Responsible Administrator(s):
Responsible Office(s):
Originally Issued: March 2025

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to: 

  • Ensure consistent implementation of structured cabling across 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's campus to maintain network reliability and security. 
  • Establish clear requirements for all structured cabling projects to meet 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Campus Wiring Design Guidelines and follow all applicable codes and standards.
  • Create a structured process for the approval and implementation of cabling projects to protect 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's network infrastructure.

Entities Affected by this Policy

Entities affected by this policy include 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ departments, contractors, vendors, and any individuals or organizations involved in the installation of structured cabling at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

Who Should Read this Policy

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ departments planning construction or renovation projects, project managers, contractors, and vendors who work on cabling installations at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ should read this policy.

Policy

All new structured cabling projects must include the Office of Information Technology's Network Development and Engineering's Structured Cabling Team. For projects involving an architectural firm, a RCDD credentialed member of NDE’s Structured Cabling Team will review and validate the cabling design and statement of work. Small projects that do not have an architectural firm as part of the project will have the statement of work created by a certified RCDD member of the NDE’s Structured Cabling Team. All structured cabling must meet the latest version of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Campus Wiring Design Guidelines.

All structured cabling installations must adhere to applicable building, fire, electrical, and safety codes including but not limited to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local building codes, and relevant fire safety regulations. Compliance with these codes is mandatory in addition to meeting 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's specific requirements.

Failure to meet these requirements could result in the cabling not being connected to the network and/or having to be replaced to meet the campus wiring design guidelines.

Exceptions to Policy

Exceptions to this policy may be granted for specialized research environments, temporary installations, or unique academic requirements where standard structured cabling specifications cannot be applied. All exception requests must be submitted in writing to the Office of Information Technology for review and approval prior to installation. Requests must include detailed technical specifications, justification for the exception, project timeline, and contact information. OIT will review each request on a case-by-case basis and work with the requestor to develop an appropriate solution that addresses both the special requirements and network integrity concerns.

To make an exception request to this policy, please complete the and select Structured Cabling.

Related Information

Links

Definitions

Structured Cabling

A building or campus telecommunications cabling infrastructure consisting of standardized smaller elements.

Campus Wiring Design Guidelines

51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's technical specifications document that outlines requirements for all network cabling installations.

Statement of Work

A document that defines project-specific activities, deliverables, and timelines for a contractor providing services to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

A professional credential granted by BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) that signifies that the holder has demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the design, implementation, and integration of telecommunications and data communications technology systems and related infrastructure.

National Electrical Code (NEC)

A regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States, including specific requirements for telecommunications cabling.