SCS Technical expertise

mdtech provides professional services for testing and assessing the quality of an organization's Structured Cabling Systems (SCS).

SCS plays a key role in modern IT infrastructure. Many business processes, including data transfer, voice communications, and video conferencing, depend on their quality and reliability. A reliable SCS ensures the uninterrupted functioning of all information systems, boosting overall employee efficiency and productivity.

Errors in SCS design or installation can lead to frequent failures, increased maintenance costs, and reduced productivity. A quality SCS audit and maintenance help avoid these issues, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of your IT infrastructure.

What is an SCS Audit?

A Structured Cabling System (SCS) audit is a comprehensive check of the state and function of an organization's cabling infrastructure. This includes everything from the placement and functionality of routes to the correct operation of LAN outlets. The service aims to assess the quality of installation, compliance with established standards, and identify potential problems that could impact corporate network performance.

When Does a Company Need an SCS Audit?

An SCS audit is necessary in the following main scenarios:

• Relocation to a New Office: If the previous tenant left behind a cabling system, an audit helps determine its compliance with modern standards and its suitability for future use.

• Network Performance Issues: Frequent failures, reduced data transfer speed, or connection problems require an audit to identify and eliminate the causes, which is significantly cheaper than performing major repairs.

• Network Modernization or Expansion: Before upgrading or expanding an existing network, an audit is essential to assess the current SCS status and plan compatibility with the new infrastructure.

• Compliance with Standards and Regulations: An audit is necessary to verify that the SCS complies with international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 11801, ANSI/TIA/EIA-568) and specific regulatory requirements.

Regular SCS audits help maintain the high quality and reliability of the cabling infrastructure, identifying potential problems before they become critical.

Stages of an SCS Audit

1. Visual Inspection: Examination of cables, connectors, and patch panels for damage or incorrect installation. Checking for proper labeling, cable placement, and analysis of the environment (humidity, temperature).

2. Electrical Tests: Performing measurements of resistance, signal attenuation, crosstalk, and other electrical characteristics using specialized equipment. Testing for compliance with international standards.

3. Logical Structure Analysis: Comparing the actual network scheme with project documentation, assessing topology correctness, and identifying potential problem areas.

4. Identification of Faults and Defects: Using specialized tools to detect defects and faults, identifying segments with high interference levels. Compiling a report on issues found, including photos and measurement data.

5. Documentation of Results: Detailed description of all identified problems and defects. Providing a technical conclusion on the SCS status, including recommendations for remediation.

6. Modernization Planning: Analyzing current load and forecasting future needs. Developing a plan for SCS modernization or expansion based on identified issues.

7. Final Audit and Reporting: Conducting a follow-up audit (if necessary) and compiling the final report, including results from all stages, actions taken, and recommendations for further SCS maintenance.