NASA Operations and Checkout Facility

Design, Coordination & Construction

Agendag• History of the Building• Project Issues• Existing Conditionsg• Design Concepts• Issues• Issues• Lessons Learned

Historyy

• Built in the 1980’s and 1990’s• Two Separate Buildings; Front Building to be Renovated.

R i f d C C i• Reinforced Concrete Construction• Memory Lane: History of Networking 101

Project Issuesj

• Working Conditions:g– Asbestos Abatement– PCB Areas

• No Outside Plant Work (Pheew!!!).

• Phased Approach: – Renovations in a Given Area.– Rest of Building Must

Remain Operational!Construction Inspector

Existing Conditionsg

D thi k thi iHigh School?

Do you think this is a code issue?

Existing Conditionsg

Now Let’s Talk TelecommAll sorts of stuff:• Telecomm Cabinets in• Telecomm Cabinets in

the Walls• Wire Wrap 66 and 110• Wire Wrap, 66, and 110

Blocks• Thick Ethernet ThinThick Ethernet, Thin

Ethernet, Vampire Taps• Didn’t Find Any IBM

Cable: Identification? Didn t Find Any IBM

Type-1 Cable Identification?

Keep or Demo?

More TelecommCodes and Standards?

l

Electrical ConduitCable Splice

Wire Wrap Terminals

And Still More TelecommHow about the:• Telecomm Room?

Cable Identification?Telecomm Room?

• Countertop Support?• Security?

Identification?

How About Them Cable Supports?

Design Conceptsg pGoals:• Provide State-of-the-Art Technology to Support

Present and Future Networking Demands:– 10GBase-T.– Flexibility for Furniture Reconfiguration/Additions

Pathways for Future Fiber Optic Cabling– Pathways for Future Fiber Optic Cabling.– Broadband Video to the Desktop: CATV at the Workstation.

• Network SecurityNetwork Security.• Compliance with Codes and Standards.

Design Conceptsg pBasis of Design:• Category 6a• Category-6a.• Cabling to Interior Columns:

MUTOAs: Flexible Cabling System for Modular Furniture– MUTOAs: Flexible Cabling System for Modular Furniture.– Air-Blown Fiber Tubes for Future Applications

• Traditional Home-Runs to All Other Outlets• Traditional Home-Runs to All Other Outlets• Networks:

– Voice Over IP– Voice Over IP.– CATV Over UTP.

Design Conceptsg pBasis of Design:

S i d i S• PAWS: Paging and Area Warning System• Infrastructure:

– Appropriate Cable Supports.– Dedicated Spaces for Cable Terminations and

Networking EquipmentNetworking Equipment.– Labeling and Identification.– Specifications, Documentation, As-Built Information

• “Do It Right”

Design Conceptsg p

Basis of Design:• Testing and Proof of Performance for Each System:

– Category-6a– Air-Blown Fiber– PAWS

• Coordination with other trades.• Phased Approach.• Running Joke: “This Ain’t Rocket Science.”

Design Conceptsg pInfrastructure: Category-6a Channel:

bli• Cabling:– 18 Cables Between Telecomm Room and Each MUTOA

3 Single ended Solid Conductor Cable Assemblies– 3 Single-ended Solid Conductor Cable Assemblies Between MUTOA and Each Faceplate.

– Home-Runs: 3 cables Between Telecomm Room and Faceplate

• Any 1 of 3 Approved Solutions Can Be Used• Horizontal Side ONLY.

Design Conceptsg p

PAWS: Air-Blown Fiber Tube Cable:PAWS:• Cable: 18/2 AWG

Shielded

Air Blown Fiber Tube Cable:• To Each MUTOA location.• (4) Tubes Required

• “A” and “B” Speaker for Redundancy

(4) Tubes Required.

y

PIECE OF CAKE!!!???

Phase 1• Eastern Portion of Third Floor• Kick off of what is going to be an easy project• Kick-off of what is going to be an easy project.

– “Triangles on Drawings”.– Plans Details SchematicsPlans, Details, Schematics.– Specs: Use 1 of 3 Complete Systems Solutions for Cable

and Hardware; Krone (ADC/Tyco) Selected.

