Physical Infrastructure
This area addresses the requirements for the generic cabling system on campus, both fibre and twisted pair. The requirements to the infrastructure in telecommunication and server rooms are also dealt with. This includes power supply, ventilation and cooling, fire protection as well as general ICT room plan guidelines. Recommendations for building an AV (audio-visual) infrastructure in lecture halls and meeting rooms is also covered.


	Guidelines for the Design of HE Buildings, ICT and AV Infrastructure This document provides guidance on the role of ICT on campus construction projects and on how ICT personnel in the higher education (HE) sector should proceed in order to safeguard the ICT needs of their respective institutions. New building and major renovation projects within the sector may involve different forms of organisation and staffing. In order to achieve the best possible result, it is important that ICT personnel are involved from the early phases of building projects.
	Requirements for Generic Cabling Systems When setting up a generic cabling system, it is recommended that the latest version of any current cabling standards are used. The standard of workmanship is considered extremely important. Detailed installation documentation is an absolute requirement in new buildings and major renovations, it is important to ensure the allocation of necessary space and pathways in order to enable the establishment of a fully functional IT environment.
	Requirements for the Design of ICT Rooms An important condition for efficient ICT systems is that ICT rooms are of satisfactory quality. ICT rooms need to be optimally located in the building. It is important to carefully analyse the institution’s current and future space requirements. Factors related to security, fire resistance, noise, heating, electrical fields, conduit paths, equipment transport, floor loads and any extrinsic general building structures must be carefully considered.
	Power Supply Requirements for ICT Rooms The installation of standby power generators is recommended for essential ICT rooms. A centralised online UPS should be installed to supply all ICT rooms. Main electrical panels supplying essential ICT rooms shall be constructed according to Form 4-b in the EU norm NEK EN 60439-1. The need for overvoltage protection of the distribution grids must be assessed and creation of a single earth potential in ICT rooms is very important.
	Ventilation and Cooling Requirements for ICT Rooms The design and installation of ventilation and cooling systems must focus on energy conservation. The preferred systems are based on the “free cooling” principle, and are combined with supplementary compressor-based cooling systems, which operate when the external air temperature does not permit adequate cooling. In essential ICT rooms, the emphasis of cooling systems should be on redundancy to ensure that any faults do not result in shutting down operations. A BMS (Building Management System) must be established to regulate operation of the ventilation and cooling systems, and to monitor room temperature and humidity.
	Fire Protection Requirements for ICT Rooms In general, all requirements stipulated by fire detection and extinguishing equipment regulation must be met. All ICT rooms must be equipped with smoke detectors. Essential ICT rooms must be equipped with an early detection facility, based on laser aspiration detectors. Less-essential ICT rooms must be equipped with high-sensitivity point smoke detectors. Other ICT rooms must be equipped with point smoke detectors similar to those employed in the remainder of the building.
	Functional Description of AV Equipment in Lecture Halls and Meeting Rooms A functional description for recommended AV-equipment solutions on campus is provided in this document. This includes requirements for building construction and technical installations, sound, picture, control system, requirements for remote lecturing, videoconferences, and burglar-proofing equipment. A system description is given for large lecture halls (over 80 seats), smaller lecture halls, seminar/classrooms, meeting rooms and videoconferencing rooms. Finally, a plan for relevant integration and interaction with other contractors is covered.
	Operational Support Systems and AV Transmission This document deals with resources shared by a number of AV rooms used in connection with operational support and external and internal audio and video transmission. Topics that are covered include: monitoring and remote control of AV installations, broadcasting/streaming of lectures, multi-party videoconferences, and infosystems.
	Technical and Functional Requirements for AV Equipment This document outlines the necessary requirements for ensuring the correct quality and uniform solutions for AV equipment. The requirements provide guidance for all AV equipment purchases, regardless of complexity or size. Covered areas, divided into main topics, include: overall system requirements, requirements to the sound system, the video system and control systems.