Communications
Cabling Installation
Standards
V6.4
Information Technology Services
Department of Education
2
DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Contents
Communications Cabling Installation Standards .......................... 1
Contents ..................................................................................... 2
Purpose ...................................................................................... 4
Standards ................................................................................................. 5
Version Control ........................................................................................ 6
Definitions ............................................................................................... 7
Abbreviations & Acronyms .................................................................................. 9
Site Safety .............................................................................................. 10
Asbestos Register ............................................................................................. 10
Expected Conduct ............................................................................................. 10
Security ............................................................................................................. 11
Noise and disruption .......................................................................................... 11
LAN Switches .......................................................................................... 11
For Schools ....................................................................................................... 11
For Contractors/Installers .................................................................................. 11
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) ................................................................. 12
For Schools ....................................................................................................... 12
For IT Staff ........................................................................................................ 12
For Contractors/Installers .................................................................................. 12
Data AND General cabling rules .............................................................. 13
Contractor Certificates and Obligations ............................................................. 13
Horizontal Cabling ............................................................................................. 13
Horizontal Cabling at the Work Area ................................................................. 14
Telecommunications (Wall) Outlets ................................................................... 14
Backbone and Inter Building Cabling................................................................. 14
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Labelling ............................................................................................................ 15
Distributor Cabinets, Racks or Frames .......................................................... 15
Consolidation points....................................................................................... 15
Fibre Optic Patch Fields................................................................................. 15
Testing and Test Results ................................................................................... 16
General .......................................................................................................... 16
UTP (Copper) Cabling Tests .......................................................................... 16
Optical Fibre Cabling Tests ............................................................................ 16
WAN services into DoE Sites ......................................................................... 17
Voice Over IP (VOIP) ................................................................................ 17
Outdoor Wireless Bridge Installations ...................................................... 18
Communications Racks, Cabinets and Enclosures .................................... 18
Overview ........................................................................................................... 18
Safety of Installation .......................................................................................... 18
Cooling and Airflow Requirements .................................................................... 19
Security ............................................................................................................. 19
Positioning of enclosures/cabinets and racks .................................................... 20
Specifying Racks & Cabinets ............................................................................ 20
Wall Mounted Racks ...................................................................................... 20
Floor Mounted Racks ..................................................................................... 20
Compact Enclosures ...................................................................................... 20
Consolidation Points ...................................................................................... 21
Cable Management ........................................................................................... 21
Patch Panels ..................................................................................................... 21
Power to Racks and Patch Cabinets ................................................................. 22
UPS ............................................................................................................... 22
Edge Switch and Non Critical Racks.............................................................. 22
Server and Core ............................................................................................ 22
Earthing of Cabinets .......................................................................................... 22
Rack Categories ................................................................................................ 23
Appendix A – 42 RU Server Rack Layout .................................................. 25
22RU Server Rack Layout ............................................................................. 26
22RU Network Rack Layout ........................................................................... 27
18RU Network Rack Layout ........................................................................... 28
12RU Network Rack Layout ........................................................................... 29
Appendix B - Patch Lead Colour Code Chart ........................................... 30
Appendix C – Reference documents ........................................................ 31
Regulatory Standards ........................................................................................ 31
Primary Australian Standards ............................................................................ 31
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Purpose
This document is intended for use by Agency personnel and
other organizations, including contractors, who provide and
implement data communications systems and related products
for the Agency. All works shall comply with the standards and
installation requirements detailed within this document as a
minimum.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
STANDARDS
All works specified in this and related documents shall be implemented and
completed in strict compliance with regulations of statutory bodies and the applicable
standards and codes. Failure to comply with these standards shall result in
rectification at the Installer’s expense. Conflicting information shall be governed by
reference to the latest editions/drafts/replacements of the following documents in
descending rank order:
 Relevant Australian Government Legislation & Regulation (for example
Telecommunications Act, AS / ACIF S009, Workplace Health & Safety
regulations, Building Code of Australia, etc);
 Relevant Australian Standards (for example AS / NZS 3080, 3084, 3087, etc);
 Relevant Tasmanian Government Legislation;
 Department of Education Communications Cabling Installation Standards;
 Manufacturers' mandatory requirements for warranty;
 Site specific information provided by Agency Personnel;
 Relevant International Standards
Nothing in this standard shall be read to imply non-compliance with statutory
requirements. The requirements of this standard may exceed those of other
statutory requirements, standards and codes.
