure all these services, which in turn increases the efficiency of the company.
SCS provides its subscribers with the following information services:
SCS consists of the following subsystems:
Basic principles for constructing SCS:
Performance
SCS equipment is selected based on the planned volumes of processed traffic, as well as the requirements for the functions of the equipment and the protocols used.Reliability and Availability
The operating mode of the SCS is around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In the event of failures, the SCS has the ability to automatically reconfigure in order to maintain operability and minimize downtime.Scalability
SCS provides for the possibility of expansion, i.e. its topology and equipment provide the ability to increase the number of connected points and increase the volume of traffic. All SCS equipment is selected with reserve, both in terms of performance and the possibility of installing additional modules and expanding functionality.Efficiency
During the design process of SCS, optimization is carried out in order to more efficiently use resources (amount of memory, processor performance, data transmission channel capacity). Efficient use of SCS resources reduces the total cost of system ownership.Safety
The SCS takes into account the requirements for organizing security and protection against unauthorized access (NDA). All devices included in the SCS are protected by a password system that has several levels. Authentication of access to equipment can be carried out using authentication software that provides password encryption. Remote access to devices can be achieved using protocols that provide a secure management session.Unification and standardization
When creating an SCS, it is proposed to use equipment from one manufacturer as active network equipment. The equipment has a single operating system (OS) for all devices.To ensure interaction between various SCS subsystems, the IP protocol is used.
SKS standards:
1) American standard EIA/TIA-568B Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard2) international standard ISO/IEC IS 11801 Information Technology. Generic cabling for customer premises
3) European standard CENELEC EN 50173 Information Technology. Generic cabling systems
Among the implemented projects is SCS MGUP Mosvodokanal, which included such work as: design of SCS, installation and crossing of racks, laying optical communication lines (FOCL).
We work with the full range of fiber optic products (FOCL), copper pairs, server cabinets, patch panels, sockets, etc. Our company has modern equipment and software for the design and installation of SCS. Upon delivery of the project, a full report on testing of all installed communication lines is attached. Implementation of SCS is carried out using active and passive network equipment from leading manufacturers such as Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, 3COM, etc.
Design of SCS (structured cabling system)
The design department of the GRIN EFFECT company provides a full range of services for SCS design.At the first stage of SCS design, an inspection of the facility, negotiations with the customer, identification of tasks and requirements for the SCS are carried out.
Based on the results of research and analysis of initial data, an optimal project for constructing a structured cabling system is developed, which includes all the wishes and requirements of the customer. The SCS project presents: detailed plans for the location of system elements; schematic and structural diagrams of connections, cable routing, cable log. A specification of equipment and materials, an estimate for the installation of SCS and statements of work performed are also drawn up.
SCS design is carried out in accordance with Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 16, 2008 No. 87 “On the composition of sections of design documentation and requirements for their content”, regional building codes and technical specifications requirements.
When designing SCS, the requirements of existing legislation and regulatory documents on ecology, labor protection and fire safety are taken into account.
Pre-project survey
The purpose of the pre-project survey is to determine a set of measures and develop technical proposals taking into account the generated standard solutions. Based on the results of the survey, our design engineers will help the Customer develop a competent technical specification (TOR) for the design of the SCS.Technical specifications (TOR) SKS
Customer requirements form the basis technical specifications (TOR) of SCS and are the primary document from which work on creating a structured cabling system begins. In addition to the technical requirements, at the first stages of the SCS design work, data obtained during the pre-design survey is used as initial information. Any design begins with a correctly written technical specification approved by the customer. The design terms and selection of necessary equipment for the construction of SCS, described in the technical specifications, depend on a well-written technical specification.The composition of SCS design documentation is regulated by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation “On the composition of sections of design documentation and requirements for their content” dated February 16, 2008 No. 87.
SCS design documentation (stage “P”)
A well-developed concept of SCS and technical specifications provide the basis for creating a draft plan for SCS - a single set of solutions designed to ensure the specified operating mode of SCS. The preliminary design determines the optimal structure of the SCS and the cabling route, the location and composition of telecommunications infrastructure elements, an idea of the project budget, as well as a number of other parameters that will facilitate the selection of specific solutions.SCS design documentation consists of text and graphic materials that define space-planning, design and technical solutions for the construction or reconstruction (modernization) of SCS.
