Connected Buildings

Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

Enterprises today require the spaces they occupy to be designed to support a wide variety of building systems
and cutting-edge communications technologies. Traditional building systems such as lighting, security, HVAC,
structural health monitoring, and energy management now must co-exist with IP-based voice, data and video
communication technologies.

The terms “Intelligent” or “Connected” Building have evolved to reflect these changes in building systems
design and construction. Once used to denote structures with automation features that offered improved control
over various building systems, today’s Connected Buildings are designed with extensive system interoperability
in mind. Linked facility and network systems now are built directly into the building fabric, generating and
sharing data over a single platform to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the building as a whole.

This white paper introduces the PANDUIT Connected Building Solution, which emphasizes the importance of a
flexible, robust cabling infrastructure to act as the backbone of a Connected Building. These solutions are
based on running a multi-technology cable bundle along shared pathways in order to extend the reach of a
physically converged infrastructure to all devices and systems. Such construction techniques allow forward
thinking organizations to achieve increased operational efficiencies while enabling greater occupant productivity
and comfort.

Enhancing the Workplace Experience

Imagine a building that could provide the following:

1. When employees use their badges to gain access, multiple systems can be notified, prompting
lighting changes, surveillance camera recording, network access, elevator calls, and HVAC system
adjustments – all in response to a single card swipe.

2. When a fire alarm is triggered, security cameras begin recording, the doors to the correct egress
paths unlock, automated announcements are made, and emergency shutdown and containment of
sensitive sites are all initiated.

3. When the power utility requires enterprises to reduce or “shed” power use, smart lighting subsystems
respond by dimming and/or shutting down lights throughout the building, and making other
adjustments to reduce power consumption. Follow-up announcements are made via email and IP
phone.

Connected Buildings make these scenarios a reality. By capturing and transporting all operational and services
data over a physically converged infrastructure, it becomes possible to implement facility-driven policies that
support business requirements and tenant/customer demands. Most systems can be physically converged
through shared conduit, cable trays, and building pathways; others will converge through a switched IP network.

This convergence allows building systems to become a true business asset, enabling developers and owners to
reduce costs and enhance employee workplace experiences.

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

Connected Building Solutions deliver front-end technology services in several ways (see Figure 1). New levels
of technology convenience help differentiate the building and attract tenants who otherwise may not have the
time or resources to support high-end network applications. These solutions are designed to evolve and scale
with user needs, from mobility services that support business applications to environmental controls that
optimize worker comfort. This flexibility is combined with
intelligent network features that improve quality of service.

VoIP
Building ownership is also enhanced by using the Access Broadband
Control
converged systems to identify and resolve problems
before they affect occupants. For example, building HVAC Digital
Signage
managers can match energy inputs to the requirements of
occupants and the building environment, providing the Security Music
Video
optimal amount of comfort to users while minimizing
wasted energy. Also, physical security devices and
Lighting Retail
emergency response and communication devices can be Control (PoS)

integrated for a more pervasive building security system.

Sub- Visitor
Metering Kiosks

Guests may not notice each and every detail but

the cumulative effect makes the experience
memorable, and maintains building value over
time by attracting and keeping quality tenants.
Figure 1. Connected Building Solutions include all necessary
connectivity hardware to provide for several types of systems:
• Building Operations (yellow)
• Tenant/Occupant Operations (red)
• Common Area Services (green)

Elements of Connected Building Solutions

The function of the network physical layer is similar to that of an actual building foundation. A poorly planned
foundation will severely limit the life of the structure, just as an inadequately planned cabling infrastructure will
shorten the technology life cycle and functionality of a Connected Building. However, if the building foundation
is designed and built properly, the building will successfully sustain growth and change while providing many
years of service and minimal disruptions over time.

