Voice and Data Cabling: One Network for Phones and Computers

Not long ago, phones and computers ran on completely separate wiring. Today, most business phones are network devices, so voice and data share the same structured cabling. That convergence simplifies new installations, and it changes how older buildings should be upgraded.

How we got here

Traditional phone systems used multi-pair copper cable running to a central phone closet, separate from the computer network. Modern business phone systems run over the data network using Voice over IP, so a phone plugs into the same kind of jack as a computer.

What converged cabling looks like

• The same cable for voice and data: Cat6 or Cat6A to every outlet
• Patch panels in the telecom room that can serve a phone, computer, or any other device
• PoE switches that power phones over the network cable
• One documentation set covering every outlet

Any jack can serve any device, which makes rearranging an office far easier.

Planning outlets

Common approaches:

• Two drops per workstation: one for the computer and one for the phone or a future device
• One drop with a pass-through phone: many IP phones include a switch port for the computer
• Wireless phones and softphones: fewer desk drops, but more demand on Wi-Fi

Many businesses still install two drops per desk because cable is inexpensive compared with adding drops later.

Analog lines that still matter

Even in converged buildings, some services may still rely on analog or dedicated lines: fire alarm communicators, elevator emergency phones, fax lines, and some alarm monitoring. Plan for them with your carrier and life-safety vendors, because they have their own requirements.

Upgrading an older building

• Old multi-pair voice cable can often be abandoned and removed
• Existing data cabling is tested to see if it can support phones and PoE
• Telecom rooms are reorganized around shared patch panels
• Phone equipment rooms may be freed for other uses

Voice and data cabling in NY, NJ, and PA

UTECH installs converged voice and data cabling for offices, retail, and multifamily buildings across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, for new construction and upgrades. Contact UTECH to plan your project.