Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1255991
32 I ICT TODAY The remainder of the learning spaces were designed to be collaborative learning environments, so both stu- dents and instructors could share their screens either via hardwire or wireless collaboration software. This solution allowed for ease of use as it delivered a consistent, seam- less AV experience from room to room. The displays that comprise the system are controlled by a small keypad that provides on/off functionality, source selection, and volume control. In meeting rooms, the technology functions identically, except for the added capability of video conferencing that uses a soft codec. USB video conference cameras and microphones allow users to connect laptops and perform conference calls. SOLVING TELECOMMUNICATIONS CHALLENGES Chapter 3, Telecommunications Spaces, in BICSI's Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 14th Edition and ANSI/TIA-569-E, "Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces" standard cite that for roughly every 10,000 square feet (1,000 m 2 ) of construction, at least one telecommunications room (TR) is required. Therefore, it follows that a 30,000 square-foot (3,345 m 2 ) building would require a minimum of three TRs. The 36,000 square feet that comprise ANSYS Hall were sup- ported by only one. Limited program space remains an obstacle in build- ing design. Telecommunications or ICT designers are most often the ones who take a hit when area is desig- nated for other purposes. In ANSYS Hall, the team had to get creative. The TR was strategically placed on the building's fourth floor where being near the building's core facilitated maximum serving coverage. Several four-inch conduits were routed from the main distribution frame (MDF) to each floor, which supported both proposed data outlets and wireless access point cables. Additionally, this setup enabled the system to accommodate any future expansion the build- ing might undergo. It is important to note that the space containing the MDF and the main cross-connect for a building is more commonly referred to as the equip- ment room (ER) by both TIA and BICSI. Technology continues to develop at ever-increasing speeds, and it is the job of the technology design industry to assist its clients in accounting for these developments for the long term. Consider the fact that most laptops are no longer equipped with Ethernet ports. In ANSYS Hall, the team investigated having the building operate almost completely on wireless except for a few major components that required a hard-wired connection. This plan allowed for the reduction in the number of Cat 6A cables by a significant margin and con- served space in the racks. A high-density wireless approach in computer labs and office spaces provided ANSYS Hall with the necessary equipment to support all network needs for the building with approximately 500 data cables that otherwise may have required approximately 1,600 cables. For average buildings of similar size, 500 cables are not many. How- ever, with only one 91-square-foot ER, such a reduction was necessary. Originally intended to house four two-post racks, the ER was redesigned to address a previous mishap that occurred during design and construction when the main electrical riser was routed through the center of the room. This led to non-compliance with the ANSI/TIA-569-E stan- dard that specifies that for all telecommunications spaces, including ERs, "equipment not related to the support of the telecommunications space (e.g., piping, ductwork, pneumatic tubing) shall not be installed in, pass through, or enter that room." Simply put, the electrical riser needed to be located outside the ER. A high-density wireless approach in computer labs and office spaces provided ANSYS Hall with the necessary equipment to support all network needs for the building with approximately 500 data cables that otherwise may have required approximately 1,600 cables.