Any queries or clarification on the contents and requirements within this document
can be sought from [email protected]
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
VERSION CONTROL
Date
Revision
Changes to Document
10/03/2016
6.1
Major re-working of standards; all sections
reviewed.
15/03/2016
6.2
Minor changes to VOIP contact details
14/4/2016
6.3
Modification around non-compliance of
standards (refer pg. 5).
24/08/2016
6.4
Working with Vulnerable People
Registration requirement
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
DEFINITIONS
Alien crosstalk – electromagnetic noise (degrading performance) that occurs on a
cable that runs alongside other signal-carrying cables.
Building backbone cabling – cabling that connects a Building Distributor to a Floor
Distributor.
Building Distributor – the Distributor in which building backbone and campus
backbone cables terminate, cross-connect and inter-connect.
Category 5e (Cat 5e) - AS/NZS 3080 standard
Category 6 (Cat 6) – a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet, backward compatible
with Category 5/5e - AS/NZS 3080. Cat 6 is designed for Gigabit Ethernet, 250 MHz.
This cable can carry up to 10 Gbps but only up to 50 metres. When used for
10/100/1000 mbps the maximum allowed length is 100 metres comprising 90 metres
of horizontal run to the patch panel and 10 metres between the panel and device.
Category 6A – a cable standard that has performance improvements around the
elimination of alien crosstalk compared to Cat 6. Cat 6A is capable of carrying
10GBASE-T for distances up to 100 metres and is rated at 500 MHz.
Certified Installer – Party or parties responsible for the supply, installation, testing
and warrantying of cabling systems.
Consolidation Point – Hardware providing interconnection between two installed
horizontal cables.
Floor Distributor – distributor in which the building backbone and horizontal cables
terminate, cross-connect and inter-connect.
Horizontal Cabling – cable connecting the floor distributor to a TO
Intermediate Distribution Frame – Rack/Enclosure for interconnecting data &
telecommunications cable between end user devices and a main distribution frame.
Main Distribution Frame –
PoE – Power supplied over Ethernet; typically refers to devices where dc power is
delivered via twisted pair cabling on the unused pairs, up to 15.4W
PoE+ - Provides up to 25.5 W of power over 2 cable pairs
UPoE – Universal Power over Ethernet provides up to 60 W of power over all 4 pairs
Rack/Enclosure – a lockable cabinet which houses equipment and cabling
Structured Cabling – Structured cabling brings all communications systems back to
centralised patch panels. Services connecting at a patch panel may include
telephone, data, alarm systems, distributed audio or TV, CCTV etc. One cabling
system supplies all. Structured cabling systems provide enormous flexibility and
manageability. Services can be patched locally without the need of Telco input.
(See Discrete Cabling below)
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Discrete cabling – where a separate cabling plan is used for each type of services.
E.g. a telephone would plug into a wall socket that could not be used for any other
service.
Wireless WAN - used by DoE in areas where cabled services are poor or do not
meet the Department’s needs. Wireless WAN is not something directed at users but
a system between two wireless systems. A beam from one wireless is aimed directly
at another usually by line of sight.
WLAN – Used for connecting users to a Local Area Network using wireless. A series
of Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are connected to the LAN in a given site and a
user’s device connects to a WAP.
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Abbreviations & Acronyms
ACMA
Australian Communications and Media Authority
AS/NZS
Australian and New Zealand Standard
ATX
Alien Crosstalk
EMI
Electromagnetic interference
GbE
Gigabit Ethernet
GPO
General Power Outlet
IP
Internet protocol
IDF
Intermediate Distribution Frame
MDF
Main Distribution Frame
LAN
Local Area Network
LC
Little Connector
RFI
Radio Frequency Interference
RU
Rack Unit
SCS
Structured Cabling System
SFP
Small Form Factor Pluggable
SFP+
Enhanced Small Form Factor Pluggable
SNR
Signal to noise ratio
STP
Shielded Twisted Pair
TO
Telecommunications Outlet
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair
VOIP
Voice over IP
WAN
Wide Area Network
BYOD
Bring Your Own Device
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SITE SAFETY
All contractors and visitors to DoE sites must comply with work, health and safety
legislation, Building Code requirements and the Agency’s policies and procedures.
