Every building that is serviced by a network has cables running to it from various service providers. These cables enter the building and then transfer to private cables at a specific point, often called the demarcation point. This is the main point of cable termination in a building, and cables can also terminate at devices.
Where is cable termination located and why is it important? Learn more below.
What is Cable Termination?
Put simply, cable termination is any point where a cable ends. This could be where you connect one cable to another, such as at a demarcation point, which we’ll address next.
Cables can also terminate where they enter a device, such as a TV or a router. Cables often end at devices, wall outlets, and electrical panels.
What is a Demarcation Point?
The demarcation point is where cable termination occurs in most buildings. It’s the predefined area where the cables provided by service providers connect to your cables inside your home or business.
Sometimes abbreviated demarc or DMARC, the demarcation point signifies an important barrier between you and the service provider. All of the cables that are outside of your building and before the demarcation point are the responsibility of your service provider. All of the cables after the demarcation point inside your building are your responsibility.
Cable Termination Locations
Cable termination refers to any connection of one cable to another cable or to a device or other piece of equipment.
In most buildings, the main point of cable termination is at the demarcation point. This is where service provider cables connect to the cables in your business, and most businesses have a lot of cables running to this point.
It’s important for service providers to be able to access their cables if there is an outage or if they need to make repairs or upgrades. Because of this, it’s common for demarcation points to be located on the outside of buildings. Usually, they’re inside a metal box on a side or back wall on the first floor of the building near the main electrical panel.
Alternatively, cable termination can be located on an inner wall, typically near the electrical panel or in the basement.
Cables also often terminate at devices, electrical outlets, and electrical panels within buildings.
Why Do You Need to Know Where Cable Termination Occurs in Most Buildings?
It’s important to know where cable termination occurs in your buildings because you need to know which cables are your responsibility and which are the responsibility of your service providers.
Everything before this point is serviced by the service provider, and everything after is your responsibility, so in the event that something needs repaired or you’re experiencing a loss of connection, it’s important to know which cables you’re responsible for.
When you know which cables are your responsibility, you can act quickly in the event that something needs repaired. You can either begin repairs on the cables yourself or alert your service provider that their cables need attention.
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