In the world of low-voltage infrastructure, terms like structured cabling, voice & data cabling, and network cabling are often used interchangeably. While these systems are closely related, they are not identical. Understanding the difference between these cables, and when to install them, can help you make better networking and telecommunication decisions for your business. 

What Is Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling is the most comprehensive cabling in the low-voltage category. It includes cabling for data networking such as HDBaseT, Ethernet and fiber, voice communications such as VoIP, PBX and intercoms. This type of cabling supports a myriad of devices such as wireless access points, security cameras, access control systems, and building automation. It focuses on providing a standard framework designed to support multiple communication technologies and low-voltage systems.

A structured cabling system typically includes:

• Horizontal cabling connecting work areas to telecommunications closets
• Backbone or riser cabling connecting floors and buildings
• Patch panels and cross-connect systems
• Telecommunications rooms and equipment rooms
• Copper and fiber optic cabling
• Cable management systems
• Labeling, documentation, testing, and certification

Structured cabling is the physical foundation for most communication systems. It is designed to be scalable, reliable, and easy to maintain. If you are pre-wiring a new location, structure cabling is usually the type of cabling you would start with. 

What Is Voice & Data Cabling?

Voice & data cabling refers to cabling that supports telephone and computer communication systems. Most cable installations use Cat6 or Cat6A cabling for both voice and data applications because Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones operate over the same network infrastructure and data transmission layers as computers and other connected devices, and PBX (analog phone systems), use the same copper pairs in Cat6 as they did in Cat3 or earlier phone systems, in fact the connectors are backwards compatible such as the RJ45 and RJ11 connectors. 

Voice & data cabling commonly supports:

• Traditional telephone systems (PBX)
• VoIP phones (Network Phones)
• Desktop Computers 
• Network Printers
• Office Communication Devices

Because it focuses on specific end-user communication services, voice & data cabling is generally considered a subset of structured cabling. A common example would be installing Cat6 network drops at every office workstation to support both computers and telephone handsets.

What Is Network Cabling?

Network cabling is a specialized cabling category. It focuses on infrastructure used for computer networking and data transmission.

Network cabling systems typically include:

• Ethernet cabling such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat7, and Cat8
• Fiber optic backbone connections
• Cabling between switches, routers, servers, and storage devices
• Connections to wireless access points and network-enabled devices

The primary purpose of network cabling is to support:

• Local Area Networks (LANs)
• Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity
• Internet Access
• Data Center Infrastructure
• Power Devices (POE)
• High-speed Data Communications

Unlike structured cabling, network cabling is only used with network traffic and data transmission. Systems used for security, audio/visual distribution, or building controls may not be included unless they operate directly on the network.

How These Systems Relate

Structured cabling serves as the umbrella system that supports multiple technologies and applications. Within that framework, voice & data cabling supports workplace communications, while network cabling focuses specifically on data networking infrastructure. Most businesses will use all three cabling types. A single Cat6 cable may simultaneously support a desktop computer, a VoIP telephone, a wireless access point and a security camera.

Who Should You Hire To Cable Your Building?

A Low-Voltage Contractor can run all three types of cabling for your business. Once the cabling is in place, they can provide additional services to connect the cables to security systems, access control, audio/visual systems, and many automation solutions for your business.

There is no one-size-fits-all cabling solution for every business. But we do recommend a base line of cabling to ensure your business can scale with the technology you need. Determining what types of cabling your business needs depends on the size of your location and what technology you plan to connect to those cables. A site visit can easily help your low-voltage contractor create a cabling plan for your current and future A/V and networking needs.

Audio EnVision offers a variety of low-voltage cabling options. Our expert technicians and engineers understand what cables you need so you don’t have to go it alone. Contact us via email at Office@audioenvision.com or by phone at 480-405-8338 to start planning your cabling project.