Version 1.1, March 1997

Modern university campuses require an increasing variety of highly technological communications systems. Therefore modern campus building systems must include ubiquitous and flexible infrastructures in support of these systems. Current communications technologies important to the campus include: voice telecommunications, data communications, video distribution, environmental monitoring and building surveillance systems, alarm and access control systems, and public messaging systems. These communications technologies require copper or fiber optic cabling, termination points, secure equipment installation locations, isolated power, and access to the interbuilding communications infrastructure. The intent of this Planning Guide is to address the general needs of the major communication systems as they impact the design of new buildings or renovation projects.

The campus requirements are based generally on the documents TIA/EIA-568A "Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard" and EIA/TIA-569 "Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces." Related documents for further information are EIA/TIA-606 "Administration Standard for the Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial Buildings" and TIA/EIA-607 "Commercial Building Grounding/Bonding Requirements". Please refer to these documents for clarification of design strategies or parameters given here. However, in case of conflicting requirements this Planning Guide takes precedence.

Separate sections of this Planning Guide describe the general Interbuilding Communications Conduit System (ICCS), Interbuilding Communications Requirements, Intrabuilding Communications Infrastructure Requirements, Infrastructure Requirements for Data Communication Services, Technical Specifications for Installation of UTP Cabling, and Technical Specifications for Installation of Cable Television Cabling. These requirements are intended to provide for a very flexible infrastructure that will be able to accommodate a variety of communications systems that might be installed over the life of a structure. All new and existing buildings are to be connected into the ICCS.

Following the general sections are specific sections that describe particular requirements for voice telecommunications, data communications, and video distribution systems. For most communications services the actual media and electronics to be installed will be specified during the design phase of the project. Therefore, media is described only in general terms in the sections on specific systems.

In most new construction, it will be cost effective to provide a common infrastructure for all communications systems requirements. This will include utility closets, building entrance, cable trays, and riser systems. It may or may not include horizontal distribution into the office or workspaces. The sizing of the utility infrastructure has been defined assuming that the main utility spaces and cable pathways would be shared.

It is essential that adequate communication infrastructure be designed into any structure from the beginning. To retrofit the building later is often extremely expensive or in some cases impossible. Therefore, any deviation from the parameters given in the following sections must be approved by the relevant campus service unit before they may be considered part of a finished design.

During the design phase, and at any time decisions are made regarding communications infrastructure or service to a building or area, it is essential that the relevant campus service units be consulted. These are:

Information Systems and Services: 



Customer Services - ISS

801 22nd Street, N.W., Rome 105

202-994-8700



Systems Planning and Network Architecture - ISS

801 22nd Street, N.W., Rome B-148

202-994-6005



Technology Services - ISS

801 22nd Street, N.W., Rome B-148

202-994-7772





GW Television

801 22nd Street, N.W., Rome 306

202-994-8233



Facilities Management 

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

2025 F street, N.W., room 215

202-994-7555