Communications Services
From a flexible distribution system including structured cabling to a complex communications system (which integrates all building technology systems with local and wide area networks), communications specialists can assess clients’ needs and provide solutions for meeting those needs. A holistic approach to the design oversight and commissioning of all low voltage technology systems integrates disparate systems to a common building IP network.
A structured cabling system (SCS) is based on an open standard for information technology infrastructure. The components form a system that supports data networking and telecommunications distribution regardless of manufacturer or topology. A properly designed SCS will support the integration of many different systems and, as such, becomes the hub of specialty systems.
Important criteria in designing a SCS include:
• Pathway and space requirements
• Bandwidth needs
• Workstation locations
• Administration methodology
• Campus cabling (OSP)
A building occupant is faced with many options for bringing dial tone to the workstation. The use of a PBX or IP telephony switch can lower operational cost by reducing the line capacity and managing call traffic. Powerful systems utilizing advanced IP communications can be configured to streamline business transactions and communications, such as facilitating fax and voice-mail delivery by email.
Unlike structured cabling systems and other voice/data infrastructure components, technology equipment and features evolve rapidly. Our Communications Consultants can assist you in creating a Request for Technical Proposal for the procurement and installation of these systems later in the construction phase in order to ensure leading-edge technology and value.
Services related to developing a Telephone Systems Request for Technical Proposal may include the following:
• Determine instrument quantities, types and locations
• Determine system features
• Determine voice-mail needs
• Consideration for IP telephony or future migration
• Develop implementation schedule
• Coordinate with LEC (local exchange carrier) for service installation
• Participate in system commissioning/testing
Converging technologies such as IP telephony and security systems are increasing reliability standards on already crucial networks. Working with your information technology staff, our Communications Professionals can provide the additional expertise needed to develop an upgrade strategy or implement dependable new systems.
We can also help you create a Request for Technical Proposal for the procurement and installation of these systems, helping you define reliability and performance goals while balancing budget with need.
Services related to developing a Network Systems Request for Technical Proposal may include the following:
• Determine bandwidth requirements
• Develop equipment lists
• Develop migration requirements
• Evaluate potential contractors
• Establish implementation schedule
• Review bids
• Commissioning
Through the process of systems commissioning, we assist our clients in assuring that each part of the system is thoroughly and accurately tested as well as appropriately documented.
This process includes:
• Installation observation
• Compliance reporting
• Third party testing/verification
• Close-out documentation review
Our design team will assist in the implementation of new or upgraded systems by reducing the burden of managing multiple specialty contractors.
Services here include:
• Establishing sub-prime schedules
• Coordination with service/utility providers
• Turnkey specialty system installation and verification
When several firms are selected to design specialty systems such as audio-visual, information technology, and security, the conduit and space requirements are seldom coordinated closely. As a result, expensive change orders during construction often occur. Utilizing a specialty systems coordinator – like Newcomb & Boyd – to implement a single space requirement and conduit system is a cost and time saver.
Specialized systems such as nurse call, infant protection systems, medical telemetry and other integrated wireless technologies require experienced professionals that can interface with both the medical staff and the design team to understand operational goals. These networked systems provide more than traditional communications. Patient monitoring and access to patient records are modern medical tools for a more efficient medical staff.
Communications Clients
University of Tennessee
Architect: The Lewis Group Architects, Inc., PC
Associate Architect: The S/L/A/M Collaborative, Inc.
Communications systems for Strong Hall, an eight story, multidisciplinary science facility housing research and teaching laboratories, lecture halls, and faculty and departmental offices. The structured cabling system utilizes Category 6 and 6A channels for bandwidth rich applications and high density wireless. The structured cabling system distribution points are centrally located to allow building automation controls, video over IP, emergency communications, access control and video surveillance to share common cabling and distribution raceways and supports. Each level of the building features a dedicated serving communications distribution room interconnected with fiber optic, copper and coax backbone cabling that connects the building to the University Campus Network allowing campus wide monitoring and control.