All visitors to a Department of Education site must report to Reception to sign in and
are required to comply with all directions as given by the School/Site Manager.
Accredited Installers and Contractors shall also:
Report to the site contact for advice on local requirements for Workplace
Health and Safety, eg site specific induction, emergency procedures
(evacuation) and location of amenities
Inform the site contact and/or DoE IT Project Manager of any high risk
activities being conducted and the type and duration of work to be undertaken.
Examples of high risk activities include trenching, working at heights and
working near underground services;
Ensure that all work activities are carried out safely;
Restore the site to good working order (ie replace furniture, fittings, etc),
remove all waste and clean up any debris generated by their work activities.
For further Information please contact the Facility Services (Operations) at
[email protected]
Asbestos Register
An Asbestos Register is kept in a central area at each site such as Reception - all
contractors and maintenance workers MUST inspect the Asbestos Register before
works commence.
Expected Conduct
All Contractor personnel attending sites for any purpose are to wear the designated
Contractor uniform and carry approved identification at all times. In carrying out the
services, the Contractor shall at all times be mindful of the needs of the occupants of
the site and shall follow all directions given by the school/site manager.
Any visitor is required to act courteously at all times. This includes no smoking; no
consumption of alcohol or drugs on or in the vicinity of the site, no offensive language
or behaving in a threatening or dishonest manner.
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Security
A Working with Vulnerable People registration is mandatory, prior to commencement
of duty, for contractors undertaking ongoing work in schools, LINCs and other
Agency sites.
Noise and disruption
The contractor is not to undertake work which disrupts the normal conduit of
business without giving the school/site manager reasonable time to respond and
stipulate any conditions.
The emphasis here is on both sides being reasonable. It may be necessary to
arrange a more appropriate time to undertake the works.
LAN SWITCHES
DoE has standardized on Cisco communications infrastructure for its LAN
implementations.
For Schools
Switches can be purchased through the ITS online shop. IT staff can provide advice
around product suitability and recommendations to determine best ‘fit’.
For Contractors/Installers
Several Cisco switch models are currently available for purchase by the Agency.
Technical specifications including dimensions can be obtained from Cisco’s website.
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WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS (WAPS)
For Schools
The Agency uses an enterprise wireless network provided under the Networking
Tasmania contract. WAPs can be purchased through the ITS online shop. IT staff
can provide advice on the number and locations of WAPs for sites as well as lifecycle
management. Schools need to discuss their WIFI requirements with their local IT
support staff.
For IT Staff
Floorplans of coverage areas shall be submitted to Telstra by the ITS Networks
Team, to enable WAPs to be managed via Cisco Prime. Site predictions should be
undertaken in Prime to assist with proper placement of WAPs where coverage areas
have obstacles which may impede signal strength and reach. For larger sites where
required wireless coverage is more complex, Telstra can undertake an on-site
physical survey at a cost to the School which can be negotiated via ITS.
WAPs should be connected to PoE+ compatible switches. The ITS online shop
provides further information on feature sets of current model WAPs and their
requirements.
It is recommended that WAPs not be connected to multiple power sources (eg a
PoE+ switch and an injector) as this may cause the WAP and the upstream switch to
shut down. In this instance 802.11ac enabled WAPs should continue to connect to
standard PoE switches without the use of a power injector.
The use of outdoor WAPS should be discussed with ITS as additional network and
physical requirements are necessary to support this infrastructure.
For Contractors/Installers
Where new cabling is required for WAP installations it shall be a minimum of 2 x
Cat6A runs. A labelled double outlet at the WAP end shall be provided - this will
enable the WAP to be repositioned, if required, via the flexibility of a patch lead. Note
that new cabling installations must be tested and installed by a Certified Installer.
There shall be a minimum clearance of 30 cm from any surface of the WAP to nearby
persons and where the WAP has integrated antennas it shall be mounted horizontally
unless an appropriate bracketing system is used. It is recommended that access
points and wireless network antennas be mounted in elevated positions, at or near
typical ceiling height where possible. This is to enable ease of access (taking OH&S
into account) and to minimize the potential for both radiation exposure and
vandalism.
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At a minimum where external WAPs are mounted on roof tops or other exposed
locations (which may be subject to lightning strike) each antenna will require earthed
lightning protection.
