--- title: Data Dictionary | Structured Cabling Systems | Educational mini-series description: Explore our structured cabling educational mini-series, enhancing expertise from network devices to data center infrastructure, backed by expert services and support across North America. --- - About - [About](https://www.usorion.com/about-us) - Services - [Wireless Surveys (Ekahau)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) - [Structured Cabling Services](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) - [Fiber Consultancy & Installations](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) - [Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) - Talent Acquisition Services - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) - [Job Vacancies](https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/usorion/) - [Coverage](https://www.usorion.com/coverage) - Resources - [Newsletter](https://www.usorion.com/orion-us-newsletter-connect) - [Data Dictionary](https://www.usorion.com/data-dictionary) - [Blog](https://www.usorion.com/blog) [![logo](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/USOrionLogoNew.png?width=654&height=260&name=USOrionLogoNew.png "logo")](https://www.usorion.com/) [+1 (803) 724 1204](tel:+1%20(803)%20724%201204) [sales@usorion.com](mailto:sales@usorion.com) [contact us](https://23748016.hs-sites.com/contact-us-orion-us) EXPLORE THROUGH THE # STRUCTURED CABLING SERIES   **Good Networks Start Long Before Anything Gets Plugged In!**   The performance of a network is often decided before the first device is connected. It starts with the infrastructure behind the network: - the medium carrying the signal, - the distance it has to travel, - the environment it has to survive, and - the demands the network will face not just today, but years from now. That is what this series is about. Across ten focused collections, we break structured cabling down from individual components to complete infrastructure decisions. W explaining where different standards fit, where they fall short, and how seemingly small choices can shape performance, scalability, reliability, and cost. No jargon for the sake of jargon. No isolated specifications without context. Just a clearer way to understand how the physical network is built — and how to build it well. - SERIES 1 — Choosing the Right Network Infrastructure ## SERIES 1: Choosing the Right Network Infrastructure Every cabling project begins with a choice. **Copper or fiber. Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A. Shielded or unshielded.** On paper, those can look like simple specification decisions. In the field, they determine far more: achievable speed, supported distance, resistance to interference, upgrade flexibility, installation complexity, and ultimately how long the infrastructure remains useful. Series 1 starts at that decision point. We’ll look at the technologies individually, then put them back into context — because the “best” cable does not exist in isolation. The right choice depends on the building, the network, the application, and what that infrastructure will be expected to support. ### Explore Series 1 - [**Fiber vs. Copper:** Which One Do You Actually Need?](https://www.usorion.com/series-1-fiber-vs-copper-cabling-how-to-choose-the-right-foundation-for-your-network) - [**Cat6 vs. Cat6A vs. Cat5e:** What’s Worth Paying For?](https://www.usorion.com/cat6-vs.-cat6a-vs.-cat5e-whats-worth-paying-for) - [**UTP vs. STP:** When Shielding Becomes Necessary](https://www.usorion.com/utp-vs-stp-cabling) - **How Distance Impacts Network Performance** - **Choosing Cabling Based on Real Use Cases** - **The Hidden Cost of Choosing the Wrong Network Cable** ## What We Can Help You With We offer a comprehensive range of support services backed by multi-vendor experience and certifications. Our field engineers, consultants, and project management specialists have a proven track record of managing time-sensitive projects with exceptional quality and accuracy.  Services include: • Ekahau wireless site surveys • Structured cabling • Talent acquisition   All our engineers are chosen for their internationally recognized qualifications, and deliver work in full compliance with US and local safety and quality standards. With a skilled and experienced team that is scalable to your requirements and project outcomes, we are your first choice for specialized engineering needs at an international level. [Talk to the team ![](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/white-arrow.webp)](https://www.usorion.com/talk-to-the-team) ![Internet Fibres](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20(53).webp "Internet Fibres") ## Our Services [![Wifi Survey & Design](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Wifi_design-1.png)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) ### [Wi-Fi Survey & Design](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) Ekahau-certified wireless surveys, RF analysis, and access point optimization for high-performance enterprise Wi-Fi environments. Designed to improve ... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) [![Structured Cabling](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/structured_cabling.png)](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) ### [Structured Cabling](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) Enterprise structured cabling solutions for network infrastructure, access points, cameras, and commercial connectivity deployments across large-scale... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) [![Fiber Installation](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/fiber-2.jpeg)](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) ### [Fiber Consultancy & Installation](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) Future-ready fiber infrastructure solutions designed for high-speed connectivity, scalable network growth, and enterprise-grade performance. From fibe... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) [![Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/colocation.png)](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) ### [Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) Seamless colocation deployment and migration services designed to support infrastructure expansion, hardware relocation, and data center readiness wit... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) [![Untitled design (22)](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(22).webp)](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) ### [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) Whatever your skills and staffing requirements, we can connect you with the talent you need to drive value in your business – while saving you money a... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) ![Expert Technicians icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_ExpertTechnicians.png) Infrastructure Experts ![Quality Service icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_QualityService.png) Quality Service ![Global Coverage icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_GlobalCoverage.png) North America Coverage ![Reliable and Trusted icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_Reliability.png) Reliable & Trusted ## **Get In Touch:** [Contact our US service team](https://www.usorion.com/contact-us-orion-us) today to find out more about our services and to discuss your global requirements. All our global services are administered from our head office in the USA, with US billing, insurance, and contracts, and a single point of contact for all your queries. To find out more, please call +1 (803) 850 8975. [Contact Us ![](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/white-arrow.webp)](https://www.usorion.com/contact-us-orion-us) ## Our Services [![Wifi Survey & Design](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Wifi_design-1.png)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) ### [Wi-Fi Survey & Design](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) Ekahau-certified wireless surveys, RF analysis, and access point optimization for high-performance enterprise Wi-Fi environments. Designed to improve ... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) [![Structured Cabling](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/structured_cabling.png)](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) ### [Structured Cabling](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) Enterprise structured cabling solutions for network infrastructure, access points, cameras, and commercial connectivity deployments across large-scale... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) [![Fiber Installation](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/fiber-2.jpeg)](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) ### [Fiber Consultancy & Installation](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) Future-ready fiber infrastructure solutions designed for high-speed connectivity, scalable network growth, and enterprise-grade performance. From fibe... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) [![Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/colocation.png)](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) ### [Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) Seamless colocation deployment and migration services designed to support infrastructure expansion, hardware relocation, and data center readiness wit... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) [![Untitled design (22)](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(22).webp)](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) ### [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) Whatever your skills and staffing requirements, we can connect you with the talent you need to drive value in your business – while saving you money a... [Read More →](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) ![Expert Technicians icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_ExpertTechnicians.png) Infrastructure Experts ![Quality Service icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_QualityService.png) Quality Service ![Global Coverage icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_GlobalCoverage.png) North America Coverage ![Reliable and Trusted icon](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/our_services_module_icon/Icon_Reliability.png) Reliable & Trusted ## Discover more. Let’s chat. We would love to hear from you... ## Industry News [Visit Blog ![Slider arrow right - Usorion](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/white-arrow.webp)](https://www.usorion.com/blog) [![dB v dBi v dBi: Understanding RF Power Before Designing Wi-Fi](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/db%20v%20dbm%20v%20dbi%20banner.png)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/db-vs.