Cambridge Broadband Networks

Installation of CAT5e structured cabling network, 680 outlets

Cambridge Broadband Networks has pioneered the development of carrier-class, point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access equipment. The company is focused on delivering high quality multi-service networks to network operators with the best price-performance in the licensed band worldwide. Cambridge Broadband Networks was formed in January 2000 by an experienced team with a strong record of successful innovation in broadband wireless design.

Cambridge Broadband Networks were moving into new premises and required a complete new install of a data network infrastructure installed. The building is a three storey office block and Cambridge Broadband Networks were due to occupy the ground and first floor of the building. The site had computer flooring already installed with a 150mm void underneath, after lifting sections of the flooring and deciding on the best route the electricians on site, DBS, installed 300mm cable basket throughout the underfloor area, from there we installed 25mm plastic conduit to each floor box giving a contained network, this protects the cabling from accidental damage as well as segregating it from other services. Two risers were used to route the cables between the floors and one main comms room was built to house the three 42U APW floor standing cabinets where the data patch panels were to be presented.

To allow access to the rear of the data cabinets for maintenance work and installation of servers etc they were positioned 600mm away from the comms room walls.

The first fix on both floors was completed in three weeks, this included pulling in 680 data cables, installing 25mm conduit and bundling the cables and securing with cable ties every 200mm. With the first fix completed we relayed the large section of computer flooring and carpet tiles.

The next phase was to terminate each outlet in the floor boxes scattered throughout the office areas, Cambridge Broadband Networks had opted for a main open plan office area, to maximize the flexibility of this they required a large amount of floor boxes positioned to allow any future office changes or growth of staff. In the workshop areas dado trunking was installed with data outlets presented within the dado trunking.

While the floor boxes were being completed the cables to be presented in the data cabinet were being dressed in, this is to keep the cables protected and in an ordered state. With the cabinet end completed all outlets were labeled and each outlet was put through a certification test to make sure that if conformed to the latest standards. If any of the cabling had been run too near electrical services or mechanical services, then the test would pick this up, all of the 680 outlets pass successfully.

We left Cambridge Broadband Networks very happy with a complete data network, site plan showing each outlet and all the cable routes marked out.