Specific Infrastructure Requirements for Data and Voice Communication Services

1. Introduction

These requirements supplement the general requirements given in the "Intrabuilding Communications Infrastructure Requirements" section of this planning guide. They present detail regarding the specific needs of modern communications systems

Communication and Network Services (CNS), under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Systems and Technology (IST), is building and maintaining a "state of the art" high-speed data communication systems suitable for interconnecting at least 50,000 workstations and computers. These computers are located throughout the campus, in campus administered research sites, in campus operated residential units, and within campus leased facilities. The technology used has changed considerably over the last 10 years and can be expected to continue to do so, perhaps at an even faster rate. The Berkeley campus network ties into networks on other nearby campuses, national, and international networks, the commercial Internet and Internet2. The Berkeley campus communication network provides high-speed access to information and distributed resources, both on and off of campus.

This document deals only with the infrastructure for wiring within a building on the campus. It does not define specific media or termination hardware to be installed since that is expected to change over time. Berkeley currently installs communication cable according to data network specifications, but expects that common cable to be used to support both voice and data network connections. Each construction designer should request from CNS the current campus standards regarding communications media and termination. The most recent version of all CNS standards and specifications may be found on the Internet at http://cns-oir.berkeley.edu/standards/. Variations on the specifications defined in this construction planning guide may be proposed but must not be implemented without review and approval from CNS.

2. Density of Communications Outlets

Communications outlets should be located wherever work areas or voice or data network connections might be anticipated over the life of the building. It is not necessary to wire each outlet, but providing the conduit and outlet box during general construction will be much less costly than retrofitting to install them later. Therefore, in designing new or renovated facilities the following rules are to be applied:

2.1 Density by assignable floor area

At a minimum a communications network outlet box shall be provided for each 100 to 200 square feet of assignable floor space. This density may be modified based on consideration of current and projected usage of a space. For example, a museum may require fewer outlets; a teaching laboratory would probably require more.

2.2 Minimum density in office space

No fewer than 3 terminated communications cables, (typically designated as 2 data and 1 voice) shall be provided in any assignable office space unless that space is smaller than 100 square feet. This rule was made because it is often necessary to connect more than one telephone and or workstation device in an office, perhaps to utilize different communication technologies or perform complementary functions.

2.3 Classrooms

Current practice is to provide 3 communications outlet boxes in general-purpose classrooms: one near the lecture area, one in the overhead space near the center of the room, and the other near the rear of the room where projection equipment might be located.

2.4 Residential Units

One data connection shall be provided for each resident in a residential unit. If study areas are in common, two connections can be served from the same outlet location.

3. Communications Service Entrance Room (CSER)

The main data communications service equipment for a building will be located in the CSER. The CSER shall have a minimum size of 10’ by 10’.

The CSER must be an area solely dedicated to communications systems. It shall consist of a minimum 10' wide wall section with 6' clearance in front of that wall. Vertical open equipment racks shall be mounted in this open space. A minimum of two sheets of 4' X 8' X 3/4" AC fire retardant plywood are to be mounted on a 10' wall section. Plywood must be painted white, leaving the fire rating stamp visible. A minimum of two 20 Amp, 120 VAC isolated ground power circuits are to be provided on the wall with standard double duplex 20 Amp electrical outlets. Bonded grounding of all installed communication racking shall be provided. A minimum of two additional 20 Amp 120 VAC and two 30 Amp 220 VAC circuits will be required per rack.

4. Communications Service Distribution Closets (CSDC)

CSDC’s are where the interconnection between station, horizontal cables and the communications trunk, riser system are made. Electronic equipment may be located in any CSDC. Minimum CSDC size shall be 10’ by 10’. Minimum outfitting of the CSDC shall include 2 dedicated 20 Amp, 120 VAC, isolated ground power circuits with standard double duplex 20 amp electrical outlets on the wall and two additional 20 Amp 120 VAC circuits per communication rack. A minimum of one 4' X 8' X 3/4" AC grade fire retardant plywood panel is to be mounted to the wall in each closet. Plywood must be painted white, leaving the fire rating stamp visible. At least 6 feet of clearance is to be provided in front of that wall. Vertical open equipment racks shall be mounted in this open space. Bonded grounding of all installed communication racking shall be provided.

5. Communication Outlets

A communications outlet serves as the connection point for data, voice, or other devices that will be attached to the communications network. It is essential that each device have its own station cable so that the type of service can be specific to that device, and to ease problem resolution. "Daisy chaining" of communication outlets or devices is not allowed.

5.1 Locations

Outlets should be located near where it is anticipated that service will be required. It is not acceptable to assume that cables can be run along baseboards later. For example, in a typical office, outlet boxes would be located on opposite walls so that service can be provided readily however the occupant chooses to arrange desks, etc within the space.

In most locations, the communications outlet is to be positioned so that its centerline is 18" above the finished floor. In laboratories, outlets should be centered 12" above bench surfaces. Exceptions may be made in areas where this is impractical, such as large classrooms or wet rooms. All exceptions to shall be discussed with and agreed to by the campus’ Communication and Network Service department before implementation.

5.2 Connections

CNS specifies the use of conduit with minimum inside diameter of 1" to feed each communications outlet box. Typically two data and one voice communication service connection are provided in each outlet box. However, if necessary up to six connections can be provided from one box if the infrastructure is built as specified.

6. Relationship to Telephone Wiring

CNS utilizes a common cabling system for the support of voice and data communication. All horizontal cabling installed on the campus is installed and tested to meet data communication standards. Data and voice wiring will share the same horizontal distribution cable trays, conduit, and fixture boxes.

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