The basis for the development of the SCS project is the architectural, construction, technological and engineering parts of the building design. The SCS project is focused on using the most efficient and well-proven equipment and component materials. Competent design means high speed of construction work and maintenance of SCS. Error-free project calculation – minimizing equipment costs.
Working documentation of SCS (stage “P”)
At the next stage, working documentation for the SCS is developed, which is used during the construction phase. It is at this stage that the resource intensity of the process, the volume of construction and installation work, the amount of necessary equipment and materials, and therefore the final budget of the SCS project are determined.Detailed design documentation for SCS is developed after approval of the previous design stage. The purpose of the work at stage “P” is to prepare accurate drawings, diagrams and tables that will guide installers when carrying out work on creating SCS. Detailed documentation provides detailed linking of the components of all systems to the object. The working documentation of the SCS contains drawings, tables of connections and connections, plans for the location of equipment and wiring and other documents.
Estimate documentation SCS (“SD”)
The development of estimate documentation is the final stage of designing a structured cable system and determines the full cost of equipment, construction, installation and commissioning works.Installation of SCS
In accordance with the SCS project approved by the Customer and the purchase of the necessary equipment, the following is produced:GREEN EFFECT specialists provide a full range of SCS installation services.
The experience accumulated in this area allows us to install and connect SCS in the shortest possible time, in strict accordance with the project and the proper quality of work.
Setting up SCS
Upon completion of installation, the SCS undergoes comprehensive testing and configuration in order to check the functionality of the system and identify defects. Testing and configuration results with explanations of parameter values and an analysis of the quality of the structured cabling system are provided to the customer (an example of a testing report in the figure). After completion of all work and transfer of documentation to the customer, representatives of the contractor and the customer inspect the facility. If all necessary requirements and tasks are met, as well as compliance with the technical specifications, the facility is put into operation.
Maintenance of SCS (structured cabling system)
Maintenance of structured cabling system (TO SCS) carried out to ensure uninterrupted operation of the company’s unified IT equipment system and constant access of personnel to various information services.Maintenance of SCS is carried out by diagnosing the condition of all sections of SCS, taking measurements in cross-cabinets, detecting and eliminating damage to SCS elements.
SCS maintenance includes:
The scope of SCS maintenance work depends on the operating conditions and composition of the equipment.
Preventative maintenance work for SCS:
Diagnostics of SCS ports consists of measuring the parameters of SCS ports for compliance with category parameters using appropriate certified instrumentation with issuing reports on all measured parameters over the entire frequency range. Non-compliance of SCS ports with category requirements is determined based on the results of port diagnostics.
Restoration work of SCS maintenance:
Malfunctions identified as a result of preventive maintenance are eliminated by the Contractor as part of SCS maintenance. Depending on the nature of the malfunction, a decision is made to remove the faulty equipment from use and include it in the SCS routine repair plan, or to eliminate the defect on site. Faults that require additional work and material resources to eliminate should be eliminated after drawing up a defect report. Identified violations of the operating conditions of the SCS are reported to the Customer's representatives.
The SCS maintenance work schedule is developed and approved by the Customer. Based on the results of the work, the contractor provides a report, which includes:
Any office has computers, telephones, faxes, security alarms, video surveillance and other equipment necessary for the full functioning of the enterprise.
To ensure that all devices work smoothly and provide company employees with comfortable working conditions, they are combined into special cable systems - SCS and LAN. What are these concepts? What exactly are they used for and how do they differ from each other?
What is SKS?
SCS, or structured cabling system, is a complete set of wires and switching devices that allow you to bring together information services for various purposes. For better understanding, a simple example can be given. Often, different equipment in the same building is combined into separate cabling systems.
Computers and faxes are connected to each other by one cable, telephones by another, alarm systems by a third. Each system has its own sockets and wires, which are serviced by separate specialized teams.
Such arrangement of offices causes some inconvenience, especially in case of breakdowns, when the necessary team of craftsmen is not on site. If the building is equipped with SCS, such problems do not arise, since all the wires and sockets in the building are of the same type, that is, it does not matter at all which socket the telephone is plugged into, and which computer or video camera. 
In other words, SCS is a universal cable network that ensures the sharing of all equipment.
What is SCS used for?
The main purpose of SCS is to create a flexible information infrastructure that does not depend on the final media and covers the entire enterprise, connecting all points of data transmission media. As a rule, SCS has a single switching center to which all backbone subsystems from different floors converge.
