Station cable is used to connect communications outlets in rooms throughout campus to a nearby Communications Closet. Communications closets are connected to a Building Entrance Room, typically located in the basement of each building. From the Building Entrance:
- Fiber optic cable extends data connections to the campus core network, and
- Copper cable extends traditional telephone lines to the campus analog telephone switch.
Current University Standards
The current standard for intra-building cable is:
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
- Category 5E (Cat 5E) or 6A
- Plenum-rated
Current Jack Configuration
Most campus locations have a communication outlet with two jacks that can be configured to connect a:
- Data device (using an Ethernet patch cable) or
- Traditional telephone (using an RJ line cord)
For more information about university standards, see our Station Cable Service Agreement or Building Wiring Standards.
In-Building Network Enhancements
New or updated station cabling is typically installed as an in-building network enhancement. Unit leader determine which wireless and wired network enhancements they wish to make in their buildings based on their teaching, learning, clinical, or administrative needs.