Grady Memorial Hospital
Architect: FreemanWhite, Inc.
Communications systems including nurse call, paging, CATV and audio-visual systems coordination for the renovation of the 64,850 square foot Emergency Department and a 77,720 square foot, five story, addition, including additional Emergency Care Center space, dedicated detention holding and treatment, two floors of offices, and one MRI floor.
Fitzgerald & Company and Momentum Worldwide
Architect: Gensler
Communications systems for the renovation of a circa 1900 slaughterhouse in the historic Miller Union Stockyards to serve as office space, including patch panels, wireless access point upgrades, server room coordination and load increase. This project is pursuing LEED Gold certification.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens Longleaf Restaurant and Garden House Office
Architect: Perkins and Will
Structured cabling for a three story operations building and a two story café. The 4,000 square foot office addition features open office space and meeting rooms. Communications systems also include voice/data network connectivity for the internal wireless network, Point of Sale systems, audio-visual system support with digital signage and building automation systems. The project includes the buildout and relocation of a new MDF with a central server stack and outside plant distribution to a remotely located equipment panel with network equipment and horizontal distribution serving the adjacent café.
Georgia Tech
Architect: Cooper Carry, Inc.
Associate Architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Voice and data pathways and spaces and a structured cabling system to support voice, high speed data and wireless LAN throughout the Roger A. and Helen B. Krone Engineered Biosystems Building (EBB). The building includes wet laboratories, classrooms and offices. The EBB achieved LEED Platinum certification.
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Architect: Perkins and Will
Specialty systems, including structured cabling for voice, data, video and patient monitoring, a distributed antenna system, nurse call/Code Blue, television cable system, patient entertainment and interactive TV, a public address and music system, raceway for audio-visual presentations and videoconferencing, and an intercom for the expansion of a six story hospital tower.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Architect: HOK
Communications systems for a three story center featuring 18,000 square feet of exhibit space, a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, and event space, including communications infrastructure for category 6 distribution throughout the entire building fed from the main distribution frame. Infrastructure is also provided for broadcast video feed from the loading dock to the broadcast studio. The Center received LEED Gold certification.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Architect: Perkins and Will
Communications systems for Marsico Hall, a high-rise research facility including laboratories for drug discovery and delivery, a vivarium housing 3,000 small and 18 large animal cages, general wet laboratories, and a campus district energy plant. The systems include voice and data pathways and cabling systems, complete wireless LAN coverage, and a raceway system supporting a distributed antenna system (DAS) for connection to future campus in-building wireless systems. This building is pursuing LEED Silver certification.
Myrtle Beach International Airport
Architect: LS3P Associates Ltd.
Associate Architect: Giuliani Associates Architects, Inc.
Communications systems for the addition of a new terminal building and concourse, including five new gates, concession space for shopping and dining, flight and baggage information display systems, ticket counters, baggage claim carousels, airline offices, and TSA passenger and baggage screening. The systems include flight information display systems (FIDS), voice and data infrastructure, common use/shared use passenger processing system, and extension of the local area network (LAN) and the voice over IP telephone system into the new terminal building.
Redstone Arsenal
Architect: LS3P Associates Ltd.
Communications systems for the Von Braun Complex – Phase III, an office building and conference facility supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). The systems include category 6 and 50 micron fiber horizontal distribution systems throughout the entire building, being fed from a raised access floor system. The backbone of the system is a completely redundant service via separate pathways to 39 communications rooms serving the building. Building service fiber optic connections are distributed from multiple locations, via new and existing ductbanks, providing redundant services and completing a campus wide network loop. Multiple server rooms of varying classifications are also located in the building.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Architect: Lord Aeck Sargent
Communications systems including a data center cabling system supporting an owner-provided network system, and incorporation of infrastructure requirements for voice/data systems, for the twelve story Arlen Specter Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center includes office space and a 24,000 square foot data center. Located on the Roybal campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this building achieved LEED Silver certification.