Likewise, a well-planned cabling infrastructure should be reliable, interoperable, and able to scale over the life
of the network or building. Connected Building Solutions are comprised of the network communications
protocols (OSI Layer 3) and physical layer hardware and structured cabling (OSI Layers 2 and 1, respectively).
Due to the complexity of moving these disparate building systems onto a common networking infrastructure, it is
imperative that the diverse vendor community work together to provide interoperable and scalable infrastructure
solutions.

Through the innovative efforts of companies like PANDUIT and Cisco, critical elements of these next generation
solutions are being deployed today.

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

Legacy Next Generation

Dedicated Proprietary Systems Convergence Via Open Standards

IP Communications

Fire Lighting

Physical Elevator
Security

Visitor 24 / 7
Access Monitor

Energy HVAC
Cisco Connected Real Estate Diagrams
WAN
Figure 2. Next-generation building system infrastructures are moving away from dedicated legacy
networks and towards open standard communications platforms.

Commonly Networked Building Systems. To integrate intelligence throughout a building, start with a cabling
infrastructure that enables business requirements to determine what and how the intelligence is leveraged.
Today’s building networks include voice/data, access control, security, surveillance video, and environmental
controls (i.e., lighting and HVAC). Conventional cabling solutions carry each type of signal over its own
dedicated line, whereas today’s Connected Building Solutions use one high-performance infrastructure to
replace disparate systems (see Figure 2).

IP architecture provides a platform for secure, scalable and interoperable systems throughout an enterprise.
The common denominator for converged building systems is the expansive reach of the cabling infrastructure
and physical connectivity. The physical layer provides the foundation for key building and enterprise systems to
communicate both locally and remotely. Therefore it is imperative that early and careful planning is dedicated to
this portion of the Connected Building project.

As the number of converged systems and demand for bandwidth increase, it is essential that enterprises
specify a reliable and scalable physical layer. PANDUIT Connected Building Solutions complement Cisco
network architecture solutions by allowing building systems to converge and extend the reach of the IP-based
network to all devices within an enterprise. The physical infrastructure consists of copper and fiber cabling
systems enabling high data rates that can scale to 40-100 Gb/s in the future.

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

Zone Cabling Architecture. A highly effective way to layer intelligence throughout a building is to logically
distribute cabling runs using a zone architecture for all building networks. Zone cabling enables automated
building systems to be converged with Ethernet cabling pathways as they are being designed. This converged
multi-technology backbone is comprised of Category 5e/6/6A copper, optical fiber, coaxial, RS-485, and other
fieldbus cabling. These systems are converged within a common pathway and then terminated within zone
enclosures distributed throughout the building (see Figure 3).

The zone enclosures become network consolidation points, allowing all cables to be managed and patched in a
single enclosure. This architecture differs from dedicated cabling runs typically used in building systems, in
which multiple lengthy and redundant cabling routes along disparate pathways, leading to inefficiencies in
specification, installation, and maintenance. Network cabling becomes easier to locate, manage and maintain
as each additional building system is routed within the same pathways and enclosures. Managed cabling also
helps eliminate abandoned cable in ceilings, making the workplace run more efficiently and safely.

Physically converged infrastructures also contribute toward larger corporate sustainability initiatives. Basic
green objectives include reducing consumption of non-renewable resources and creating healthy environments.
To support these objectives smart lighting subsystems, indirect lighting, daylight harvesting, and modern
underfloor HVAC are used to improve occupant comfort and achieve energy efficiencies throughout the buidling
thus shrinking the organization’s carbon footprint. Such solutions also add value by enabling green performance
and LEED certification for building stakeholders, which differentiates buildings from the competition in a
business climate where environmental stewardship is increasingly valued.

Traditional (Home Run) Cabling Infrastructure Converged (Zone) Cabling Infrastructure

Figure 3. Connected Building Solutions deploy all building systems along common pathways to
multiple zones where systems connectivity is required.

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

Benefits of Zone Cabling and Connected Buildings

By implementing a Connected Building Solution using a zone structured cabling layout, building owners can
minimize the installation of disparate network wiring required by other building systems, reducing installation
and maintenance costs associated with these separate systems.