Please refer to the list of Australian and International Standards referenced in this
documentation together with the Manufacturer’s instructions as a minimum accepted
standard for Wireless mounting standards within the Department.
DATA AND GENERAL CABLING RULES
Work performed by Contractors shall comply with all relevant Tasmanian Acts and
Legislation.
Where appropriate, and without introducing unnecessary duplication, the
specifications and requirements within this document reference the Cabling Provider
Rules, Regulatory Standards and Australian Standards which contractors are
required to meet and/or comply with (Refer to tables in Appendix C). Note that these
standards/specification may refer also to additional Australian and International
Standards.
These cabling installation notes are to be read in conjunction with any project
Technical Specifications.
Contractor Certificates and Obligations
The Telecommunications Cabler Provider Rules, 2000 (CPRs) require that all
telecommunications cabling be performed by registered cablers, and that all such
cabling work shall comply with AS/ACMA S009:2013 (the Wiring Rules).
A completed TCA-1 form must be provided for all cabling installations.
A Certificate of Electrical Compliance form is required when new installations,
alterations or additions to any electrical works are performed.
Horizontal Cabling
All horizontal cabling shall be Category 6A – this applies to new and existing
installations.
Cable and other cabling equipment installed for connection to a carrier’s
telecommunications network shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Plastic cable ties must not be used under any circumstances. All surface/wall cabling
shall be enclosed in compliant conduit. Cables must not be loosely bundled and laid
in a random manner.
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Cabling must be fully supported by independent cable support systems and shall not
be laid onto other services or ceiling surfaces. All cabling shall be secured to support
structures via a hook and loop style cable ties (Velcro or similar).
Cables must not be over tightened. If this occurs, the performance of the cable may
be affected so that specifications cannot be met.
Cables must be anchored immediately before and after a bend in a cable or loom.
This ensures that the minimum cable bending radius is maintained.
There shall be no more than 32 4-pair cables or equivalent in a loom, for Class D and
below. For Class E and above and FTP, no more than 24 4-pair cables. These
recommendations also apply to catenary wire support systems.
Anchoring may not be required where cables are installed horizontally on a
continuous support, such as a tray, where disturbance or possible damage is not
likely.
Horizontal Cabling at the Work Area
All work area patch leads shall be selected and available in varying lengths such that
the Horizontal cable length is within 100 metres.
Telecommunications (Wall) Outlets
As a minimum requirement double wall outlets shall be installed. This provides
flexibility in the event of a cabling failure.
Backbone and Inter Building Cabling
Optical fibre cable must be used between buildings. The only exception is where
buildings are connected via a wireless link.
A minimum of 8 core OM4 Multimode cable which is capable of supporting 10GB
Ethernet 850nm must be used as a minimum for all backbone and inter building
cabling. The only exception to this is where the cable length exceeds the specified
parameters in which case Single Mode cable shall be used. All fibre terminations will
be LC.
NOTE: All Optical Fibre Cabling Between buildings must be Indoor /Outdoor Rated
Distribution style Cable.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Labelling
The wall outlet numbering will be in the format as follows:
Rack Name
Rack Unit (RU) Number/Patch Panel identifier
Patch Panel Socket number
e.g. Rack “A” Rack Unit (RU) “27” Socket 7 will be labelled as A-27-7.
Telecommunications outlets must be labelled with the outlet number (which
corresponds to its appearance at the distributor) and those additional identifiers
which may be necessary to uniquely identify the outlet at the respective premises.
Cross-connect positions for horizontal cabling must be labelled to correspond to the
labelling of their respective telecommunications outlets.
Distributor Cabinets, Racks or Frames
Distributor cabinets, racks or frames must be fitted with a large label readily visible
and legible from a range of at least 2 m showing the distributor identification. The
sheath of backbone cables linking distributors must be labelled using a wrap on label
or affixed tag at each end (distributor, splice point or underground joint) detailing the
cable type, capacity, remote distributor and termination appearance and local
distributor and termination appearance.
Consolidation points
Consolidation points must be fitted with a label indicating the maximum cable run
length from the consolidation point to a connected telecommunications outlet. Multiuser telecommunication outlets must be fitted with a label indicating the maximum fly
lead length which may be used to connect to terminal equipment.
