< Previousmaking a building ‘smart’, it’s vital that all platforms and components can communicate in a unified manner and act as an integrated whole. That requires a common language and an integrated approach to structured cabling. By introducing a structured cabling system as a fully integrated ‘central nervous system’ in a building, or even between buildings, investment and operational costs can be reduced and implementation and maintenance simplified. The ‘nervous system’ connects data input devices – actuators, switches, system controls and so on – to an intelligent system (software) that can take action based on the inputs. More and more systems currently run on or are being adapted to an Ethernet network rather than remaining on a proprietary system. Many different systems and services with various bandwidth requirements and levels of power delivery, especially PoE-powered devices, need to be supported, and deployment of devices must be carefully planned. Intelligent building cabling best practices It’s vital to plan for the longest possible useful life of the intelligent building network infrastructure. Although IT device technologies change every four years or so, building functions and facilities usually change every ten years. BIoT cabling infrastructure must support devices over a longer period of time – that means the underlying infrastructure needs to stay in place for longer than might be traditionally considered. In the past, it would be clear where LAN-connected telecom outlets for each work area would be in the pre- planning phase. Today, we also need to add service outlets for intelligent building devices that could be located "More and more systems currently run on or are being adapted to an Ethernet network rather than remaining on a proprietary system" www.networkseuropemagazine.com 40 SMART BUILDINGSanywhere in the room. ISO/IEC 11801-6 Annex A lists a wide variety of services that might need to be connected: access control, surveillance, time and attendance, burglar alarms, RFID asset management, patient monitoring, A/V, electronic signage, sensors, utility metering, lighting and environmental control are just a few. Often, network designers will not know how many devices or systems will be connected in any given area of an Intelligent Building over time. With this in mind, intelligent building cabling standards recommend using a zone cabling architecture to prepare for future deployments. High cabling density is required to reach any area and provide sufficient connectivity. Using a zone cabling architecture, service concentration points (SCPs) can be created, each of which can support around 16 m2. To calculate the actual number of service outlets required best practices are outlined ISO/IEC 11801- 6 Annex A table A.3, which recommends a minimum of 8+ cables per SCP and a maximum of 36 in addition to standard Telecom Outlets. All cabling should be installed with a star-wired architecture with cabling running from the SCP to the service distributor (the telecom closet). As you start to deploy your devices you can put in service area cabling that either terminates in an outlet or can be directly attached to a device. We recommend placing SCPs permanently, in accessible areas, in order to be able to install future service area cabling. Building SCPs onto temporary structures will make system planning, expansion and maintenance very difficult indeed. Making the right cabling choice There are two main areas to consider when determining which cabling to introduce: bandwidth and power. We can distinguish between two main types of applications: those that require high bandwidth and/or PoE power levels such as wireless access points, digital signage, lighting and security cameras. And those that require lower bandwidth and power which includes building automation, access control, clocks and sensors etc. For high bandwidth or high-power applications, we recommend Category 6A cables and patch cords, with shielded snap-in connectors. PoE power above 60W can cause temperature increases in areas where cables are bundled. Category 6A cabling can efficiently dissipate this heat, partly due to shielding and is capable of transmission speeds up to 10Gbps. For Low Bandwidth, Low Power applications (PoE power levels at 60W or below), we recommend Category 6 UTP cables and patch cords, with UTP snap-in connectors. The possible future of BloT cabling There are also new standards under development today could become part of a BIoT cabling system definition in the future, such as single-pair Ethernet draft standards IEEE 802.3cg (10Mbps over single-pair cable) and IEEE 802.3bu (Power over Data Lines for SPE power). IEC 61156- 13 and ISO/IEC 11801-6 (distributed building services) cabling standards are also adding support for single pair applications. These new standards bring opportunities for the connection of BIoT devices requiring limited bandwidth and modest power levels using a single pair, as they introduce specifications for support of distances typical of a building’s OT systems. In short, the target outcomes for intelligent buildings are moving beyond simple energy savings, and there’s an increasing focus on occupants and productivity benefits. Intelligent device deployment is expected to accelerate. Fortunately, best practices and new standards provide guidance for better network planning and deployment. n Several cabling standards for intelligent buildings are available to help plan and deploy the