Frequently Asked Questions

Structured cabling (Data Comms Cabling) is the system of cables and equipment that connect all our digital/data systems at a local / National level. Sometimes mistaken for ICT which is a generic name more about computer and old telecommunication systems sometimes connected to or controlling networks There is a great deal of confusion regarding the different systems that are used to transfer data.

1. Data is transferred through a network of cables connecting a series of servers, be it local, national or international, this is called the backbone, and is normally supplied by BT, and others ie Virgin.
2. Local internal cabling at commercial buildings i.e., schools, colleges, factories, and airports tends to be copper alloy, although new types of cable are under development. Banks and secure areas tend to use Optic Fibre as they are extremely secure and very reliable if installed correctly. These cables link all the internal systems to comms rooms then to the outside world, this is NOT normally supplied by BT.

The old term for all these systems was Structured Cabling, however electricians also use the term Structured Cabling so to separate the industries we are now introducing it as Data Comms Cabling. Some examples of how data comms cabling carries data

Mobile phones

Your mobile phone communicates with the local celnet mast by radio, then goes through a Transceiver at the bottom of the mast

(this converts the radio signal to a digital signal for transmission down the structured cabling) then is channelled through underground cabling to the Digital exchange (what used to be the telephone exchange) , if it is a mobile you are calling the signal travels back through data comms cabling to another mast near the person you are calling through the transceiver and up the mast and out to the phone you are calling.

If you are calling direct to a landline phone the signal travels through the structured cabling to the exchange and then through data comms cabling to the landline phone you are calling.

ICT and Infrastructure Funding

One common confusion by the terminology from the old analogue landline phone system, is that because you are connecting phones it is called telecommunications, and is commonly but incorrectly referred to as ICT, but in reality in modern terminology it is all Data Comms Cabling.

Because of the confusion between the old telecom system blending into pure data transfer, the term ICT has stuck. The main problem with this is that £M have been invested by the government into ICT and very little investment in Data Comms Cabling. ( Connectivity) which is the glue that holds the system together, no data cabling, no internet, no system.

ICT – Information and Communication Technology – the problem is that in the UK, ICT is seen as the be all, and end all, of the system, yet the ICT qualifications do not cover the full range of subjects required for this much specialised subject of (Data Comms cabling).

Let’s examine something a bit more complex.

Airports:

What has an airport got to do with Data Comms cabling? Let’s take it from the beginning –

Car Park – cabled to server with CCTV for licence plate recognition/occupant security video, ticket information, entry/ exit approval.

Main Building – the lights, air conditioning, display boards, security cameras, announcement systems, check-in computers, baggage handling system, security systems, scanners, secure door entry system, Wi-Fi, CCTV, alarm system/fire systems, phones, tills at the shops – the list goes on.

Airside – air traffic control (although a radio system) the voice and data from the control tower or from the Air Traffic Control to the radio mast is carried by Data Comms cabling via servers distributing and connecting the information from all around the airfield.

Other examples where Structured cabling is used:

Type 45 Destroyers: Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, everything from the TV in the ward room to all the ships controls to weapon system control is through Data Comms cabling.

Aircraft: most modern aircraft have Data Comms networks for control, radar cabin environment etc.

Schools, Universities Hospitals, Oil Platforms: Wi-Fi, plugin broadband, CCTV, fire and alarm, security, door entry.

Motorway and road Infrastructure: CCTV ,traffic lights/ management, overhead displays.

Rail infrastructure: train control, ticketing, signalling infrastructure.

All data equipment requires three main things to function in today’s society:

1. Power – battery, solar, mains
2. Computer systems – Software
3. Connectivity – without which, data equipment is rarely of much use in today’s environment and yet receives the least government funding, for training and development.

Data Comms cabling is what gives connectivity to the data process. It is a trade that has evolved in the background and to the majority of people, is a system hidden in a secure room usually called the server or Comms room. They are rarely seen because anyone tinkering in a server room could bring a company to a standstill just by pulling out a single wire, this is why the comms rooms should always be a secure area.