Fibre Optic Patch Fields
Fibre optic patch fields must be labelled with laser source warning signs to AS/NZS
2211. Where mixed multimode fibre core sizes are used on the same site (for
example 62.5/125µm and 50/125µm), a means of distinguishing the core size must
be provided at the connector and on patch cords to prevent mismatched fibres from
inadvertently being patched.
Labels must be of a size, colour and contrast to be readily legible and have a useful
life equal to or greater than that of the component being labelled. Machine printing or
engraving with a minimum text size of 10 point (or 2.5 mm text height) is
recommended for outlets and distributor appearances. Distributor identifiers should
be highly visible and have a minimum text height of 10 mm.
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Testing and Test Results
General
All cabling must be tested. This includes all newly installed cabling and any cabling
that has been re-terminated or re-arranged. Any cabling which fails to pass testing
shall be replaced at the Contractor’s cost and re-tested. All cabling test results must
be presented as delivered by the testing device in an electronic format such as
Linkware and also in PDF format. Testing will meet the requirements of the latest
revisions of the below standards:
 AS/NZS IEC 61935.1 (in accordance with values set out in AS/NZS 3080) Testing of balanced communications cabling
 IEC 14763.3 - Testing of optical fibre
UTP (Copper) Cabling Tests
All cable runs are to be testing for continuity and polarity (wire map). Testing
parameters and results shall include as a minimum:
 Near-end Crosstalk (NEXT) Loss – bi-directional
 Far-End Cross Talk (FEXT) – bi-directional
 Attention to Crosstalk Ratio Far-End (ACR-F)
 Attenuation to Crosstalk Ration Near-End (ACR-N)
 Power Sum Crosstalk
 Insertion Loss
 Return Loss
 Propagation Delay – bi-directional
 Delay Skew
 Wire Map
Optical Fibre Cabling Tests
An approved fibre cable scanner shall be used for all testing. Testing shall include
the following as a minimum:
 Results are to reflect loss, length, fibre identification and the number and type
of connectors and splices used
 Expected loss budget calculation results (as a direct comparison to the actual
test results)
 All multimode fibre links shall be tested bi-directionally with an Optical Loss
Test or approved fibre cable scanner at both 850 nm and 1300nm wavelengths
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 All singlemode fibre links shall be tested bi-directionally with an Optical Loss
Test or approved fibre cable scanner at both 1310 nm and 1550nm
wavelengths
 Where any fibre optic cable length exceeds 300 metres, fibre tests shall
include OTDR testing in both directions
WAN Services into DoE Sites
DoE Wide Area Network (WAN) services are provided by various Service Providers
under the Networking Tasmania Contract. At the time of writing the services DoE
purchase from Networking Tasmania III are supplied by Telstra, iiNet, TasNetworks
and Tasmanet. Networking Tasmania provides DoE with a port(s) on site into which
the Local Area Network connects.
VOICE OVER IP (VOIP)
VOIP is a method of using the data network and Internet Protocols (IP) to carry
telephony services. This can be done using a local VOIP switch with several external
lines or it could be done via the WAN to a central server in a remote site. The choice
of solution is based on cost, functionality, serviceability.
Whole of Government has gone through a tender selection process for Small Site
VOIP solutions. The successful tenderers are listed below:
MyNetFone SSIT:
Contact: Tony Poulson
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 03 8488 7677
Samsung SSIT:
Contact: Craig Snowden
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 0413441995
Cisco / Modern Comms:
Contact: Log a request via the Department of Education ITS Helpdesk
http://help.education.tas.gov.au
All VOIP solutions must be provided by either of the two successful tenderers. The
School Consultant must be notified and involved in the selection process of any VOIP
solution.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
OUTDOOR WIRELESS BRIDGE INSTALLATIONS
When connecting buildings via Wireless Bridges, the Manufacturer’s Guidelines must
be followed and consideration given to adequate lightening protection and the
appropriate positioning of radio and antenna equipment.
COMMUNICATIONS RACKS, CABINETS AND
ENCLOSURES
Overview
Communications cabinets and/or enclosures have a requirement to house racks that
may comprise patch panels, cable management, switching equipment, servers, UPS,
security systems, etc. It is therefore vital that racks, cabinets and enclosures are
chosen with this functionality in mind.
