ICT Network Infrastructure: Design, Implementation, and Components
1. ICT Network Structure and Stages
The stages defined within a common communications infrastructure are:
Line Power: External pipes entering the building route cables to the main registration (RITI/RITS). Services include conventional telephony, digitized services, and cable services. Radio access uses a reserved space on the building’s top (RITS).
Distribution Network: Includes main water network, multi-pair cables, records, and other items connecting the main register to the network spread. Responsibility usually lies with the property owner, except in cable communications where it’s the service operator’s.
Dispersion Network: Internal cables and items linking the distribution network to each subscriber or registered user.
User-Internal Network: Cables and elements for communication from network termination records (PAU) to access terminal bases (BAT).
2. Principal Register Features
The master record is installed in a dedicated room (RITI or RITS) considering accessibility, environment, and safety. Dimensions depend on capacity and application. For example, for 100 TB and ISDN users: 750 x 540 x 300 mm; for TLCA (up to three shunts/24 users): 310 x 210 x 160 mm. Entry terminals from outside must be on the right. Total pairs are 1.5 times the output pairs to the distribution network, located on the left. Strips are joined by wire jumpers.
3. Single-Family Home Network Implementation
In houses, mains come through underground channels (8 tubes Ø 63 mm rigid PVC) to the telecommunications installation site (RITU), ending in input strips. The distribution network is similar to multi-story buildings but horizontal, with a maximum capacity of 25 pairs for distribution cables unless the main pipeline is underground. Distribution points can serve two houses alternately. For 30 pairs or less, a single distribution point is installed in the RITU, with drop cables (at least two pairs) to each housing unit.
4. Pipeline Stages
The stages of the pipeline are:
External Underground Pipe
Part of the casket lid access, either perforated with eight tubes (63 mm, distributed by services) at a minimum depth of 730 mm, or two PVC pipes (110 mm) established by the operator.
Connecting Pipes (Input)
Lower inlet: Rigid PVC or galvanized steel tubes, matching the outer pipe diameter, fixed with staples (less than one meter apart) or 30 cm wide trays. Straight layout preferred, with curves having a minimum inner radius of 35 cm. Top entry: PVC pipe or steel tube from abstraction elements, and from the building entrance with channel or tray.
Main Channel
Parts needed to install cable from the main registry to the last secondary register, each servicing a separate system. Number of conduits equals distribution points (or multi-pair cables) plus two reserves for TB and ISDN (one conduit per four AFTA users). Material: Rigid and smooth PVC or steel. In buildings with over 200 vertical pairs, galleries may be used for all services.
Secondary Pipeline
Typically two smooth PVC pipes through registers providing access to homes/offices. Maximum 10 internal subscriber cables per tube.
Internal Network User Channeling
Depends on user type, from built-up tube wiring in PVC trays to false ceiling or raised floor wiring for offices.
5. ICT Cable Models
Twisted pair cables: Electrolytic copper conductors (≥ 0.5 mm diameter), insulated with colored plastic. For houses, continuous polyethylene insulation is used. Multi-pair cable cover (distribution network): Smooth aluminum tape and a flame-retardant plastic layer (CCB or DCI). For detached houses (external distribution network): Aluminum-ethylene copolymer (CAS) strip and a continuous polyethylene layer for watertightness. Dispersion and user network: Cable with one or two pairs, flame-retardant plastic cover. For scattered networks (potentially outside): Steel wire mesh between two flame-retardant plastic layers.
6. Common ICT Connection Systems
Multipoint master and child records use an insulated block with terminals. One side connects external cable conductors; the other connects utility cables or jumpers. Numbering depends on facility capacity: large numbered groups (100 pairs) for large systems, continuous numbering over 100 for average systems. Connection uses insulation displacement with a special tool at the Point of Interconnection (POI, which can coincide with the distribution point for <31 pairs) or without it at the distribution point. At the POI (main register), each strip has a 10-pair capacity. Distribution Points (child records) have 5 or 10 pairs. If both points coincide, strip capacity is 5 or 10 pairs. Multipoint interconnection and distribution allow measurement on both sides without lifting connections.
7. Network Design and Dimensioning Steps
1) Information Required:
a) Project construction: Blueprints of floor plans and elevations indicating configuration (e.g., number of floors, dwellings per floor).
b) Demand forecasting: Needs assessment for telephone users to meet long-term demand.
2) Minimum Dimensions: Mains, distribution, dispersion, and user network.
8.
Technical Project Characteristics and Process
An interior network project requires user-friendly documents, signed by a qualified technician, submitted in duplicate to the relevant professional body for compliance. A copy (CD-ROM and PDF) goes to the Provincial Inspectorate of Telecommunications for inspection. For new housing, a copy of the technical project and visa is presented with the building project for the construction license. The owner(s) receive another approved copy.