• Design Guidance:– (3) Pre-Standard Category-6a to Each Workstation Outlet.– Speakers Spaced Every 8 to 10 feet.

Phase 1Issues:• Using a “Non Standard” Standard for a Cabling• Using a Non-Standard Standard for a Cabling

Solution.• Products That Were Required Weren’t Available:• Products That Were Required Weren t Available:

– Single-Ended Cable Assemblies: • For Connections Between MUTOA and Workstation Outlet.• Direct Connects; NO Faceplates…

– Complete Patch Panels: kits were used.

• Patch Cords: Who Supplies? How Many? Length? Color?

Phase 1Issues:• Labeling and Identification:• Labeling and Identification:

– To Be as Detailed as the Design.– Truly ANSI/TIA-607Truly ANSI/TIA 607.

• Testing: Required Between Termination Points.– Patch Panel to MUTOAPatch Panel to MUTOA– Patch Panel to Outlet

• Cable Placement and Termination Schedules.

Phase 1Issues:• Separation of PAWS Speaker Runs Placed in Offices

Versus Open Office Areas.• Better Coordination for Conference Room Systems.

– Floor Box UNDER the Table Leg.I f t t d P th Ch ll– Infrastructure and Pathway Challenges.

Phase 2Original Issue: Just like Phase 1, but BETTER and SMARTER.

6 i ll S d d• Category-6a is Really a Standard.• Availability of Materials:

– Cable– Real Patch Panels, not Kits.

Single Ended Category 6a Cable Assemblies Available– Single-Ended Category-6a Cable Assemblies Available.

• A New Telecomm Design Engineer.

Phase 2Better/Smarter (con’t):• Design:• Design:

– 3 Cables/Outlet, etc.– MUTOAs Patch Panels ABF Tubes etcMUTOAs, Patch Panels, ABF Tubes, etc.– Approved Solution Used: Belden for this Phase

• Better Coordination of Outlets in Conference Rooms.Better Coordination of Outlets in Conference Rooms.A Piece Of Cake. So Simple, Even A New Telecomm Engineer Could Do It.g

Just Wait…

SHREK SYNDROME

“Ogres are like onions We both have layers ”Ogres are like onions. We both have layers.

So does this phase...

Phase 2New Layer #1

’ dd• Let’s add CATV:– Using Category-6a: NO WAY!!!

New “Traditional” CATV Design– New “Traditional” CATV Design (backyard!)

– Coax is now King:g• Backbone: 0.500• Desktop: RG-6

T S litt t– Taps, Splitters, etc.– Calculations.

Phase 2

Layer #2:Layer #2:• Noise Suppression:

– “Flower Pot” Speakers.Flower Pot Speakers.– Same Type of Cable

(18/2 Shielded)– NASA Will Provide

Headend Equipment

Phase 2

Layer #3 - Design Issues:Layer #3 Design Issues:• Effects of Coax to the Desktop:

– How Many Category-6a cables?How Many Category 6a cables? 3 or 2?

– Coax to Each Outlet?– Concerns Now About Pathways?– What About MUTOAs?

Phase 2Layer #4 - Construction Issues:• Delayed Package Issuance by Client.• Most Of The Category-6a Cabling

Already Installed.• No Coax = Angry BCDS People.What To Do:• CATV to Only Designated Outlet Locations.• Leave Category-6a Cabling As Installed.

Phase 2

Layer #5 - Installation Issues:• Category-6a Termination at

the MUTOAS:– Inconsistent Between

MUTOAs.Clear on Drawing; no RFI– Clear on Drawing; no RFI.

– Labeling?

Phase 2Installation Issues (cont.):

b li d d ifi i• Labeling and Identification• Final Testing: Not Until

I t ll ti I C l tInstallation Is Complete– Test from Patch Panel to

MUTOA.MUTOA.– Test from Patch Panel

THROUGH MUTOA to Outlet.

