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Home > How To Library > Electrical > Telephone & Data > Getting Connected: Structured Wiring Basics
Getting Connected: Structured Wiring Basics
Today's home wiring includes more than the standard suite of electrical connections. Dedicated wiring for data, telephone, audio, and video are fast becoming standard options.
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Structured wiring is a generic term used to describe many different types of residential wiring products that distribute a variety of data signals throughout a home. Signal types such as cable television, telephones, and Ethernet computer networks are common examples.
Orange-sheathed bundles of coaxial and CAT-5 Ethernet cables are installed before walls a drywalled.
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Wiring Options
The wires included in a structured wiring bundle vary by manufacturer, but look for at least two coaxial cables of RG-6 quality and two twisted pair cables of Category 5 (CAT-5) or higher quality. Higher end options may also include fiber optic cable. The coaxial cable used in structured wiring is the same basic type used for purposes such as connecting a VCR to a television. RG-6 is a rating of quality; some manufacturers use RG-59 or lower grades, but these lower grades may reduce picture and audio quality. "Twisted pair" refers to the telephone cable that runs to the phone jack on your wall. It is called twisted pair as it consists of two wires that are twisted around each other (the twisting actually improves the quality of the signal). CAT-5 is an indicator of quality. Generally higher numbers indicate better quality, although you should note that CAT-5e is one step better than CAT-5.
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Known as a "2+2 box," this outlet has ports for two coaxial cables and two CAT-5 Ethernet cables. The addition of two standard household electrical outlets increases its functionality.
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The whole suite of cables are often bundled together and covered with a plastic coating. This is advantageous as a bundle is easier to install, and the stronger wires (RG-6) help to protect the weaker wires (CAT-5) during the installation process. With good quality wires, there will be no loss of performance or interference from bundling. This bundle is run through the walls of your house, and terminated at a wall outlet. These plates are about the same size as a normal wall faceplate. Depending on the wires included in the bundle, the outlet will have from two to eight different ports to attach devices to the wiring. For example, with the four-wire bundle described above, the wall plate would have two cable jacks and two phone jacks.
Benefits
A structured wiring package means that multiple data distribution options are readily available in the home. This is where the second cable (RG-6) and data (CAT-5) lines become important. The first cable line carries a signal from a control box to the wall plate—for example, a satellite TV signal. The second cable line can then be used to carry a signal back to the control box. For example, this might be the output from a DVD player. With the appropriate hardware, this DVD signal could then be amplified and sent back over all outgoing cable lines on an unused channel number on every television. The DVD could then be watched on any TV in the house simply by tuning to the previously unused channel.
 Whole-house Wiring - Tim Woods from Internet Home Alliance shows how structured wiring is run from a second floor outlet to a Home Director Network Control Center. Woods also details the functions of the Network Control Center and explains how it distributes audio, video, voice, and data throughout a home.  Watch Video!
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Where this technology really shines is when setting up a home computer network. A single CAT-5 twisted pair line can be used to both send and receive computer data. An advanced control box, commonly known as a router, will be able to decipher the data, and send it to the correct location. Thus, data coming in over a high-speed Internet connection will be sent to the correct computer, allowing for multiple users to share a single Internet connection with no interference. Similarly, data can be sent from one computer and correctly routed by the control box, whether it is an e-mail message to be sent to a friend overseas, a file to be printed on a color printer in the upstairs office, or simply an instant message to your spouse working downstairs.
How much will it cost?
A basic structured wiring system can be purchased and installed in a new home construction for approximately $1 for each square foot of living space. This system would consist of a control box capable of simple video and telephone distribution and four wire bundles running to wall plates in each bedroom, the living room, the garage and kitchen. The total cost to purchase and install the same system in an existing home can cost up to twice as much.
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