C O M M U N I C AT I O N A N D S E C U R I T Y

SYSTEMS
Summary: Possibly more than any other building service element, electronic
systems have benefited from new technology developments and continue to do so,
with electronic technology innovations, which involves close coordination of building
design and electrical engineering specializations. This article provides the
definitions and technical overview for preliminary design and coordination of
communication and data systems and electronic security systems.
Electronic innovations permit greatly increased capacity for communications, both
within buildings and to external sites throughout the world, including visual (video)
media and computer filing systems, and telephone/teleconferencing options, along
with increased thoroughness and specificity in security systems in buildings.
The architect and engineer of a modern building must therefore be knowledgeable
about these new technologies, and should provide for early planning and integration
of electronic specialties into building and infrastructure planning. This article
provides a description of the following electronic communication and security
systems and components:
1
2
3
4

Communication spaces and pathways

Communications cabling systems
Voice and data communication systems
Electronic security systems

1 Communication spaces and pathways A well-designed and coordinated

infrastructure of communications spaces and pathways is an essential component of
the modern commercial building. Recent standardization initiatives in the fields of
voice and data networking, grounding systems, physical infrastructure, and cabling
media have made it possible to define the basic layout of equipment spaces and
cable pathways early in the building schematic design process. The designer should
therefore have a general understanding of the specific voice and data systems and
network requirements to be accommodated for schematic design, leaving technical
details for subsequent design development (Fig. 1). This approach provides the
necessary features in the schematic design to accommodate complex information
technology systems and to facilitate their detailing, design, installation,
maintenance and long-term flexibility. The dramatic impacts of electronic
technology innovations and improvements in all communications systems is amply
evident throughout modern society, and these in turn have raised the standard of
communications technologies in modern buildings. Communications spaces and
pathways, and their associated grounding systems, provide the physical
infrastructure for voice, data, video, security, and control system cabling, network
components and electronic equipment within a building, office park or campus
environment. Communications spaces always provide: - physical protection and

security for equipment. - power and environmental facilities. - provisions for cable
interconnection and grounding. - access to cables and equipment for modifications
and maintenance.