network: CENELEC EN 50173-6:2018 ‘Information Technology —Generic Cabling Systems — Part 6: Distributed Building Services’ BICSI 007-2017 ‘ICT Design and Implementation Practices for Intelligent Buildings and Premises’ ISO/IEC 11801-6 ‘Information Technology 11 Generic Cabling Systems — Part 6: Distributed Building Services’ www.networkseuropemagazine.com 41 SMART BUILDINGSSustainable urban spaces The effects of climate change are seen on an ever-larger scale and governments are increasingly putting policies in place and setting emission targets in an effort to stop temperatures rising. As highlighted by edie, 70% of the global energy demand is currently used by cities and it’s predicted that an additional 2.5 billion people will be living in cities by 2050. Looking at these statistics, solutions to decrease the environmental impact of cities while improving the quality of life for residents are increasingly in demand. Implementing smart technology aims to achieve this and as a result, smart cities are developing worldwide. Buildings represent an important part of a city’s infrastructure and are a major contributor to its environmental footprint. According to a UN report, they accounted for 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions in 2017. Smart technology again offers solutions to curb pollution. One of its main features is streamlining HVAC and BMS assets to optimise a building’s performance, thereby reducing the energy consumption and environmental impact. Reducing the environmental footprint Even though there’s no common definition, a smart city can be described as a city in which the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology are used to connect a network of devices, enabling those devices to share information and to make decisions based on the data they receive. This automated decision-making process streamlines operational functions as well as offering services to citizens. Considering the operational functions that are currently controlled by smart technology, the options seem endless. Street lights can be switched on based on light levels, water and waste management can be monitored and thereby improved, and the heating of public buildings can be optimised to save energy, to name just a few examples. New smart services for residents are also introduced frequently. Mobile apps offer information on parking availability to save valuable time or enable car sharing and as a result reduce traffic and CO2 emissions. Traffic lights respond to the walking speed of pedestrians to time light cycles, increasing road safety and eliminating unnecessarily long waiting times for cars etc. By Graeme Ross, UK & EMEA Sales Director, Resource Data Management www.resourcedm.com Decreasing the environmental impact of cities while improving the quality of life for residents using smart technologies All of these features contribute to making cities more sustainable and enjoyable to live in. While at the early stages the implementation of smart technology was mostly carried out by European cities, the trend has been picked up worldwide with Singapore and New York being listed in the top three of many polls. This is reflected in the global spend on smart city technology which is forecasted to grow from $80 billion in 2016 to $135 billion in 2021, as stated in a report from the International Data Corporation. Energy efficiency and saving costs Buildings are a major source of CO2 emissions and they represent large overhead costs for businesses. Turning buildings into smart versions of themselves will help to make these structures more environmentally friendly. As an additional bonus, they can be transformed into strategic assets for businesses. Being arguably one of the most important parts of a city’s infrastructure, buildings also accounted for 36% of the global energy use and for nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 www.networkseuropemagazine.com 42 SMART CITIESemissions in 2017, according to a UN report. With smart IoT technology, buildings can be more energy efficient reducing their environmental footprint and saving operational costs. The IoT connects mechanical and electrical systems within a building and enables communication between the devices. The resulting smart systems monitor themselves, and each other, and act upon the data they receive. HVAC equipment and lighting can be controlled and monitored automatically, optimising the building’s infrastructure according to pre-set parameters such as business hours, occupancy, outside temperature and daylight levels. The smart building thereby achieves energy savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions while at the same time increasing the comfort for the occupants. According to a study conducted by British Gas, 46% of business energy is consumed outside of regular business hours: between 6pm and 8am. If smart technology were to be utilised to its full potential in buildings, the energy consumption could be significantly reduced. Automatically shutting down non-essential equipment after close of business or running assets at a minimum are valuable solutions smart technology can provide. Installing smart technology in buildings isn’t just a chance for businesses to decrease operational costs. It can also turn buildings into strategic assets helping businesses to achieve their objectives, rather than solely being overheads. Smart technology can help streamline conference room use, showing availability and