Phase 2

Layer #6 – Cutover Documentation:Layer #6 Cutover Documentation:• Room and Cubicle Numbers Changing

at the Last Minute:– Reconciliation Required for Final

Installation Documentation– Corrections Necessary for Move-in and

Final Cutover Documentation

• Revise Floor Plans and Documentation• Revise Floor Plans and Documentation.

Phase 2Testing of Other New Systems:

f f f• Proof of Performance: – Verify That It Will Work.

Client Testing Requirements– Client Testing Requirements.

• Coordinated effort:Client– Client.

– Contractor– Design teamDesign team

Phase 2Testing (cont.):• CATV:• CATV:

– Signal Strength Test at 4 Specific Channels

– Port 1 of Each Tap.– Continuity for All Coaxial Cables

Installed.

• PAWS and Noise Suppression: – Continuity.– Sound Levels Between Speakers

Phase 2Conference Rooms:• Clarify:• Clarify:

– Cabling Requirements for Each Conference Room(Quantities, (Q ,Types, etc.)

– A/V and Telecomm Conduit and P R iPower Requirements

• “Dot Party”: Make Certain It’s RightRight

Phase 3Lessons Learned from Phase 2:

bli h k• New Cabling to the Desktop: – (2) Category-6a

(1) RG 6 Coax Cables– (1) RG-6 Coax Cables

• PAWSN i S i• Noise Suppression

• CATV: 0.500” Coax Backbone

Phase 3

Lessons Learned (cont.):Lessons Learned (cont.):• Clarify Requirements

– Testing: Get Specific.Testing: Get Specific.– Labeling and Identification: Get Even More Specific.– Details: Get Even More, More Specific.

• Patch Cords: Owner to Supply and Install!!!

Phase 3

Home-Run Outlet Designation

MUTOA

Outlets Connected to a MUTOA

Wireless Access Point Outlet

Phase 3

Phase 3

Phase 3

Phase 3

Design:Design:• Cable Tray: Growth Factor of 2• Category-6a Cabling:Category 6a Cabling:

– (2) Required at Each Faceplate– (12) Required at Each MUTOA( ) q– Solution: Systimax

• CATV to EACH Outlet Location.

Phase 3

Construction Administration:Construction Administration:• Meet with the Contractor

– Discuss EverythingDiscuss Everything– Put all of the Cards on the Table– Why?

Phase 3Construction Administration:• “Dot” Party:

– All Parties Meet: Engineering, A/V, NASA, Contractors– Correct Number of Conduits– Correct Location of Floor Box(es)

C l t Cl ifi ti f T ti R i t• Complete Clarification of Testing Requirements:– Category-6a– PAWS & Noise Suppression– PAWS & Noise Suppression– CATV

Phase 3Construction Administration:• Minimal Problems:

– Additional Cable Slack in TRs.– Changes to Power Requirements in TRs.

• Concerns from Phase 2:T i N P bl– Testing: No Problem

– Labeling and Identification: No Problem– Cooperation: No Problem– Cooperation: No Problem

Phase 3Construction Administration:• Placement of PAWS and Noise Suppression Speakers:• Placement of PAWS and Noise Suppression Speakers:

– Using CADD to Everyone’s Advantage.– Count the Ceiling Tiles PleaseCount the Ceiling Tiles, Please.– “Information Only” Drawings Work a Whole Lot Better.

• Labeling and IdentificationLabeling and Identification– “Got Those Cable Schedules in Excel?”– Downloaded into Their Labeling Program.

Phase 3

Cutover and Move Plans:Cutover and Move Plans:• Who Is Moving Where.• Just the Information Required:Just the Information Required:

– Outlets.– Room Numbers

• “For Information Only” drawings.

Phase 3

• As-BuiltsAs Builts• Testing:

– Category-6: TR to MUTOA and TR to Outlet.Category 6: TR to MUTOA and TR to Outlet.– Air-Blown Fiber.– CATV: Worked with Engineer and NASA– PAWS and Noise Suppression: Worked with

Engineer and NASA

Phase 4

Engineering:Engineering:• Larger Version of Phase 3• Same Design Approach and Parameters:Same Design Approach and Parameters:

– Category-6a– Air-Blown Fiber– CATV– PAWS– Noise Suppression

Phase 4Construction Administration:• Meet with the Contractor.• Issues? What Issues?• “Dot Party” Again: To Be Sure…• Belden SolutionInstallation:• Typical RFIs; nothing major.• Again, no issues…

Phase 5

• The Entire First Floor.The Entire First Floor.• Of course, some wrinkles (or another layer):

– Music System for Fitness CenterMusic System for Fitness Center– Ceiling-mounted CATV Outlets for TVs– Music System for Medical Office.

