Network Cabling in Schools of the Future

A teacher in a cardigan at the front of the room, twenty desks lined up in neat rows, a slightly dusty chalkboard on wheels in the corner, a large desk piled with mounds of papers. The traditional school room conjures up images that may no longer be helpful for students of today. Children of today are dependent on technology, and their schools are quickly becoming the ones in charge of teaching them how to use it. We would grumble through a typing class, happy to get back to writing notes to our friends, but our children may soon be sitting in front of screens instead of teachers, happy to get back to texting their friends.

Leveraging technology to enable a more flexible classroom space and learning arrangement is becoming a focal point. How can students maximize the use of available knowledge while interacting with teachers and other students in remote locations? How can they strengthen and test their knowledge outside of school walls, in real and diverse settings? Architects and designers for these schools of the future are struggling with questions like how to plan a school with permeable walls for wireless networks, how to meet the projected need for more access to electricity and electrical outlets, and how to introduce structured cabling into the plans.

Previously, network cabling was an afterthought in the construction of a building. Near the end of the project, a small amount of time was given to technicians to come in, come up with a cabling installation, and then get out. Imagine how difficult this could prove, working around certain architectural designs. But it did force network cable installers to be creative in finding network infrastructure solutions.

Now that technology has made such amazing advances, structured cabling has become an integral part of a building design and construction. It’s no longer about just making room for some computer cables. Now we have to take into account office communications systems, security systems, audio and video systems, and other highly specialized configurations.

Installing network cabling can be incredibly labor intensive. The standards and specifications that must be strictly followed to keep the infrastructure functioning safely and properly force companies to allow time and money for their network cabling installation. Many companies have learned the hard way that shunting structured cabling costs more money than doing it right the first time. With all the new buildings and schools in need of updated or new network cabling systems, the amount of jobs available is on the rise.

Companies are hiring at a rapidly growing rate.