A Data Comms cabling engineer has to understand:-

• The planning of routing of cables.
• The problems associated with poor routing.
• The authorisations – Safety System required (Risk Assessments/ Method Statements etc)
• Know how to check his equipment and stock of materials.
• How to install his equipment and cables appropriately.
• How to Terminate, test, and rectify faults
• Record test results.
• Hand the system over to the customer.
• How to ensure that all the systems listed below are able to function properly without interfering with each other
• Control systems for heating/air con.
• Low power lighting systems
• IP phones systems
• Ethernet switches
• Wi-Fi
• Fire Systems
• Copper/metallic connectors/ fibre terminators
• Security Alarms, CCTV
• Ethernet cables, switches, servers
• Door entry systems
• TV/radio
• Broadband – which is used as a generic term for internet cables, but actually refers to the volume of data traffic you can get down a cable which limits are referred to in band width.

In order to complete their work, a Data Comms Cabling Engineer requires:

• Appropriate training
• Recognised Qualifications – sometimes funded, are available,
• Preferably having completed an Apprenticeship, or a proof of competence.
• A trade/quality Card or phone app to be able to confirm to customers that they are appropriately trained / qualified to complete the task.
• DBS Checks/ PVG scheme.

There has been much confusion about the terminology.

Telecoms Engineer is not a Data Comms cabling engineer – A Telecoms Engineer tends to connect sets of cables under the road then either to poles or underground to a building (external ) then to internal (router) in households.

A Data Comms cabling engineer will connect to the system of hundreds/thousands of cables in comms rooms through servers and switches which supply a building, sometimes using POE (power over Ethernet) in other words through your internet/ ethernet cables, which means that you can operate all your office equipment without plugging into a mains outlet, and if you include 12v led lighting itis a much safer environment.

Data Comms cabling operates on a 48v Ethernet supply – safer – no shock risk, very low or no fire risk.

Electricians 

There is a fallacy that Data Comms cabling is a part of the electrician’s skillset, Data Comms cabling engineering has nothing to do with a 220v power supply.

Electricians may supply 220v Mains to a building and server room, Electricians are not trained in working with the equipment that a Data Comms cabling engineer is trained and qualified in, some electricians have some basic training in data comms but generally this does not reach the standards of the industry.

For commercial sites the electricians supply the power to site, all the Data Comms cabling within the site is then or should be installed and maintained by approved, qualified, Data Comms cabling engineers.

Summary

Your computer is connected to the outside world of the Internet, World Wide Web, normally by two methods:

The Ethernet cable which plugs into your computer and connects you directly to the router, if your connection is by Wi-fi and this includes your mobile phone, tablet, Kindle then you are connected to the router by short range radio, (Wi-Fi), the router/ in turn is connected by cable to a (cabinet in street) which if you are lucky is connected to the exchange by optic fibre or if you are unlucky by copper cable which is slower.

The exchange then connects you to the world of the internet.

Either way you have just been connected through Data Comms cabling.

From energy production, distribution and control to business and financial services, from manufacture to passenger and freight transport, and from healthcare to the design, construction and operation of buildings & structures “connectivity” is an essential characteristic of their requirements in terms of data transfer.

The principles and applications of “connectivity” are provided through complex networks of cables, wireless signals, hardware and associated accessories to ensure that data/information is transferred as fast as possible with effectiveness and efficiency.  Collectively these networks are branded as Intelligent Infrastructure Technology Systems.

The Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technology is a not-for-profit organisation looking to establish the data cabling /connectivity industry and its engineers as a recognised stand-alone industry and occupation in the UK, and to influence the professional standards and competencies of those who operate within the industry.

To help us expand the Infrastructure Industry and have it accepted as an industry.
We can help by supporting and developing your:

• Career and interests
• Professional standing
• Knowledge and skills
• Network of contacts

Together we can be a voice to be heard and listened to. When an application has been accepted, you will have joined the growing number of data engineers and companies.

We are also developing the new trade app for phones this will be your future trade card which will be loaded with your qualifications, skill competencies and other relevant information.

You can sign up by purchasing a membership through our online store. You can sign up as an individual member, or purchase a corporate membership

Membership fees are:

• Individual Member: £160
• Corporate Membership: £380

The institute Code of Conduct can be found here