Structured cabling is the planned installation of data cables, wall outlets, patch panels and cabinets that form the physical backbone of a business network. Rather than running a cable for each device ad hoc, it provides labelled, tested connections that can be reused and changed over time.
Most modern installations use Cat6 or similar copper cable for runs up to 100 metres, and fibre for longer distances or links between buildings. Cables run back to a patch panel in a comms cabinet, where short patch leads connect them to switches. After installation each run should be tested and labelled.
In retail and hospitality, cabling serves tills, kitchen display screens, printers, access points, cameras, people counters, digital signage and electronic shelf label gateways. Wired connections are more reliable than Wi-Fi for fixed devices, so a good fit-out leaves cable points at each till, in the kitchen and in ceilings for access points.
The best time to cable is during a shopfit, before walls and ceilings close. Pitfalls include too few outlets, no spare capacity, unlabelled cables, runs over length limits, and work by unlicensed installers. In Australia, cabling work generally needs a registered cabler, so check current requirements.
Cabling outlasts most equipment, so it is worth doing well once.