reporting faulty equipment which can help eliminate time wasted overbooking conflicts or trying to fix equipment during meetings. It can also regulate office temperatures and lighting so that both are at the optimum levels to foster productivity. Bluetooth technology With the numerous benefits of smart technology comes the challenge of installing it. Establishing wire connections between the hundreds of devices operating in a building is labour, resource and time-intensive. While wireless technologies are available, concerns about their reliability have made facility managers reluctant to implement them in the past. Bluetooth technology released earlier this year offers a solution to overcome these concerns. The Bluetooth 5.1 mesh system is a robust, reliable wireless system, ideal for picking up multiple data points or controlling simple outputs. With the Bluetooth mesh system, devices can hop from one to the next to find reliable and secure paths for the data. The system can be implemented in any building to avoid installing a large number of cables, and it’s ideal for large buildings, space- restricted areas and retrofitting purposes. Energy-positive buildings A standout example in the smart building development for offices is Powerhouse Brattørkaia, an energy-positive building that was unveiled in Norway in August 2019. The largest building of its kind, it will generate more energy in its operational phase than it will consume through construction, operation and disposal of the building. Using a combination of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and architectural design such as using special concrete to regulate temperatures. The energy production and usage are controlled and monitored via IoT devices and any surplus energy is used to charge electric cars, those transactions being monitored by both the building’s and the car’s technology. The future of smart cities Currently, there are four energy-positive buildings in Norway. While they show a glimpse of the possible future for smart cities, it remains exactly that for many communities: a futuristic ideal. At the moment, cities across the globe face numerous challenges when it comes to implementing smart technology. Ranging from concerns over privacy and cybersecurity to simple funding problems, various factors can slow down a city’s smart transformation. However, the trend doesn’t show any signs of stopping, with governments supporting the construction of smart cities. Part of the EU’s 20-20-20 targets is the constructions of smart cities to reach sustainability goals, outlining plans of bringing together small cities, businesses and organisations to develop and implement innovative solutions. Despite the challenges they’re facing, with new technologies emerging and governments supporting the concept, smart cities currently present a viable solution to increase the sustainability of urban spaces. n www.networkseuropemagazine.com 43 SMART CITIESThe massive demand for content and virtualised services is putting enormous pressure on enterprise networks worldwide, and the pace isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. Beyond traditional IT network traffic, it’s estimated that more than 20 billion ‘things’ will be interconnected via the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020. As the growth of network traffic continues unabated, data centres and enterprises are dealing with infrastructure – and a workforce – stretched to the limits. Compounding this explosion in data, increasing complexity and cost pressures create further challenges to maintain network performance and reliability. As a result, network managers and CIOs need more efficient and effective processes for testing today’s data centre interconnect (DCI) networks, from the physical layer to the application layer, to assure that end-user experience and security are in compliance with service level agreements (SLAs). By David Zambrano, Enterprise and Data Center Account Manager for EMEA, VIAVI Solutions www.viavisolutions.com Under pressure The massive increase in data is driving data centre interconnect networks to breaking point www.networkseuropemagazine.com 44 TEST & MEASUREMENTTo mitigate these challenges, forward error correction (FEC) is used in 400G technology for an effective error-free link at the packet level. New, more insightful testing is required to validate margin and diagnose issues through the coding and PAM4 modulation. No longer can network testing be confined to just one of the layers – it must cover the link from the physical layer, all the way through to Ethernet. As DCI networks migrate to higher speeds, it’s also important to run simultaneous test modules that compare and evaluate the results and performance of open application programming interfaces (APIs) and protocols, including NETCONF/YANG on racks at high speeds of 100G, 200G and 400G. Doing so can help to pinpoint potential issues and troubleshoot infrastructure complications before they arise. Stress reduction Ultimately, it’s important to maintain robust test practices throughout the entire DCI lifecycle in order to optimise performance, reduce latency, ensure reliability and maximise capacity utilisation. To assess DCI connections, stress testing should be done on a consistent basis, with the goal of identifying potential issues before a fault occurs. With regular test and measurement practices, engineering teams can identify issues that are impeding the network’s ability to