ISUnet Services

UWP (Universal Wiring Plan)

The first step in connectivity to the telephone system or ISUnet involves cabling. In most cases, existing cabling is already available in the locations where connectivity is needed. In this event, all that may be needed is a patch cord or balun. Occasionally, additional cabling may be needed where a jack is not currently present.

It is very important that cabling be properly installed and managed on campus to maintain quality service for either telephone or computer networking. This is because studies indicate that 90% of all network problems are the result of cabling issues.

To help ensure the integrity of the campus telephone system and network, telephone and ISUnet cabling MUST be installed by certified installers. This includes technicians from Telecommunications and Networking, electricians from Facilities Management, or outsourced certified installers. Any projects that involve the installation of telephone or network cabling must be reviewed and approved by Telecommunications and Networking to insure compliance with University wiring standards and the availability of network resources.

Telephone and computer (ie: data-grade network or ISUnet) cabling can be installed either at the same time or separately. Typically, this cabling is installed at the same time in the same faceplate. In an effort to define and maintain consistency, a document entitled the UWP (Universal Wiring Plan) describes the campus cabling standards to would-be installers. Consult this documentation for detail.

At this time, there are seven different ways that a faceplate can be configured. A faceplate can be a combination of different types of jacks or quantities in the same faceplate. The table below describes these different faceplate types:

Figure 3.2.1 - UWP Faceplate Configurations

1) UTP-3 stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair, category 3

2) STP stands for Shielded Twisted Pair (also known as ICS or IBM Cabling System)

3) UTP-5e stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair, category 5e

4) MMF stands for Multi-Mode Fiber (62.5 microns)

The installation UWP #2 was discontinued on December 31, 1995 when the campus cabling standard for ISUnet changed from STP to UTP-5 (recently reclassified to UTP-5e). However, much of the existing cabling infrastructure for ISUnet is based upon the legacy #2 faceplate.

The installation of data-only (copper) faceplates is typically performed by Facilities Management. This work can also be outsourced to external contractors. In either event, you will need to contact Telecommunications and Networking to coordinate the installation of telephone or computer cabling, faceplates, and terminations. This process ensures that documentation is properly maintained and that standards are strictly adhered to.

The installation of data-only (fiber) faceplates is typically performed by Facilities Management only. There have only been rare occasions where fiber faceplates have been needed. Telecommunications and Networking must approve all fiber faceplate installations due to the interface requirements on network electronics.

All indoor and outdoor fiber cabling systems that support the campus telephone system and ISUnet are managed by Telecommunications and Networking. Departments may not request the installation of fiber to bypass the campus network.

Back to top

Requesting the Installation of Cabling

A department can request the installation of telephone or network cabling on campus by contacting Telecommunications and Networking and asking for a member of the structured cabling group. This process varies depending upon who will be doing the installation:

If Telecommunications and Networking is to install the cabling, you will need to submit a request in the form of memo from a fiscal agent paying for the service. In this memo, you will need to indicate which 5type of faceplate(s) that you are requesting (see figure 3.2.1 for details), the specific location of where you want the(se) faceplate(s), the type of service for each faceplate (see figure x.x.x for details), with the account to bill the installation cost of the cabling and the recurring costs of service and the fiscal agent's signature. Be aware that the installation costs for this cabling are distance sensitive. See Appendix A for details. Once the request has been received by Telecommunications and Networking, a work order is issued for the installation of the requested cabling and jacks. Generally, this can be completed within 10 working days.

If Facilities Management is to install the cabling, you will need to coordinate with Telecommunications and Networking to obtain an estimate from FM (Facilities Management). Once you have obtained an estimate from FM, you can either choose to schedule the estimated job, revise the job and re-estimate or contact Purchasing to obtain a bid from an external contractor. Once the job has been scheduled, you have agreed to the terms and cost estimates for this installation. It is important to remember that a separate order will need to be submitted to Telecommunications and Networking to request telephone or network service on jacks installed by FM. Telecommunications and Networking reserves the right to refuse service jacks installed by FM if proper documentation is not provided or if a jack fails to pass the specifications defined by Telecommunications and Networking.

If an external contractor is to install the cabling, you will need to coordinate with Telecommunications and Networking to obtain a bid for the requested work. This bid will be managed by the Purchasing Office. Once you have obtained the winning bid, you can either choose to schedule the estimated job, revise the requested work and rebid the work, or obtain an estimate from Facilities Management. It is important to remember that a separate order will need to be submitted to Telecommunications and Networking to request telephone or network service on jacks installed by external contractor. Telecommunications and Networking reserves the right to refuse service jacks installed by an external contractor if proper documentation is not provided or if a jack fails to pass the specifications defined by Telecommunications and Networking.

Back to top

Who Pays?

The installation of new telephone wiring or new ISUnet data wiring is a chargeable service. These one time costs are the responsibility of the department making the request. One time costs for new wiring may be included as part of Facilities Management remodeling projects if funds are available. If not included in the project, these one time costs are the responsibility of the department. All cabling must be certified to pass campus and industry standards before it can be used. If the project is new construction, the costs for the installation of cabling is typically covered in the project budget. However, this budget is finite and must be coordinated with Facilities Planning.

Back to top