A structured system includes cables, outlets, patch cords and panels to help securely manage the entire building cabling system, providing flexibility and ease of operation of all equipment.
What does LAN mean?
LAN, or local area network, is one of the elements of SCS and connects all the computer systems of the office. In simple terms, it is a group of personal computers and peripheral equipment that allows you to solve enterprise information problems and exchange data. 
Its installation allows office employees to transfer electronic documents, graphs, tables and other necessary information to each other without using removable media.
Typically, a local network covers a small space (office, residential building, educational institution), although sometimes it is installed on a global scale. For example, orbital centers and space stations are also LANs.
Computers can be connected to each other in various ways, but most often local networks are built on either Ethernet technologies. Previously, other protocols were widely used in enterprises, but now they are becoming less common.
Why do you need a LAN?
The installation of a LAN is determined, first of all, by the need to share resources within one office. Resources include not only computers, but also modems, printers, scanners, hard drives and any other devices connected to the PC.
When installing a local network, employees have the opportunity to interactively connect with each other to send and receive messages, gain access to centrally installed programs, and also abandon separate information storage devices at each workplace.
What is the difference between LAN and SCS?
The difference between cable networks is that SCS is a more global concept, covering literally all the equipment in an enterprise - from computers and telephones to security and fire systems. SCS is capable of supporting a wide range of applications and ensuring the use of the same channel to transmit different signals. 
A LAN, in contrast, is a separate network that connects only computer equipment. In modern conditions, it is organized on the basis of SCS.
Basic Concepts
Structured cabling system (SCS)- this is a universal cable system of a building, a group of buildings, intended for use for a fairly long period of time without restructuring, SCS implies the replacement of the entire cable system and systems of the building / buildings..
The versatility of SCS implies its use for various systems:
- computer network;
- telephone network;
- security system;
- fire alarm
- others.
Such a cabling system is independent of the terminal equipment, which allows you to create a flexible enterprise communications infrastructure. A structured cabling system is a collection of passive communication equipment:
Cable- this component is used as a medium for SCS data transmission. The cable is divided into shielded and unshielded.
Sockets- this component is used as entry points into the building’s cable network.
Patch panels- used for administering cable systems in switching centers of floors and the building as a whole.
Patch Cords- used for connecting office equipment to the building’s cable network, organizing the structure of the cable system in switching centers.
The principle of construction of SCS
SCS - covers the entire space of the building, connects all points of information transmission, such as computers, telephones, fire and security alarm sensors, video surveillance and access control systems. All these facilities are provided by an individual entry point into the overall building system. Lines, separate for each information socket, connect the entry points with the floor switching center, forming horizontal cable subsystem. All floor switching nodes are combined by special highways in the switching center of the building. External cable lines are also brought here to connect the building to global information resources, such as telephony, Internet, etc. This topology allows you to reliably manage the entire building system, ensures flexibility and simplicity of the system, as well as its unification.
1 - Office equipment- computer, telephone, fax and other peripheral equipment.
2 - Cabling- laid along embedded channels inside walls, along decorative cable ducts indoors, along trays behind false ceilings or under false floors.
3 - Switching node- intended for installation and use of cable system switching equipment, for centralizing external and internal cable inputs, for connecting the cable system with active network or other equipment.
4 - Vertical cabling
5 - Service technical means
Workplace- the area where the user’s technical equipment is installed and connected to the building’s cable network. The workplace is equipped with at least two information sockets, since a typical office workplace contains at least the user’s computer and his phone. To connect them to the SCS, sockets with a standardized RJ-45 connector and patch cords with a length of 1 to 5 meters are used.
Horizontal cabling- cable lines connecting the workplace with the floor switching unit. Horizontal cabling, based on copper conductors, uses a four-pair single-core cable in various designs. Under normal conditions, unshielded cable is used, and under increased requirements for electromagnetic radiation, compatibility or confidentiality, shielded cable is used. In some special cases, it is possible to use fiber optic cable as a horizontal cabling system, providing increased protection against electromagnetic radiation and protection against unauthorized access.
Floor switching unit- the area in which horizontal cable lines converge, switching equipment is located and the administration of the floor cable system is carried out. Administration means making changes and additions to existing configurations. The basis of such centers are patch and cross panels. For ease of installation and ease of operation, switching equipment is placed in special cabinets and racks, to which all cable lines are connected. Cabinets also perform the function of restricting access to switching equipment.
