Distribution systems

Cable Distribution Systems

An organized system to connect the network’s backbone in the main distribution frame (MDF) to the intermediate distribution frame (IDF) and to the end user’s wall jacks

Demarcation Point

Location at which the Internet service provider’s connection ends and the network infrastructure and cabling begin

Located in Main Distribution Frame

Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

Serves as the main starting point for all interior cabling that will be distributed throughout the facility

Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)

A cable rack or cabinet that connects local area network (LAN) user devices to a main distribution frame (MDF)

Cable Tray

A unit or assembly of units that form a rigid structural system to secure the cables and raceways used by the cables as they go across the building

Cables can be run horizontally (preferred) or vertically (for trunk cables to connect MDF and backbone switch to IDF)

Racks

Designed to hold various devices like switches, routers, patch panels, and servers to facilitate the efficient space management and easy access for ongoing network maintenance

2-post Rack

Designed with two vertical posts and is used for lighter equipment or for patch panels and network cabling in telecommunication setups

4-post rack

Designed with four vertical posts and offers enhanced stability and support that makes it ideal for heavier equipment

Wall-mounted Rack

A space-saving solution that is used for smaller network equipment and is ideal for environments with limited floor space or for housing peripheral network components

Full Cabinet Rack/Rack Enclosure

A fully enclosed rack with sides, doors, and a top that offers a secure and protected environment for high-value equipment

Patch panels

A device or unit featuring a number of jacks for the use of connecting and routing circuits for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient and flexible manner

Basically used to keep your data center/server rom better organized

Front side of a patch panel

Contains all network jacks

Back side of a patch panel

110 punchdown block

110 Block

A type of punchdown block for both voice and data application that rely on CAT 5 or newer copper based networks

Uses insulation displacement contact connecters to terminate the twisted pair of cables onto the punchdown blocks

Provides adequate spacing between each cable pair to help prevent crosstalk and EMI

Fiber distribution panels

Uses fiber connectors like SC, LC, ST, or MTRJ to make connections

Can act as a converter to convert one type of fiber to another

Backbone switch

Everything else in the network connects back to it

Located in MDF

Toner probe/Fox and hound

Used to identify and document cables on a network

Also used to find breaks in the wire