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Technology Systems Infrastructure Solutions

Getting Technical: Why Space Planning is a Key Consideration in Technology Design


Space planning for the communications room in a building is a critical factor in technology design. It’s important that enough space is dedicated to house the infrastructure, otherwise it can become difficult for the end user to manage the systems. Building owners have multiple technology system options they can select to enhance their building's operations.


Depending on the owner and building needs, the options will include audio/visual, CCTV, intrusion alarm, voice/data, access control, public address, clock/intercom, and fiber optics. The communications room is the centralized location in a building which houses the systems infrastructure, cabling, wires, and hardware. Communications rooms are essential in the building to allow the user to properly manage the systems.


If space planning is not accounted for, the communications room can end up disorganized and difficult to navigate when managing the systems. The amount of space needed for the communications room depends on the amount of different systems and devices there are in the building. Communications rooms will vary in size and can house wall mounted cabinets, floor mounted racks, and floor mounted cabinets.


Wall mounted cabinets are used in smaller buildings where floor space is limited and there are smaller communication support needs.



Floor mounted racks will be used in larger buildings and are the best option when the systems will be managed by a single user.


In larger buildings where multiple users will be managing the systems, floor mounted cabinets are the most suitable option. This type provides the ability to only provide access to a designated rack so that there is an element of safety for each user.



The benefit of having technology infrastructure designed in your building beforehand is cost effectiveness. Having the infrastructure already in place gives building owners the option to install the systems they would like in the future, rather than having to make modifications to the building to accommodate the added infrastructure.










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