The Telecom Closets

According to the TIA/EIA-568 standard, the primary purpose of a telecommunications closet (TC) is the termination of the horizontal cable distribution. In the cabling hierarchy, horizontal cables feed the data outlets in the work areas, which are defined as the locations where the network users reside. In multi-TC environments, a TC also terminates backbone cabling (intrabuilding cabling between TCs) and facilitates the horizontal-to-backbone cabling cross-connection. Generally, TCs are real closets or rooms that should be physically secure and supplied with adequate power and ventilation.

The following are common sights in TCs:

  • Patch panels (terminating horizontal cables)

  • Numerous patch cables (extending from the patch panels ...

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