The Benefits of Structured Wiring

As we progress further into the digital age, it is important to equip your home with all the wire you need today and into the future. Structured Wiring is the most critical part of an integrated digital home. CAT-5E and RG-6 cables supply the backbone for all types of electronics systems. From satellite and cable television to telephones, security systems, computer networking, video distribution and home automation, a fast, reliable and secure infrastructure is a must.

Reliable Performance

It is very common for customers to ask why they need so many wires in their new home when “everything is going wireless.” Our practical experience has proven to us that hardwired equipment is more reliable and usually has increased performance over wireless devices. We have all experienced dropped cell phone calls and poor reception on our cordless telephones. The more wireless equipment introduced into a home, the greater the likelihood of radio frequency interference between devices.

Equally important is that more and more devices in your home are Ethernet compatible and are actually designed to be connected to your home network. These devices include most new TVs, DVRs, audio/video receivers, Blu-ray disk players, video games, computers, printers and security systems.

To help negate potential interference problems, Port City Sound and Security recommends a robust structured wiring infrastructure in your new home and hardwire for all appropriate devices at the time of construction. Wireless devices can then be added in the future with less chance of interference issues.

Added Flexibility

CAT-5E cable allows up to four phone lines per wall-jack or can be used for computer networking capabilities. When used for data transmission and computers, CAT-5E speeds up download times and helps utilize the full speed of your Internet modem. In addition, CAT-5E can be used for intercoms and cameras and is the backbone of most distributed audio/video and home-automation systems.

Quad Shielded RG-6 is an enhanced coaxial cable that preserves your television signal strength and provides you with the highest quality picture when viewing digital satellite or cable television. With the proliferation of high-definition television (HDTV), RG-6 will be one of the most vital pieces of wire in your home.

Types of Structured Wiring

Telephone

Your telephone locations should be wired with CAT-5E cable, the same wire used for computer networks. This cable allows up to four phone lines per wall jack. It can also be used for converting the phone jack to a computer connection.

Television

Quad Shielded RG-6 is an enhanced coaxial cable that preserves your television-signal strength and provides you with the highest quality picture when viewing digital cable or satellite TV. With the proliferation of High-Definition TV (HDTV), RG-6 is one of the most vital pieces of cable in your home. Your cable box or satellite receiver will convert the HD signals from the service provider and send the signals to your TV using one of several types of connections.

Analog connections:

Component video cables are the minimum requirement to transmit HDTV signals from your cable/satellite receiver to your television.

Digital connections:

HDMI cables are the most advanced HDTV connection. These cables are expensive and difficult to install in new construction environments. For most application where the cable length exceeds 7 meters, multiple CAT 5/6 cables are run together and baluns are used on each end of the cables to make the necessary connections.

A cable TV signal amplifier is part of a properly designed structure-wiring system. This resides inside the structured-wiring enclosure and ensures that each TV location receives the best possible signal.

Computer Networks

Port City Sound and Security recommends the installation of an “Internet Station” that will accommodate both cable and/or DSL modems. In addition, a data line is run back to the structured-wiring enclosure to facilitate network configuration and internet sharing. Dedicated data lines are usually placed in a common area where family and guests may need internet access.

In addition, today’s audio and video equipment also need internet connectivity to update their operating software and access internet information such as music and TV programs. Televisions already have Ethernet connections that allow connection to the internet without a computer interface.

Port City Sound and Security recommends installing dedicated computer network lines in the following locations:

  • All TV Locations
  • Office or study Internet station location
  • Kitchen
  • Guest bedroom
  • Bonus room
  • Media equipment location(s)