Vertical cabling- cable lines connecting the floor switching center with the building switching center.
Trunk subsystem- a subsystem of a building complex, which can be built from copper and/or fiber optic cable types, and which integrates the cable systems of buildings.
In each specific building, in general, there are three SCS subsystems: a vertical cable subsystem, a horizontal cable subsystem and a workstation subsystem. For fairly large buildings, with a large number of workplaces on the floors, all these three subsystems are present explicitly. For relatively small buildings with a limited number of workplaces, it is recommended to organize one SCS switching node, where all horizontal cabling converges. In this case, the vertical cable subsystem may be absent or be of a degenerate nature, in which the vertical cable subsystem is represented by a set of patch cords connecting the ports of the “floor” LAN switches (switches for connecting workstations) with the ports of the central (backbone) switch.
Requirements for designing SCS:
The SCS must be designed with redundancy in terms of the number of connections.
The structured cabling system must be made in accordance with standards - international, European, American. Such as ANSI/EIA/TIA 568, ANSI/EIA/TIA 569
The workplace must have at least one connector for connecting to a LAN and one connector for connecting to the telephone network
The maximum distance of horizontal wiring should not exceed 90m;
The equipment used to build the SCS must correspond to at least the fifth category.
Each communication line of the cable system from the point of connection of the terminal equipment to the point of connection to the patch panel must be tested to at least belong to the fifth category.
The SCS must ensure quick re-switching of horizontal wiring lines and building mains
The laying of cables in corridors should be carried out behind a false ceiling, if there is one, and if there is none, in specialized cable channels (ducts) or in existing mortgages; in work areas, cable supply to workstations is carried out in cable ducts.
Installation of a local area network, which is carried out with high quality and at a high professional level, is the key to the uninterrupted operation of computer equipment for all office employees.
Today it is almost impossible to imagine life without computer technology and the Internet. The age of high technology obliges: in order to keep up with competitors, and ideally overtake them, you need to apply all the latest information solutions in your business. The development of digital technologies has manifested itself, in particular, in small and medium-sized businesses. Without the presence of structured cabling systems (SCS), it is simply impossible for a company to effectively carry out its activities. Today we will try to answer primary questions related to the design and installation of SCS and LAN.
What does installation of SCS include?
These are complex, comprehensive activities that must begin with preliminary work.
The preliminary stage includes:
- installing a cable channel and preparing holes in the walls (this work can also take a lot of time, because it’s one thing to drill drywall, and another to tap a channel in an old brick building);
- laying the cable in the prepared channel;
- installation of the mounting structure and placement of the cable in the communication panel.
As a rule, the design of SCS is carried out in ready-made offices of constructed buildings. This allows the immediate use of new technologies (rejection of copper cable in favor of fiber optics).
Cable laying is a task whose effectiveness depends on the qualifications of the performer (and often on his conscientiousness). Because cable can be installed in more complex and simpler ways, many cable companies default to the simpler (open) method rather than the more complex (internal) method.
Of course, the open method has its advantages, but this is the other side of the disadvantages. The cable remains visible. If necessary, it can be easily replaced (or removed altogether, if the office has undergone redevelopment and the cable no longer has to run across the entire room). But the closed installation method (in a box) is much more aesthetically pleasing (and more practical). Firstly, it does not disrupt the appearance of the room. Secondly, the cable is much less susceptible to mechanical stress. The relative disadvantage of this method is that it requires significant financial investments.
LAN installation
Produced with high quality and at a high professional level, this is the key to the uninterrupted operation of computer equipment for all office employees.
The main factors that must be taken into account when laying a LAN boil down to the following points:
- determining the purpose of creating a network (what function it should ultimately perform);
- determining the required throughput;
- establishing the number of jobs;
- expansion options provided.
At the stage of preparation for LAN installation, it is also necessary to consider the availability, quantity and placement of additional equipment (adapters, routers, switches, etc.). Timely consideration of all the above factors will avoid operational failures and minimize the number of equipment breakdowns.
Competent and carefully thought-out installation of a LAN in any office will ensure high-quality productive operation of a variety of office equipment in the future. Even if there is a high load, the equipment will work more efficiently if the LAN was installed by professionals.
Since it is not an exaggeration to say that almost every process in the activities of a small or medium-sized business is computerized, investing in high-quality LAN installation is a way to significantly reduce further costs.