Phase 5

• Shared Tenant Space Issues:Shared Tenant Space Issues:– Contractor wants their own cabling system and TRs.– Floor Space at a Premium– Use NASA VoIP.– Separate Cable Tray, Faceplates, Jacks.

• What to do?

Phase 5Solution:• Use “standard” NASA installation:• Use standard NASA installation:

– (2) Category-6a & (1) Coax.– Same FaceplatesSame Faceplates

• Use (1) Cable for VoIP only and the Other Cable for Client Data Network.Client Data Network.

• Carve Out Space in TR’s: – Dedicated, Secure Space for NASA , p– Dedicated, Secure Space for Client Team

Phase 5

Construction Administration:Construction Administration:• Got smarter with design drawings:

– Floor Plans for Outlet Locations.Floor Plans for Outlet Locations.– Floor Plans for Speaker Locations.– Details, Details, Details…

Lessons Learned

• Designers:Designers:– Know your scope of work. Make certain that the client

knows it too.– Make certain that what your client wants is readily

available.Make certain that your client understands the effects of– Make certain that your client understands the effects of their “Wish List”.

– Get the “As-Builts” before your design, even if you’re not y g ygoing to re-design to that system or philosophy.

Lessons Learned

• Designers:Designers:– Use CADD to The fullest. – Have your latest-greatest drawing set nearby and handy.– Answer RFI’s promptly and accurately.– Use single-line diagrams and/or cable schedules for every

’ i lli h b lifsystem you’re installing; they can be a lifesaver.– Ask your owner questions. Be prepared to show possible

solutions.solutions.– Ask vendors and suppliers for help.

Lessons Learned

• Designers:– Never show a pinout schematic unless it is absolutely

necessary.LISTEN TO YOUR CONTRACTOR– LISTEN TO YOUR CONTRACTOR.

– FACE TIME. • Conference calls are cool, but they are not the be-all-to-end-all., y• You have to be there, if for no other thing that just to look around. • It’s a trust thing with all of the parties involved.

YOU ARE BEING PAID TO BE THE EXPERT PROVE IT– YOU ARE BEING PAID TO BE THE EXPERT; PROVE IT.

Lessons Learned

• Contractors:Contractors:– Do the installation accurately.– Ask questions when you are not certain.– Dealing with New or Unfamiliar Systems:

• Don’t be afraid of them; they can be money-makers.G t h l h ’ l i t t t i l li t t• Get help when you’re laying out systems, materials lists, etc., for systems that you’re not familiar with:

– Paging, Noise Suppression, CATVV d d Di t ib t L Thi– Vendors and Distributors Love This….

Lessons Learned

• Contractors:Contractors:– Use/Abuse the Engineer.

• Lots of Information and Documentation Available.• Learn their Mindset.

– Prove that you belong.Stay on top of the project– Stay on top of the project.

– Stay on schedule.– Be innovative.Be innovative.

Lessons Learned

• Owner/End-User:Owner/End User:– Insist upon a single solution.– Have a solid concept of what you want.– Have the proper people available to answer questions

during:D i• Design.

• Construction.

– Perform your own site inspections on a timely basis.y p y– Ask questions.

Lessons Learned

• Owner/End-User:Owner/End User:– Expect to pay for work performed.– If you ask for a design or installation change, be prepared

to pay for it.– Pay promptly.

i i j i i h ll i i– Insist on on-site project meetings, with all parties in attendance.

To Sum It Up:p

• Set Reasonable Expectations.Set Reasonable Expectations.• Get Each of the Required

Parties Involved.• Work As A Team.

Thank You For Your Time!