What is IT Infrastructure & How Has It Progressed

IT Infrastructure in 2025

When we talk about IT infrastructure, we refer to physical connectivity—often identified as Layer One within the IP Stack’s 7-layer model.

Over the past four decades, connectivity has evolved from bespoke, system-specific cabling to structured cabling, which has become the universal standard.

The Evolution of Structured Cabling

Structured cabling consists of two primary elements:

  1. Copper Cabling – Twisted-pair cables with RJ45 terminations, defined under universal “Category” standards.
  2. Fibre Optic Cabling – Transmission-based cabling with universal connectors designed for high-speed data transport.

The development of structured cabling arose from two key needs:

  • To establish a unified connectivity architecture that could support multiple protocols at high speeds and capacities within a defined distance (100m). This led to the creation of universally accepted standards, starting with Category 3 cabling.
  • To provide a system with guaranteed performance, enabling manufacturers to develop next-generation network systems.

Modern Network Protocols and Performance Requirements

Over time, TCP/IP has become the universal standard for network communications. Concurrently, the demand for higher speeds and greater capacity has driven advancements in cabling technology:

  • Category 5e (Cat 5e) – Standardized to support speeds up to 100Mbps.
  • Category 6 (Cat 6) – Introduced shielded 4-pair cabling to support 1Gbps.
  • Category 6a (Cat 6a) – Required shielding for enhanced performance and support for 10Gbps.
  • Category 7 (Cat 7) – Designed for data centers, utilizing GG45 terminations and higher operating frequencies.
  • Category 8 (Cat 8) – The latest standard, supporting up to 40Gbps at short distances, making it ideal for high-speed data center applications.

Fibre Optic Advancements

Fibre optic cabling has evolved alongside copper solutions, offering high-speed data transmission via light-based communications.

  • Singlemode Fibre – Used for long-haul, high-speed communications (OS1, OS2, OS3 standards).
  • Multimode Fibre – Designed for shorter, high-density connections within buildings (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and now OM5 standards).

Designing IT Cabling Infrastructure in 2025

Modern IT cabling infrastructure follows key principles:

  • Copper cabling is deployed for endpoint connections, typically limited to a 90m maximum length, with an additional 10m allowance for device connectivity.
  • Fibre optic cabling serves as backbone infrastructure, facilitating high-speed data transmission between floors and buildings.
  • Minimizing connections ensures optimized signal integrity—ideally, patch panels should connect directly to outlets with minimal intermediary connections.

Expanding Use Cases for Copper and Fibre

The adoption of fibre optic cabling has expanded beyond commercial applications. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is now standard in new residential developments, as seen in projects delivered for Virgin Media. In data centers, copper and fibre deployments are increasingly interwoven, balancing speed, cost, and efficiency requirements.

Our Expertise

With extensive experience in IT infrastructure design and implementation, we are industry leaders in structured cabling solutions. Our expertise extends to government IT standards, where we have contributed to defining national guidelines.

For more information on how we can support your IT infrastructure needs, please contact us today.

 

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