Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1472963
July/August/September 2022 I 43 1. 2. Standardize Material Choices Using similar building blocks in smart building design can solve many problems that arise from using systems that are difficult to deploy, maintain, and manage because they are fundamentally built differently. These systems are not only frustrating, but also cause a host of problems (e.g., high costs, slow deployment, potential downtime, difficult scalability). When IT systems and components are changeable, scalable, repeatable, and understandable, there is a vast potential for time-saving and cost-saving design, instal- lation, operation, and maintenance. As technology requirements change within a smart building, additional building blocks can be added without re-engineering an entire system or space. Standardization can also reduce training and trouble- shooting requirements. Because everything works similarly, components are easy to understand. When all systems and components look, function, and respond in a similar way, employees can easily maintain them and respond to problems in any environment. Rely on Standards-Based Solutions When Possible One of the most significant ways to simplify the design of a smart building network is through standards. They provide a framework for structured cabling performance and sustained growth, and they evolve as technology and demands evolve. Use Category and optical class cables—and keep future fit and flexibility requirements in mind as these products are selected. Also understand that it is possible, sometimes even optimal, to deviate from standards if the environment has specific goals, needs, or anticipated outcomes. Following industry cabling standards ensures that the applications of today and tomorrow will run effectively, but some applications may call for cable distances that extend beyond the 100 m (≈328 ft) and four mated connection limitations set forth by standards for Category cables, for example. In these situations, standards can create frustration. Consider a surveillance camera that needs to be moved closer to a parking lot or a wireless access point (WAP) that needs to be placed in a specific location on a corporate campus to ensure wireless access. A recent real-world example involves connecting a roof-mounted fan to a network. Embedded with a sensor, the fan needed to transmit data about on/off status. The fan's location on the roof was just far enough away that a telecommunications room (TR) would have been needed to support it, but making this additional investment in infrastructure and space did not make financial sense for such a low-speed, low-bandwidth application. In this situation, extending the distance is possible if certain guidelines are followed. Remember that standards exist to ensure interopera- bility and establish minimum performance levels. They are different than codes, which exist to protect life, limb, and property. Industry standards, as opposed to corporate standards, do not take other value judgements (e.g., cost, time, maintainability) into account. A useful publication that compiles various standards and best practices for smart/intelligent buildings is ANSI/ BICSI 007-2020, Information Communication Technology Design and Implementation Practices for Intelligent Buildings and Premises. Focus on Business Needs, Not Technologies Let the application drive the need. For example, the industry has relied on Building Industry Cross-connect (BIX) or 110 fields for voice applications. Why? Because, at that time, phones were not mobile. They did not move off workers' desktops. Although plug-and-play connec- tions were available, they were not necessary in these applications. At that time, using an RJ45 connection for an office phone did not provide a strong advantage. Today, it is a different story. 3. THE 7 CONSIDERATIONS FOR ICT PROFESSIONALS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR GREENFIELD AND BROWNFIELD SMART BUILDING DESIGN