Reducing Capital Expenses (CapEx). Connected Building Solutions increase CapEx savings by managing
installation design and contracting. The first step is to develop the cabling infrastructure as a strategic asset
early in the design phase by positioning all networked building systems within common pathways. These
systems are spread physically and logically throughout the enterprise, making infrastructure design critical to
the successful implementation of a Connected Building solution. With all building networks designed to reside in
the same pathways, multiple dedicated runs of cables back to master controllers and telecommunications
closets spread throughout the building are eliminated, and the network becomes a service to tap into as and
where needed.

The second step is to use a single installer to deploy

all multi-technology backbone cabling. This approach
reduces the cost associated with using multiple
contractors to install cabling and optimizes the use of
project resources. For example, the construction
contractor can achieve labor savings by eliminating
the need for up to three separate low-voltage
electricians making cable runs in the same space. In
this way the low voltage wire, which is traditionally
unmanaged and forgotten after installation, becomes
part of the managed cabling infrastructure.
Reduced Operational Expenses (OpEx).
Connected Building Solutions enable building owners
to significantly reduce OpEx over the life of the
building, primarily through efficient moves, adds, and
changes (MACs) to structured cabling in tenant-
occupied spaces. MACs required for Ethernet cabling
can be carried out over shorter, managed runs, and
building system MACs are greatly simplified with
zone enclosures bringing all endpoint devices within
easy reach of building networks. Fieldbus cabling
terminations within a zone enclosure are much
simpler to troubleshoot.
Power over Ethernet Benefits Connected
Buildings
Many of the systems deployed in Connected
Buildings can benefit from Power over Ethernet
technology. PoE extends the capabilities of
Ethernet by delivering both data and reliable DC
power over the same cables to endpoint devices
such as VoIP phones, IP security and surveillance
cameras, and wireless access points. Because
PoE runs data and power together over the same
cable to each device attached to the local area
network, devices can be installed without the need
for a dedicated AC outlet. This saves money by
eliminating the cost and time associated with AC
outlet installations, while providing the flexibility to
locate PoE devices where performance is optimum.
With a robust infrastructure providing power, the
devices can take advantage of centralized battery
backup systems supporting other devices on the
network.

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

Scalable and Smart Infrastructure. The PANDUIT connected building cabling architecture (see Figure 4)
supports TIA/EIA-568 and 569 telecommunications cabling standards, which cover building network systems
design and installation practices. These standards will help further drive convergence among building systems.
Once a common communications infrastructure is established, all networks and applications can successfully
and easily scale in support of the enterprise. These systems enable building owners and operators to
successfully manage and maintain all building networks within one scalable deployment.

Pulling It All Together

Building system cabling infrastructures are often designed independently from IT cabling, and are installed and
maintained separately. Connected Building Solutions bring building automation systems and IP networks
together to help building owners achieve installation and maintenance cost efficiencies over the life cycle of
their building. By placing all network cabling in the building through common pathways and labeling it to TIA
standards, networks are more secure, controlled, and available.

Connected Buildings unify energy, structural health, and information systems to bring enhanced comfort to
occupants. By responding to the ever-changing demands of people, these solutions drive today’s network and
cabling technologies together to create more useful, versatile, and comfortable commercial spaces.

Figure 4. Example network architecture for PANDUIT Connected Building Solution

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 Introduction to
Connected Building Solutions

About PANDUIT
PANDUIT is a leading, world-class developer and provider of innovative networking and electrical solutions. For
more than 50 years, PANDUIT has engineered and manufactured end-to-end solutions that assist our
customers in the deployment of the latest technologies. Our global expertise and strong industry relationships
make PANDUIT a valuable and trusted partner dedicated to delivering technology-driven solutions and
unmatched service. Through our commitment to innovation, quality and service, PANDUIT creates competitive
advantages to earn customer preference.

www.panduit.com · cs@panduit.com · 800-777-3300

Copyright and Trademark Information

Cisco is a registered trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc.

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