achieve full capacity, allowing such issues to be resolved much faster and with less headache. Moreover, in today’s increasingly virtualised and cloud- based networks, DCI network monitoring needs to be automated and virtualised to provide the capability to monitor, diagnose and resolve anomalies across the entire network infrastructure. However, the fibre networks they rely on also still require robust testing from end-to-end to maintain peak performance. As enterprises continue to grapple with increased data and an exponential increase in devices and connected things, the advent of 200G and 400G technology enables DCI networks to keep pace with ever-increasing expectations for high-speed, seamless performance. To make this evolution as smooth as possible, it’s vital to apply rigorous test and measurement practices to DCI networks, ensuring that they deliver the efficiency, flexibility and performance necessary to meet SLA requirements, today and tomorrow. n A digital deluge The massive demand for content and a proliferation of connected devices places enormous pressure on enterprise networks — particularly straining data centre interconnects that are needed for efficient management, distribution and exchange of data. At the same time, increasing digital transformation and process automation are driving faster DCI development. The key challenge is how to support all these advances with shrinking IT budgets and fewer resources, while still providing fast, reliable access and satisfactory performance. As enterprises strive to provide constant connectivity to both operations and consumers, network complexity is accelerated by a variety of applications, system architectures and operational requirements. Furthermore, DCI speeds already are meeting or exceeding 100G, with the expectation that 400G will soon become a clear requirement. Not to mention that work is already taking place at 600G and 800G. As these speeds increase, however, network managers must maintain this momentum while living within their budgets and power constraints. Serverless and edge computing technologies are relieving some of this pressure, pushing processing outside of the data centre to the edge of the network or the cloud; yet, these options also create additional challenges. Consideration must be given to balancing bandwidth across the network, as well as secure data transmission and storage. Testing the limits of DCI Within the modern data centre, there are thousands of links, cables, transponders and connections. While these all represent potential points of failure, they typically receive greater attention than those incoming links that feed the data centre. It may come as a surprise that many DCI networks aren’t routinely tested, despite the fact that doing so enables faster troubleshooting and, even more importantly, the power of prevention. Regular network testing and monitoring is a critical factor in meeting SLAs and internal performance objectives. In an effort to meet the continuing demand for more bandwidth, some data centre managers are creating 200G wavelengths using DP-16QAM modulation, essentially doubling the DCI capacity over the same fibre. While this technology helps reduce bottlenecks, it’s important to test these new 200G links before adding live traffic to the system, since there may be limitations on a particular wavelength that prevents it from achieving a 200 Gbps transmission rate. These limitations can’t be identified without first stress testing the wavelength before putting it into service. Looking beyond 200G, we have already begun the evolution to 400G, representing a paradigm shift throughout the networking ecosystem that provides flexibility and scalability in new and unique ways. However, 400G technology also brings inherent challenges in testing due to added complexity at the physical layer. The utilization of PAM4 modulation increases link errors, so simply quantifying the errors or testing based on ‘zero’ errors no longer suffices. A more sophisticated understanding of error distribution and statistics is required. www.networkseuropemagazine.com 45 TEST & MEASUREMENTwww.networkseuropemagazine.com DIRECTORY 46 network infrastructure products network infrastructure productsnetwork infrastructure products Mills is a leading distributor of structured cabling, cable management and specialist tooling for the communications industry. With a stocked product range of over 4000 lines, Mills is the one stop shop for your cabling infrastructure requirements. • Cabinets & Enclosures • Structured Cabling • Fibre Optics & Tooling • Voice Products • Active Products • Coaxial and Audio Visual • Power Distribution • Trunking & Cable Management/Fixing • Tool Kits & Tool Cases • Cable Preparation & Termination Tools • Power Tools • Contractors Tools & General Hand Tools • Overhead & Underground Cabling Equipment • Safety Equipment • Test Equipment Mills is the premier distributor of the full Fusion structured cabling system range. Established over 90 years, Mills is an IS09001 and Investors In People certified company. Free catalogue on request. Mills Ltd, 13 Fairway Drive, Fairway Industrial Estate, Greenford, Middlesex. UB6 8PW, UK Tel: 020 8833 2626 Email: sales@millsltd.com Web: www.millsltd.com Excel is a world-class premium performance end-to-end infrastructure solution - designed, manufactured, supported and delivered - without compromise. Excel is driven by a team of industry experts, ensuring the latest innovation