A typical rack layout is depicted in Appendix A. Note the following minimum
requirements for green field sites and new rack installations:
 When planning for new rack deployment ensure an additional 30 – 40% of RU
space is free for future growth
 Racks exceeding 18RU in size must be floor mounted
Where running PoE or PoE+ the bundle size is limited to up to 40 cables per bundle
due to heat dissipation. This must be strictly adhered to where small diameter patch
leads are used in a PoE environment.
Safety of Installation
In the performance of any cabling work, in general the cabling provider should ensure
that—
 End-users are protected from personal electrical contact with any
voltage/service other than SELV and from any exposure to laser radiation;
 Cabling providers are protected from accidental personal electrical contact with
LV telecommunications circuits, LV power and HV circuits or accidental
exposure to hazardous laser radiation;
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
 Cabling providers who are required to access, install or maintain LV
telecommunications circuits, are protected from accidental personal electrical
contact with LV power and HV circuits;
 Licensed electrical workers are protected from accidental personal electrical
contact with any telecommunications circuits or accidental exposure to
hazardous laser radiation; and
 The creation of any general safety hazard is avoided, e.g. tripping, falling or
bodily impact with a protruding object.
Note: end-users are all persons other than persons performing cabling work,
including persons who do not actually use the telecommunications service (e.g.
casual visitors, cleaners). End-user contact with SELV circuits should be prevented
where practicable.
Note: Provision is made in this Standard for cabling providers who are suitably
qualified or licensed to access LV telecommunications circuits, LV power or HV
circuits.
Cabling providers must comply with relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory
OH&S requirements including, but not limited to, Building Code requirements.
Cooling and Airflow Requirements
All server racks are to be fitted with front mesh doors (and rear where possible) and
fans installed to the roof of the server rack to allow for adequate air flow, ventilation
and heat dissipation.
Security
For the purpose of this document, an ‘enclosure’ includes a closet or room provided
for the express purpose of housing the MDF, in which case the closet/room door is to
have provision for securing with a key, lock or tool if the MDF doesn’t.
Note The building owner, manager or occupant is responsible for the security of the
MDF. The MDF should be adequately secured against vandalism and access
unauthorised persons but reasonable access should be given to carriers, carriage
service providers, cabling providers and other authorized personnel as required.
All racks must have lockable doors and removable and lockable sides. Ladder racks
or open racks may be installed to lockable rooms that do not have general access to
ensure adequate security.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Positioning of enclosures/cabinets and racks
In order to avoid the need for ladder access to racks as a guide racks should be
positioned no higher than 2 metres to the top of the rack from the floor.
The lowest terminal or socket should not be less than 350 mm above finished ground
or floor level.
Specifying Racks & Cabinets
Refer to Appendix B for further information on rack categories.
Wall Mounted Racks
Wall mounted racks used by the Agency have a maximum depth of approx. 700 mm
(600mm rack + 100mm hinge). Wall mounted racks are available in 6, 12 & 18 RU.
Racks which are larger than 18RU must not be wall mounted under any
circumstances.
Floor Mounted Racks
Floor mounted racks come in two size categories – full height or half height.
Full height racks are 42-45RU in size with an approximate depth of 1000mm. Full
height racks may contain core switch equipment, servers and UPS together with
other equipment. Full height racks may also contain network infrastructure only
without servers. These are sometimes referred to as communications or network
cabinets.
Half height racks used by the Agency are generally 22-27RU in size with two depth
categories these being approx. 1000mm and 800 mm. Server racks should be
approx.1000mm deep while half height communications racks may be 800mm deep.
Compact Enclosures
At times it may be necessary to use compact enclosures where a horizontally flush
mounted cabinet is required. In this case, a Panzone PZAEWM3 or equivalent must
be used. These enclosures offer 6RU – 3RU for inactive equipment, i.e. patch panels
and 3RU for active equipment, i.e. switches. Note that these enclosures must be
lockable.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Consolidation Points
Consolidation Points (CP's) may be used in special circumstances, eg to re-locate a
rack to a more suitable location. There shall be no more than 1 CP installed per
horizontal cable run. Note that Consolidation Points:
 must be an in area that is easily accessible for fault finding
 must be within the 90 metre range for test limits
 must be installed in a manner that has the capacity to be secured and locked
Cable Management
For racks where horizontal cable count exceeds 200, a DoE designed rack layout is
required.
