In order to provide everyone across the campus involved with the construction of physical or logical networks, a set of common practices and guidelines to work with. By designing the network and infrastructure while observing these standards, will result in a maintainable and reliable communication network for the Cornell community.

There are both construction (i.e., physical plant, cabling,) and renovation projects that utilize these standards. In all cases, CIT strives to develop standards that create a reliable and resilient communication infrastructure for the University.

We primarily use the Telecommunication Distribution Methods Manuals (TDMM) from the BICSI (Building Industries Consulting Services International) organization. Included in the TDMM are references to The National Electrical Code (NEC) and The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) along with referenced text from the telecommunication industry standard organizations, including Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronics Industry Association (TIA/EIA) and many other design sources.

We have adopted the 3/4" conduit as the standard size to permit improved installation and maintenance of the wire plant, plus to allow for a small amount of incremental growth and the addition of other media types in the future.

There are two primary advantages to using solid cable tray over open tray and hook systems:

1) Solid cable tray provides a continuous and level support for the cables. This improves the chances that a Category 6 cable will perform as it was designed to (e.g., for data copper cable, the wiring can support the 1 Gigabit speeds for which it is rated at).

2) Solid tray significantly improves the ability to maintain the cable plant after the initial installation. The tray provides the means to use a "fish tape" or rod to get past congested areas in the ceiling space that are difficult to access reduce the possibility of damaging existing cables.

Yes, CIT has several approved telecommunications contractors to choose from. They are registered with the Cornell University Contract Management department, who manage the bid and legal processes that are associated with this task. We use telecommunication wiring contractors due to their proven ability to install and certify the cables and to complete the project according to the Cornell design and industry standards. These contractors can be utilized in place of Cornell's technical staff for cabling projects.

To assist with accurate budget estimates, coordination of cabling installations and to aid in design reviews.

Providing CIT with current design drawings and the opportunity to actively participate in the review phases of design will save the project time and money by reducing the number of change orders that may result during the construction period.

CIT strives to provide a reliable and secured network infrastructure. The designs of such networks are the creation of common distribution points within buildings that contain wiring for both voice and data communications. In order to avoid inadvertent or malicious damage to the wiring and equipment, CIT limits the access to the space that is dedicated for the exclusive use of supporting and managing the campus communication infrastructure and is a requirement of the Risk Management office.

TRs are sized according to the number of workstations (outlets) and the overall square footage of the building. All rooms have the potential to house various types of electronics and cabling managers that require adequate spacing for safety and workability within the room. Telecommunication rooms are sized to accommodate future growth and changes in technology.

Codes are laws and should be treated as such. Violating codes can cause serious injury or death, which may result in punitive action. Standards are methods that create a uniform structure for installations that have been refined over time. Violating standards is not as severe as a code, but can produce an inferior product that may lead to major costs and performance limitations in the future. CIT utilizes codes and standards that have been developed by electrical and telecommunication industries to provide reliable, secure, and maintainable networks that are safe for building occupants.