Structured wiring refers to the building infrastructure designed to support the performance and reliability of a network. It encompasses a number of standardized smaller elements (structured) and various components, including cables, connectors, racks, and patch panels, all installed in a predefined hierarchical structure. This standardized approach enables efficient management and organization of network resources. At the same time, standardization of connectors and copper cabling performance categories and design guidelines have greatly simplified the planning and implementation of IT networks.
Structured cabling design and installation is governed by a set of standards that specify wiring data centers, offices, and apartment buildings for data or voice communications using various kinds of cable, most commonly Category 5e (Cat 5e), Category 6 (Cat 6), and fiber-optic cabling and modular connectors. These standards define how to lay the cabling in various topologies in order to meet the needs of the customer, typically using a central patch panel (which is often mounted in a 19-inch rack), from where each modular connection can be used as needed