In large racks (24 RU and over) or exceeding a horizontal cable count of 200 vertical
cable management rings must be large enough to cope with the patch cabling to be
run. As a rule of thumb allow for 2 patch cables per user in office areas and 2 per
user in classroom environments (this should provide enough spare capacity to allow
free movement in the vertical).
In smaller racks (less than 24 RU) the use of Velcro straps for vertical cable
management is acceptable.
Vertically mounted enclosures may be used where 3 or less patch panels and only 1
or 2 switches are required. This type of enclosure mounts the switches vertically and
provides a much more efficient use of wall space.
Note: Plastic or metal cable ties must not be used to tidy patch cables under any
circumstances.
Patch Panels
24 way patch panels per 1 RU with fully populated sockets are to be used in all DoE
racks. Patch panels shall be provided with integrated rear cable management units
so as to provide cabling support. Where this is not possible then an alternative form
of cable support should be provided. Refer to Appendix A for cable management and
layout specifications.
There is now available a new small diameter patch cable offering which utilizes 28
AWG conductors. This allows for higher density installations and better cable
management, improved air flow, flexibility and a tighter bend radius of 15mm. It is
recommended where possible that small diameter patch leads are used throughout
rack installations.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Different patch lead colours shall be used to differentiate DoE telecommunications
services according to the DoE Patch Lead Colour Code (refer Appendix B – Patch
Lead Colour Code chart).
Power to Racks and Patch Cabinets
All power is to be contained within the inside of the data rack. All protective earthing
is to be of 6mm cable size.
All electrical work must be undertaken by a licensed practitioner. It is mandatory by
law to RCD protect any new power circuits installed on any premises that allows an
individual to plug in an appliance (refer RCD Protection – AS3000)
UPS
To calculate UPS requirements, formula is as follows:
Volts x Current x Number of Appliances x 1.2 = VA
Edge Switch and Non Critical Racks
Edge Switch and Non Critical Racks will consist of a front mounted 5-8 way
horizontal power rail to be fitted. A capture plug may need to be installed to prevent
dislodgement from power source.
Server and Core
Power requirements consist of a 10-22 way vertical power rail in conjunction with a
15 amp dedicated power circuit with UPS backup.
Earthing of Cabinets
All racks, cabinets, cable trays and catenary wires must be connected to the building
protective earth as specified for each case in AS3000 and AS/ACIF S009 (latest
revision;. this includes earthing of lightening devices.
Any surge suppression device provided for the protection of customer equipment and
connected between telecommunications line conductors and earth— (a) shall be
connected to protective earth in accordance with Clause 20.7 or to a suitable bonding
point specified in AS 4262.2 or AS/NZS 1768 using an earthing/bonding conductor
with green/yellow insulation; and (b) the cross-sectional area of any earthing/bonding
conductors shall not be less than 2.5 mm2.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
Rack Categories

Full Height – Core Switch & Server
RU – 42-45
Depth (mm) - approx. 1000

Half Height – Core Switch & Server
RU – 22-27
Depth (mm) - approx. 1000

Full Height – Core Switch, No Server
RU – 42-45
Depth (mm) - 800

Half Height – Large Switch Stack
RU – 22-27
Depth (mm) – 800

Full Height – Open Ladder (2 Post)
RU – 42-45
Depth (mm) – N/A

Wall Mount – Small Switch Stack
RU – 18
Depth (mm) – 600 + Hinge

Wall Mount – Single Switch
RU – 12
Depth (mm) – 600 + Hinge

Flush Mount – Compact Enclosure
RU – 6
Depth (mm) – N/A

Consolidation Point
RU – N/A
Depth (mm) – N/A
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX A – 42 RU SERVER RACK LAYOUT
Rack
Cable Management
Fibre Tray (FOBOT)
ROUTER
Cable Management
Legacy Voice - Optional
Legacy Voice - Optional
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (24)
24-way patch panel (48)
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (72)
24-way patch panel (96)
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (120)
24-way patch panel (144)
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (168)
24-way patch panel (192)
Cable Management
SPARE
SPARE
SPARE
SPARE
SPARE
Cable Management
SWITCH - 48 Port
Cable Management
SWITCH - 48 Port
Cable Management
SWITCH - 48 Port
Cable Management
SWITCH - 48 Port
Cable Management
SPARE
SPARE
Reserved - Server (5 RU)
Remove legacy telephony outlets
where no longer required and shift
patch panels upwards.
