What is copper backbone cabling?
TL;DR: Summary
Copper backbone cabling is what links different parts of a building’s network together, like connecting comms rooms, cabinets or floors so everything runs on the same system. Instead of going directly to devices, it sits in the middle, carrying large amounts of data between key network points and keeping everything joined up. It usually uses copper cables like Cat5e, Cat6 or higher, which makes it a cost effective and practical choice for shorter distances, even though fibre is often used for higher speeds. Get this layer right and your whole network works more reliably, scales better, and avoids bottlenecks between areas.
Copper backbone cabling is a type of cable that is used in the telecommunications industry. These cables are also known as structured cabling or premises cabling because they are found in all premises, such as buildings and warehouses. These cables are used to carry signals between devices installed at various points inside a building. There are many levels of copper backbone cabling depending on speed, distance, and data transmission function.
The majority of backbone cabling is generally installed with fibre optic cabling such as OM4 and OS2, but in certain situations, copper backbone cabling is used.
Two types of copper backbone cabling systems
1) Unshielded Twisted Pair. (UTP) Cable systems are used in small buildings or homes where end devices are interconnected with patch panels or wall jacks by using short-length UTP cables.
2) Shielded Twisted Pair. (STP) Cable systems are used in larger buildings or offices, where there is greater interference from electrical cabling and other communication systems
Types of copper backbone cabling
Shielded twisted pair cables provide extra protection against crosstalk, an electrical interference that can cause data loss. Crosstalk occurs when the signal on one cable also affects the signal on an adjacent cable. It can be caused by cables that are too close together or by external factors like electrical equipment. The shielding reduces susceptibility to crosstalk. If you’re running shielded twisted pair, consider using STP connectors to protect wire pairs from EMI / RFI interference.
Copper Cabling Systems
1) 10 Mbps unshielded twisted pair (UTP) system – Not suitable for any structured cabling system and only rarely found in very old legacy buildings
2) 100 Mbps unshielded twisted pair (UTP) system – This system is also now not suitable for even small offices and homes, and again rarely found
3) 1000 Mbps unshielded twisted pair (UTP) systems
– These systems are commonly used in the telecommunications industry, where a large amount of data transfer takes place from one point to another. However, modern requirements now recommend a minimum of Cat6a backbones and 10-gigabit communication abilities
4) 1000 Mbps shielded twisted pair (STP) system
– These systems are commonly used in the telecommunication industry, where interference from other cables is likely.
5) 10 Gigabit systems
- The minimum recommendation for new cabling systems, whether via fibre or copper backbones, such as the DfE cabling outline for schools and colleges
Backbone and horizontal cabling
A backbone cable connects the data switches, which run the horizontal cables, to the different parts of a network. It is also known as backbone cabling, routing cable or vertical cabling. In essence, it connects switches in one cabinet to switches in another cabinet
Horizontal cabling runs from a central point to individual workstations or telecommunication outlets. It is also known as horizontal cabling or local wiring. In most cases, it is best to have the cabinet with the horizontal cable on the same floor as the outlets. However, in many cases, a single cabinet may serve several floors. Although it is still referred to as horizontal cabling
The maximum length of any copper backbone cabling link is 90m
Are Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a suitable for copper backbone cabling?
All three standards are suitable for a copper backbone.
The Type designations refer to the supported transmission speeds; they do not refer to the connection type (i.e., whether it is used in a horizontal or backbone environment).
For 1 Gigabit links, both Cat5e and Cat6 are suitable
For 10 Gigabit links, Cat6a is the recommended and required cable system.
Of course, fibre optic cabling is always the preferred backbone link, but when copper is preferred, choosing the correct copper cable for the link speed is important.
Is multimode fibre suitable for backbone cabling?
Yes. Multimode fibre is suitable for backbone cabling and, in most cases, is the best option.
The bandwidth capabilities of multimode fibre are greater than those of copper cabling, allowing it to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet over longer distances. For example, 300m for Om3 and 450m for Om4 fibre cabling compared to a maximum of 90m for Cat6a
Single-mode fibre cabling increases this capability in excess of 1000m
When would Copper Cabling be used for Backbone Cabling
Copper backbone cabling is generally used in small offices or residential installations. In essence, when a small number of outlets need to be connected back to the main communications cabinet via a switch.
Installing copper as the backbone link avoids adding additional fibre-optic converters and transmitters because the copper cables can plug directly into switches.
However, when a sub-cabinet supports a larger number of horizontal cables, then fibre optic backbone cabling should be used
