Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1156106
30 I ICT TODAY work, especially AV. When designing structured cabling for distributed AV networks, the ICT professional should consider the long term needs of the end user, types of AV being sent over the cabling (e.g., medical imaging, documents, renderings) and what types of cabling specific manufacturers require to guarantee the performance of their equipment. This may be Category 6, 6A, shielded, optical fiber or any other numerous possibilities. Beware of the need to write a proprietary specification of a certain manufacturer's cable; a TIA/ EIA compliant cable that is appro- priate for the application per the manufacturer should suffice. Pathways When designing structured cabling pathways for AV systems, the ICT professional should take into account both present and possible future needs. The world of AV is ever- changing and the need for moves, adds, and changes (MACs) will be quite frequent as new technologies are introduced. Large point-to-point infrastructure (box and conduit) are used in mission critical facilities, such as an integrated operating room. It the backbone for quite a bit of the connectivity to edge devices, wire- less supplementation and more as time progresses. However, the ICT professional is also concerned with the translator and glue for the entire low voltage design, including AV, cellular, distributed antenna system (DAS), electronic safety and security (ESS) and a host of other systems. If an ICT professional is uncom- fortable with some or all aspects of an AV system that needs to be incor- porated, it is suggested to bring in an ICT professional that specializes in AV or work directly with an AV integrator to get the desired func- tionality and equipment installed. ICT professionals will need to focus on quite a few areas of design when incorporating the AV infra- structure to support AI; here are a few of the areas that will be encountered on most projects: Cabling Network convergence has been around for quite a while and will continue to be a dominant strategy when designing structured cabling infrastructures. However, not all net- work traffic runs on the same net- During design, there should be multiple meetings between the ICT professional and the end user to discuss the desired functionality, graphical information and logic that should be used when operating the various AV systems. will accommodate the possibility to modify cabling for enhanced video quality and functionality without getting into floors, walls and ceilings. Consider total cost of ownership (TCO) when designing the pathways; this cost-effective approach will provide some flexibility in the beginning versus trying to retrofit an existing installation. Software and Programming During design, there should be multiple meetings between the ICT professional and the end user to discuss the desired functionality, graphical information and logic that should be used when operating the various AV systems. Think about incorporating sensors into AV enabled rooms that control the system, lighting and energy-saving heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning (HVAC) when the end user walks into the room. Use a splash screen for easy to use in- structions. There are many ways to control a room, but stability and predictability are key to the end-user experience and should be carefully planned during design and incor- porated during installation. Complex systems require specialists that should have varying levels of manufacturer certifications that include the ability to accurately program a sequence of operations for the intended end user. Cybersecurity As distributed AV networks are incorporated into more campuses and facilities across the world, the need for the network security team to be involved early and often with