NETWORK & COMMUNICATION SERVICES (NCS)

In order to provide everyone across the campus involved with the construction of physical or logical networks, a set of common practices and guidelines to work with. By designing the network and infrastructure while observing these standards, will result in a maintainable and reliable communication network for the Cornell community.

There are both construction (i.e., physical plant and wiring) and networking projects that utilize these standards. Construction standards include current and future technology needs of buildings. Networking standards (e.g., network protocols, name services, and etc.) are developed so that the campus community can rely on common services and capabilities throughout the campus. In all cases, CIT strives to develop standards that create a reliable and scaleable communication infrastructure that has a favorable “Total Cost of Ownership” for the University.

We primarily use the Telecommunication Distribution Methods Manuals (TDMM) from the BICSI (Building Industries Consulting Services International) organization. Included in the TDMM are references to The National Electrical Code (NEC) and The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) along with referenced text from the telecommunication industry standard organizations, including Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronics Industry Association (TIA/EIA) and many other design sources.

Conduit systems are initially designed to have a 40% fill ratio. The standard implementation of (3) Category 6 UTP four-pair cables surpasses the 40% fill level of a 3⁄4" conduit (actual fill capacity is 100 percent in this scenario). Bends in the conduit also reduce the inside diameter and the cable fill of the conduit. We have adopted the 1" conduit as the standard to permit improved installation and maintenance of the wire plant, plus to allow for a small amount of incremental growth and the addition of other media types in the future.

There are two primary advantages to using solid cable tray over other tray and hook systems:

1) Solid cable tray provides a continuous and level support for the cables. This improves the chances that a Category 6 cable will perform as it was designed to (e.g., for data copper cable, the wiring can support the 1 Gigabit speeds for which it is rated at).

2) Solid tray significantly improves the ability to maintain the cable plant after the initial installation. The tray provides the means to use a “fish tape" or rod to get past congested areas in the ceiling space that are difficult to access reduce the possibility of damaging existing cables.

Yes, CIT has several approved telecommunications contractors to choose from. They are registered with the Cornell University Contract Management department, who manage the bid and legal processes that are associated with this task. We use telecommunication wiring contractors due to their proven ability to install and certify the cables and to complete the project according to the Cornell design and industry standards. These contractors can be utilized in place of Cornell’s technical staff for medium to large wiring projects.

To provide accurate budget estimates, coordinate cabling installations, and to procure the correct amount of equipment and media types.

Providing CIT with current design drawings and the opportunity to actively participate in the review phases of design will save the project time and money by reducing the number of change orders that may result during the construction period.

CIT strives to provide a reliable and secured network infrastructure. The designs of such networks are the creation of common distribution points within buildings that contain wiring for both voice and data communications. In addition to, there is expensive equipment located in these spaces. In order to avoid inadvertent or malicious damage to the wiring and equipment, CIT limits the access to the space that is dedicated for the exclusive use of supporting and managing the campus communication infrastructure.

The trays when installed with a solid cover and proper clearance will provide a large degree of physical protection from damage and to prevent electrical magnetic interference (EMI) that will affect the performance of the high-speed data cables (e.g., we don't mix electrical, cable TV, and data wiring in the same tray).

The intermediate distribution frame (IDF) and the building distribution frame (BDF) rooms are sized according to the number of workstations (outlets) and the overall square footage of the building. All rooms have the potential to house various types of electronics and cabling managers that require adequate spacing for safety and workability within the room. Telecommunication rooms are sized to accommodate future growth and changes in technology.

Electronic equipment can emit a significant amount of heat based on usage and quantity. Without proper cooling and ventilation, the reliability and life expectancy of the electronic equipment are dramatically reduced. CIT Engineers will work with Project Managers and associated design affiliates to assist in the design of an adequate environmental system. Typically, the interior building ventilation will suffice.

The installation of a closed cabling infrastructure adheres to the NFPA 13 (National Fire Protection Agency – Code for sprinkler installations). This code requires that sprinkler systems be installed in plenum and concealed spaces that contain cables that are exposed in ceiling and sub-floor installations. The installation of a redundant sprinkler system will incorporate additional costs and will obstruct valuable space that is needed for other utility systems.

Cornell University has appointed CIT with the mission to implement a standardized and reliable communication network for the networking community. By employing organization and quality control in the design, development, and deployment promotes a reliable and secured voice and data network that meets all applicable construction and safety codes. CIT has on staff an array of professionals that contain the expertise to design, install, and maintain the Cornell University communication infrastructure. These experts have researched the information technologies arena and comprehend the current and future direction of networking technologies at the university. By utilizing the services that CIT offers, will help limit the University’s communication costs and construct a uniform and code compliant networking structure.

If a department elects to install or maintain its own network, limitations and restrictions may be incurred due to compatibility and security issues. If a department's equipment or networking configuration jeopardizes the campus infrastructure, it will be disconnected until the problem is resolved.

Codes are laws and should be treated as such. Violating codes can cause serious injury or death, which may result in punitive action. Standards are methods that create a uniform structure for installations that have been refined over time. Violating standards is not as severe as a code, but can produce an inferior product that may lead to major costs and performance limitations in the future. CIT utilizes codes and standards that have been developed by electrical and telecommunication industries to provide reliable, secure, and maintainable networks that are safe for building occupants.