Network infrastructure

When: Royal Institute of British Architects Stages A-B

What:  This is the time to begin questioning and agreeing the scope of work in the project. Some typical questions that arise at this stage:

• Is local infrastructure compliant with current standards?
• Do areas outside of project boundaries need to be looked at?
• Are there any live cables that need to be protected or re-routed? 
• Do any live cables provide services to the area under construction or outside of project boundaries? Will enabling works need to be carried out?
• Is there any wireless infrastructure in place? (If so, it needs to be securely decommissioned.)
• What are the major risks to the project and nearby locations (risk analysis and profile)?
• Is there an ICT building strategy? (If not, it may need to be included in Project Scope.) Contact [email protected].
• Is there an overall services building strategy? (We will need to have risers and routes that will enable operations after project delivery in a sensible way.)

When: Royal Institute of British Architects Stage C

What: After the initial questions are answered, you can add more detail on how the project plan will be implemented. This is the time to include items that could have been missed in the first instance and add some detail.

Some typical details to add at this stage:

• The size and location of new Communications Wiring Centre, if necessary as per previous stage. The location can be outside of the project boundary as per our standards to maximise its efficiency.
• The proposal of cable routes including risers.
• The location and number of fire cableways (EZ-Paths), taking into account the fire strategy and the number of cables. This information will be included in the design and passed on to both the Fire Officer and us for information and/or approval.
• The solution for enabling works or protection of live services.
• The identification of wireless infrastructure for protection or decommissioning.
• The risk strategy (including avoidance, transferral or acceptance).
• How the project network infrastructure strategy interfaces with the ICT network infrastructure strategy. Where an ICT strategy has not been created for the building in question, a full building strategy in accordance with College ICT standards will be required.

When: Royal Institute of British Architects Stage D

What: This is when the initial detail and main topics associated with an IT infrastructure installation are covered.

At this point you can:

• Insert more detail into your project report and bring the contents in line with the rest of the topics, such as mechanical and electrical services, and the expectations of your client. This is the time to fine tune the plan, including the inclusion and exclusion of items mentioned.
• Update on risk analysis and further work on the ICT installation programme within the overall project programme.
• Add diagrams and drawings of the proposed solution. You may have to provide elevation drawings to clarify the proposed solutions.

Note: As per the standards, the Communication Wiring Centres  (if any are to be built) need to be built to a stage that we will be accepted by ICT for beneficial occupation before any services are installed. This will have a direct impact in the commissioning of services such as BMS and Security.

When: Royal Institute of British Architects Stage E

What: This is the final detailed package of IT works prior to tender. 

Follow these steps:

1. Please contact ICL Network Infrastructure Lead to check the project final structured cabling tender specification before issue. 
2. Use Appendix E above to identify equipment and materials to be supplied.
3. Use Appendix A above to select contractors to be contacted to respond to tender.