and manufacturing capabilities are implemented to surpass industry standards for quality and performance, technical compliance and ease of installation and use. With an emphasis on compatibility and standards compliance ‘from cable to rack’, reliability and product availability, Excel is the complete trusted solution. Since the brand was launched to the UK market in 1997, Excel has enjoyed formidable growth and is sold in over 70 countries throughout EMEA. With a focus on, system performance, independent verification and a 25 year product and application warranty, when installed by an Excel Partner, it’s easy to see why this is the system of choice for many organizations. Excel House Junction Six Industrial Park Electric Avenue Birmingham B6 7JJ UK Tel: +(0)121 326 7557 Email: sales@excel-networking.com Web: www.excel-networking.com The Fusion Product range represents the outcome of two years of market research and focus groups to establish installers and users expectations for an end-to-end network cabling system. Altogether better because .. 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Austin Hughes Europe Unit 1, Chancery Gate Business Centre, Manor House Avenue, Southampton SO15 0AE, UK Tel + 44 2380 529303 Email: sales@austin-hughes.eu Web: ww.austin-hughes.eu Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data centre, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fibre optic connectivity, cable, power distribution units, and much more. In 2015, Leviton acquired Brand-Rex, merging two leading manufacturers of network connectivity and cable. Since then, we have combined our expertise and resources to create a single, global solutions provider that is committed to delivering the utmost quality, customer service, and innovative products, backed by a comprehensive warranty. Leviton Network Solutions at a glance: • 25,000+ network cable and connectivity products for every type of network application • 2,000+ knowledgeable certified datacom contractors who can offer some of the best warranties in the industry • 250+ experienced sales staff, ready find exact solutions to meet your network requirements • 13 warehouses across the globe, strategically located to deliver products where you need it, when you need it Brand-Rex Ltd, Viewfield Industrial Estate, Glenrothes, Fife,KY6 2RS, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1592 778421 E: customerserviceeu@leviton.com W: www.brand-rex.com Comtec is one of the UK’s largest value-added distributors of IP infrastructure to both the carrier and enterprise markets. We stock one of the widest product portfolios within the sector from structured and fibre optic cabling through to data racks and servers, test equipment and audio visual products. Leading brands stocked for next day delivery include; • CommScope • Draka • Eaton • Fluke Networks • HellermannTyton • Nexans • Prism • Ultima Call our sales team; Head Office: 01480 415000 Glasgow: 0141 564 1234 Sunbury: 0844 844 4444 Or order online at www.comtecdirect.co.ukwww.networkseuropemagazine.com active productsnetwork infrastructure productscritical power infrastructure The UK’s leading training provider, delivering the very best in comms cabling training, envisions a training proposition that is customer focused. Providing training services to the IT cabling infrastructure industry, and with convergence of the cloud and cable connectivity at its heart, now is the time to get trained by Total Comms Training. Total Comms Training Ltd, Centurion House, Barrows Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5FN For more info call us on freephone: 0800 170 7007 For all other enquiries, you can call us on +44 (0)1279 42 66 00 Email: info@totalcommstraining.com Web: www.totalcommstraining.com Cannon Technologies is an international leader in the design and manufacture of IT infrastructure. From fully featured server racks, high density cooling and power management to remote control systems all under BSI - ISO 9001 :2008 Cannon Technologies has serviced some of the world’s leading organisations and is the ideal partner for challenging projects. Taking our 35+ years of experience in the market Cannon Technologies has launched a completely unique modular data centre solution that will dramatically alter the way everyone views modular build techniques. The design is based on existing, market proven solutions and can be deployed in a fraction of the time required for traditional modular builds. 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Our experience as a provider of power products and solutions for data centres within telecom and other industries. Today, our offering includes power for all types of data centre regardless of size. Our ambition is to always provide solutions that offer unmatched availability, scalability and compactness, designed to power your data centres into the future. The combination of superior expertise, solutions, support and service make it possible for our passionate and proactive power experts worldwide to provide our customers with a unique and powerful experience. Tel: +44 (0)1442 219 355 Email: sales.gb@eltek.com Web: www.eltek.com 47 DIRECTORY 47 If you are interested in placing a Directory Listing please contact Ian Titchener on the contact details below email: ian.titchener@abacus-comms.co.uk DIRECTORY ADVERTISINGNetworks Europe reaches an audience of 26,000 on a bi-monthly basis throughout Europe. 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