Overview of Communications Infrastructure Requirements

From "Construction Design Standards", University of California, Berkeley, April 1994

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 these sections of the Construction 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 document EIA/TIA-569 "Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces." Please refer to that document for clarification of design strategies or parameters given here. However, in case of conflicting requirements the Campus Construction Planning Guide takes precedence.

Separate sections of the Construction Planning Guide describe the general Interbuilding Communications Conduit System (ICCS) and the intrabuilding communications infrastructure requirements. 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, video distribution systems, and alarm and monitoring 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 CNS be consulted:

        Communication and Network Services
        2484 Shattuck Avenue, MC 1640
        510-642-8080

OIR Home | CNS Home | UCB Home | CNS Search | Request Services