Telecommunications Closet (TC)

Definition - What does Telecommunications Closet (TC) mean?

A telecommunications closet (TC) is a small room that encloses telecommunications network systems and devices. This closet is the central junction point for all wiring equipment and wiring for devices connected in the local area network. It often contains access to wiring conduits large enough for service personnel to access in order to service or install cabling networks within buildings.

A telecommunications closet is also known as a wiring closet.

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Techopedia explains Telecommunications Closet (TC)

TC systems and devices include:

Backbones, distribution panels, cross-connects
Horizontal cabling termination points
Circuit administration points
Auxiliary workstation power supply

Other devices commonly found in a TC include routers, bridges, patch panels, wiring hubs and switches.

TCs are allocated by network size. For example, hospitals with large networks spanning multilevel buildings have TCs on every floor.

Basic TC requirements include:

At least one TC per floor for large networks
Several TCs if one floor exceeds 1,000 square meters
TC size based on serviced areas
At least one meter equipment and cross-connect clearance
Appropriate grounding and bonding for cable shields and metallic pathways
Minimum ceiling height: 2.6 meters (false ceilings forbidden)
Fully open and lockable doors (center posts or door sills forbidden)
Fireproofing of all terminated backbone pathways
Multiple TC interconnectivity by floor
Door opening direction cannot impact equipment access or movement
Preventative measures regarding static electricity and dust elimination
Close proximity to served area center for reduced horizontal cable length (maximum: 90 meters)

The telecommunications closet plays a critical role in networking as it connects the IT infrastructure with the end users. It helps in keeping track of wires, storing hardware and helps in making hardware changes to the devices in the network easier and simplified. It also helps in identifying unnecessary connections and devices in network and thus avoids the clutter in the large network topology.