-dbm-vs.-dbi-understanding-rf-power-before-designing-wi-fi) ### [dB vs. dBm vs. dBi: Understanding RF Power Before Designing Wi-Fi](https://www.usorion.com/blog/db-vs.-dbm-vs.-dbi-understanding-rf-power-before-designing-wi-fi) Wi-Fi is often discussed in terms of coverage: how far an access point reaches, whether a signal is strong enough, or whether another access point is needed. But before coverage... [Read More](https://www.usorion.com/blog/db-vs.-dbm-vs.-dbi-understanding-rf-power-before-designing-wi-fi) [![RF Fundamentals: Why Wi-Fi Behaves Differently in the Real World](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/rf-banner.png)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/rf-fundamentals-why-wi-fi-behaves-differently-in-the-real-world) ### [RF Fundamentals: Why Wi-Fi Behaves Differently in the Real World](https://www.usorion.com/blog/rf-fundamentals-why-wi-fi-behaves-differently-in-the-real-world) Wi-Fi feels simple because most of its complexity is invisible. An access point is installed, a laptop, phone, scanner, or handheld connects, and data starts moving. But between... [Read More](https://www.usorion.com/blog/rf-fundamentals-why-wi-fi-behaves-differently-in-the-real-world) [![From Floorplan to Deployment: What Happens Before the First Access Point Is Installed?](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/before-your-first-ap-header-banner.png)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/from-floorplan-to-deployment-what-happens-before-the-first-access-point-is-installed) ### [From Floorplan to Deployment: What Happens Before the First Access Point Is Installed?](https://www.usorion.com/blog/from-floorplan-to-deployment-what-happens-before-the-first-access-point-is-installed) Most people only see the final result of a wireless deployment: access points mounted on ceilings, devices connected to Wi-Fi, and users moving throughout a facility with reliable... [Read More](https://www.usorion.com/blog/from-floorplan-to-deployment-what-happens-before-the-first-access-point-is-installed) [![Why Network Documentation Is Critical for Maintenance, Upgrades, and Future Growth](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/doc-1.png)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/why-network-documentation-is-critical-for-maintenance-upgrades-and-future-growth) ### [Why Network Documentation Is Critical for Maintenance, Upgrades, and Future Growth](https://www.usorion.com/blog/why-network-documentation-is-critical-for-maintenance-upgrades-and-future-growth) Modern networks are built on a combination of structured cabling, fiber optics, wireless infrastructure, security systems, and connected technologies that support daily business... [Read More](https://www.usorion.com/blog/why-network-documentation-is-critical-for-maintenance-upgrades-and-future-growth) [![How Ekahau Heatmaps Help Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones Before Deployment](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/wifi%20heatmap.png)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/how-ekahau-heatmaps-help-eliminate-wi-fi-dead-zones-before-deployment) ### [How Ekahau Heatmaps Help Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones Before Deployment](https://www.usorion.com/blog/how-ekahau-heatmaps-help-eliminate-wi-fi-dead-zones-before-deployment) Wi-Fi performance issues rarely originate after deployment. In most cases, they are introduced much earlier during the planning and design phase. Dead zones, weak signal areas,... [Read More](https://www.usorion.com/blog/how-ekahau-heatmaps-help-eliminate-wi-fi-dead-zones-before-deployment) [![Predictive vs On-Site Wireless Surveys: Which One Does Your Business Really Need?](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/b5ec74ea-5212-43a1-9282-48865a969f48.png)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/predictive-vs-on-site-wireless-surveys-which-one-does-your-business-really-need) ### [Predictive vs On-Site Wireless Surveys: Which One Does Your Business Really Need?](https://www.usorion.com/blog/predictive-vs-on-site-wireless-surveys-which-one-does-your-business-really-need) When planning a wireless network, many organizations start with a predictive survey. This approach uses digital floor plans and wireless design software to simulate how Wi-Fi... [Read More](https://www.usorion.com/blog/predictive-vs-on-site-wireless-surveys-which-one-does-your-business-really-need) ![Previous blog](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/slider-arrow-left.webp) ![Next blog](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/slider-arrow-right.webp) ### Need more information? Talk to us today. - [+1 (803) 724 1204](tel:+1%20(803)%20724%201204) - [sales@usorion.com](mailto:sales@usorion.com) - [Wireless Surveys (Ekahau)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) - [Cabling](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) - [About Us](https://www.usorion.com/about-us) - [Coverage](https://www.usorion.com/coverage) Copyright 2026 Orion Global Managed Services US, Inc. All rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by [JDR Group](https://www.jdrgroup.co.uk/). 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