Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1414667
54 I ICT TODAY The fixtures and controls for the system require a range of 22 to 50 Watts (W) of power, which can be supported via IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 PoE. Due to the potential heat rise that can occur within cabling bundles carrying this level of current and its impact on trans- mission performance (e.g., insertion loss), the fixtures were connected using category 6, 22 AWG limited power (LP)-rated cable with category 6 connectivity. With a higher temperature rating of 90°C (194° F) and larger gauge construction, the LP-rated cables reduce heat generation and associated insertion loss, allowing for more reliable data transmission, efficient power delivery, and larger cable bundles (Figure 6). "We chose the LP cable to ensure reliable power delivery and the ability to support higher 120-watt PoE should we ever need it. Ten years from now, we may see PoE lighting fixtures with an even broader range of integrated technologies—all in one device," says Sosnin. "We also chose to connect the fixtures to a category 6 outlet in the ceiling rather than use a plug-terminated link where cables from the telecom- mnications room plug directly into the fixture. We prefer to follow best practices and terminate horizontal cables to outlets and connect devices using equipment cords. This approach provides a secure and stable connection and allows us to easily reconfigure using patch cords without impacting the fixed location and reliability of outlets. It also makes it easier to achieve proper labeling and administration and lets us leverage the outlets for any IP-based network device." The sound masking technology and AV systems also needed to be easy to use, reliable, and scalable. "We really wanted a turnkey solution rather than a mix of different vendors' components, and we wanted to ensure ease of use," says Goodwin. "Some AV solutions are complex and require a lot of training to use. We needed a system that would allow staff to just go into a conference room, easily connect their device, and have it working. We have a ton of meetings, and it is important that everyone is able to use the system." See Figure 7. For the sound masking systems, UWCA selected a low-profile solution that blends into the ceiling and includes panel display with intuitive, easy programming. For the AV system, UWCA made sure to select a system FIGURE 6: PoE lighting luminaires were connected using category 6, 22AWG LP-rated cable to ensure reliable power and reduced heat dissipation that can degrade network performance in cables carrying PoE power. FIGURE 7: The advanced AV system selected for UWCA allows users to easily connect their PC, iOS, or Android device. that met all their needs and provided scalability via digital sound processors that provide multiple inputs and outputs for microphones, speakers, and control interfaces, as well as a built-in voice over IP (VoIP) interface to integrate with their existing phone system.