VERTICAL CABLE MANAGEMENT
VERTICAL CABLE MANAGEMENT
RU #
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
RESERVED - UPS (2 RU)
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
22RU Server Rack Layout
RU #
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Rack
Fibre Tray (FOBOT)
ROUTER
Cable Management
Legacy Voice - Optional
Legacy Voice - Optional
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (24)
24-way patch panel (48)
Cable Management
SPARE
SWITCH - 48 Port
Cable Management
SWITCH - 48 Port
Cable Management
Reserved - Server (5 RU)
Remove legacy telephony outlets
where no longer required and shift
patch panels upwards.
RESERVED - UPS (2 RU)
POWER
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
22RU Network Rack Layout
RU #
Rack
22 Fibre Tray (FOBOT)
21 ROUTER
20 Cable Management
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Legacy Voice - Optional
Legacy Voice - Optional
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (24)
24-way patch panel (48)
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (72)
24-way patch panel (96)
Cable Management
SPARE
SWITCH
Cable Management
SWITCH
Cable Management
SWITCH
Cable Management
SWITCH
Cable Management
POWER
Remove legacy telephony outlets
where no longer required and shift
patch panels upwards.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
18RU Network Rack Layout
RU #
Rack
18 Fibre Tray (FOBOT)
17 ROUTER
16 Cable Management
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Legacy Voice - Optional
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (24)
24-way patch panel (48)
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (72)
24-way patch panel (96)
SPARE
SPARE
Cable Management
SWITCH
Cable Management
SWITCH
Cable Management
POWER
Remove legacy telephony outlets
where no longer required and shift
patch panels upwards.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
12RU Network Rack Layout
RU #
Rack
12 Fibre Tray (FOBOT)
11 ROUTER
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Cable Management
Legacy Voice - Optional
Cable Management
24-way patch panel (24)
24-way patch panel (48)
Cable Management
SWITCH
Cable Management
SPARE
POWER
Remove legacy telephony outlets
where no longer required and shift
patch panels upwards.
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX B - PATCH LEAD COLOUR CODE CHART
Blue
White
Yellow
Green
Orange
Red
Pink
Grey
Purple
Workstation (including VOIP & VOIP pass-through)
Access Point
Phone/Voice
Server (iDRAC port), Building Management (Solar Panels,
heating, security systems, etc), UPS
Server (NIC 1)
Uplink
Router (WAN link)
Video/Security Cameras
Printers
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DATA COMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX C – REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Regulatory Standards
Standards/Specification or Technical
Bulletin
Document Description
Telecommunications Cabling Provider
Rules, 2000.
ACMA cabling industry regulations.
AS/CA S009:2013
Installation Requirements for Customer
Cabling.
AS/CA S008:2010
Australian Standard Requirements for
Customer Cabling products.
Primary Australian Standards
Standards/Specification or
Technical Bulletin
Document Description
AS/NZS 3080 :2013
Telecommunication installations - Generic
cabling for commercial premises.
AS/NZS 3084:2003
Telecommunication installations - Pathways
and spaces(incorporating Amendment
1:2007
Telecommunication installations Administration of communications cabling
systems – Basic requirements
AS/NZS 3085.1:2004
AS/NZS IEC 61935.1:2006
AS/NZS IEC 61935.2:2006
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 14763.3:2012
AS/ACIF S009:2006
Testing of balanced communication cabling
in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801 –
Installed cabling.
Testing of balanced communication cabling
in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801 – Patch
Cords and work area Cords.
Telecommunication installations –
Implementation and operation of customer
premises cabling – Testing of optical fibre.
Installation Requirements for Customer
Cabling
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ARPANSA Radiation Protection
Standard
ACMA RF Exposure Standard
Cisco Guide
Cisco
Maximum Exposure Levels to
Radiofrequency Fields 3 kHz to 300 GHz
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/rps/rps3.pdf
a) ACMA Minimum Separation Distance
b) ACMA Maximum Transmitter EIRP
Document Description
Access Point Deployment Guide
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wirele
ss/technology/apdeploy/80/Cisco_Aironet_3700AP.html#pgfId-73010
.
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Phone: XX XXXX XXXX Fax: XX XXXX XXXX
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