Practicalities of network convergence

Convergence of different functions into a single structured cabling network throughout the building is not a new concept. The first step of convergence came 20 years ago when some companies decided to use a single data-capable network (Cat 3) for both data connections and phones. But facilities management and security systems remained completely separate.

 

Fast Forward

If we come bang up to date, however, two or three major factors have caused building owners and systems manufacturers to realise there are some very real benefits to converging all these various systems onto one cabling network and either two (or one) switched Ethernet networks.

 

Physical Layer

If every system, such as data, building management system (BMS), lighting control, CCTV, Access Control, etc, has its own cabling network – that means four or five lots of cable and containment to purchase and install –with installers trying to work in an already overcrowded site with all the scheduling plus health and safety implications.

 

Alternatively you can install a single Category 5e, Category 6 or Category 6A network, giving a massive overall saving. Plus, if you flood-wire the ceiling void then whatever your next 20 years’ requirements for sensors, lighting controllers, window blind or shutter controllers, IP-CCTV cameras, door locks, ID-readers and RFID devices, all you have to do is plug-in to a nearby RJ-45 outlet and you’re in business.

 

As long as you provide power over Ethernet (PoE or PoE+) you’ll rarely need a skilled electrician to install or move these items. Nor will you need any mains sockets. 

Once all these devices begin sharing an Ethernet LAN - that’s where the magic really starts!  Because now, these previously disparate systems can start to talk to each other.

Whether it’s a hospital, school, office block or university, connecting together the access control system’s card reader, biometrics or iris scanner with the lighting control and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air con) means that individual rooms can have their services and temperatures pre-defined.

 

For example, take a classroom – it would be supplied with heat/cooling and light automatically from 8am to 4 pm after which time heating and cooling is turned off. 

Later – when the cleaner comes along and swipes-in – on comes the lighting but not the HVAC because she doesn’t need that. And of course the light turns off when she leaves.

 

The fact the cleaner (or anyone else for that matter) has swiped-in or been tracked on RFID means that the Payroll department can use this data instead of needing a separate clocking in-out system. Universities use this for attendance recording too.

The implementation of RFID Asset Tracking over the wireless network keeps track of all valuable items which is useful for hospitals where expensive mobile equipment is regularly moved but can be difficult to track-down in an emergency.

 

As more and more buildings become fully converged - the interoperability capabilities increase leading to the streamlining of business processes; centralisation and simplification of reporting and many environmental benefits.

 

So, let’s get down to practicalities. If you’re planning on installing a converged network here are some of the things you need to consider operating through the single converged network and needing IP connections:

•  Building management system

•  Lighting  control, including person-presence PIR detectors 

•  HVAC control

•  Plant room equipment

•  Access Control locks, card-readers and iris detectors

•  Fire System

•  IP-CCTV cameras and monitors

•  VoIP phones

•  Wi-Fi & RFID detectors

 

How fast?

The final question is: "How fast does the network cabling need to be? 1 Gigabit/s (Cat 5e/Cat 6) or 10 Gigabit/s (Cat 6A)? All of the Facilities/non IT systems we’ve discussed in this article will work quite happily over Cat 5e or Cat 6. So the discussion comes down to the company’s scalability and future-proofing needs.

As a guide on what’s actually happening in practice in our day-to-day experience at Brand-Rex and Boston Networks, about 50% of the converged network installs we’re completing at present are shielded Cat 6A with the other 50 per cent Cat 6 or Cat 5e.