The Integrated Communications Network (ICN) is the IT network of a building. A well-designed ICN can completely transform the way a building works; however, to work at its most effective, the network part needs integrating fully from the start.
In our previous article, we discussed what an ICN is. Basically, it’s a smart building network that simplifies all the systems into a clear and easy-to-use platform, and allows for the integration of smart devices. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the ICN is an integral part of the build phase.
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If the system is a planned, integrated whole, it will be more efficient and effective, right? We can all agree that’s a pretty obvious statement. But what’s the best way of achieving this network nirvana?
We’ve talked previously about the importance of a good, independent ICN contractor. This professional feeds into the main contractor, and is as essential a part of a modern construction project’s critical path as the head electrician or heating engineer is.
This will place your smart building system at the centre of the build phase. Yes, you can retrofit an ICN, but why go to the extra difficulty of doing it this way if you have the opportunity to integrate it from this stage? The ICN contractor will both work on the technical strategy - what is needed from the ICN? - and use their boss-level organisational skills to integrate the network with the other systems.
What are the key elements of the ICN that must be integrated during the build phase?
Virtual Network Access
What do we mean by access? This involves end user access to the virtual network and the physical infrastructure. How the system will operate from both the management and the UX perspectives needs designing from the start. A smart building is the perfect union between users, technology and the building, therefore how people access the ICN is fundamental to its success.
Related to this, we also need to prevent access to those who shouldn’t be able to get into the system. Cyber Security is a big thing to get in place right from the start, and we really can’t emphasise this enough.
Cyber Security
When we ask clients if they have any concerns about installing a smart building network, the main concern is usually “What about security?” They’re right to ask, and we’re always happy to answer that a well-designed ICN has advanced mitigation controls.
Again, the Cyber Security system needs to be built in from the outset, to incorporate security controls such as a security operation centre (SOC), VLAN controls, and allow for future-proof elements like additional Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
At Emerging IT, we manage the networks virtually for added security, and use a multi-network approach to ensure that if one goes down, the others aren’t compromised.
Wireless Mapping
A robust wireless network underpins everything the smart building infrastructure does. Wireless mapping, also known as Wi-Fi mapping and Wi-Fi heat maps, is a way of showing the relative signal strength across an area, in this case, a building. The software typically identifies areas of high (green), middling (amber) and poor (red) coverage, with gradations in between.
You can see how this is a helpful solution - especially at the design and build stage, where it takes the guesswork out of creating the wireless network.
Even modern buildings will have weaker areas. This can’t always be prevented (walls are pretty much a deal-breaker when it comes to construction), and even something like next door’s Wi-Fi can cause problems with a network.
Identifying where the weak or even black spots are allows you to design a network with signal-boosting capabilities where needed. When the system is up and running, the ability to monitor the signal strength through mapping enables the smart network to remain smart.
Network Equipment
This is another aspect where planning and liaison are key, and why smart building contractors need an experienced MSI. All the virtual and physical elements of the ICN need to be able to work together as an integrated whole. If, for example, the HVAC equipment in a hotel isn’t able to communicate with smart devices, the hotel is unable to offer smart-led comfort to its guests.
If you are retrofitting a system, yes, extra expense and duplication will be inevitable, and we assume this is priced into your project. If you have the luxury of creating a smart building from scratch, liaise with the MSI to find the right (and future-proof) equipment.
Building IT Network Integration
This is the key part of the overall building network services technical strategy: creating that gold-standard, seamless network. Robust and reliable integration at the build stage ensures that the building’s systems are truly interconnected.
We referred to HVAC a moment ago. In a smart network, this will be managed by sensors, which can manage all sorts of lovely, energy-efficient things such as mapping underused spaces, powering down (and up) when required, communicating problems and maintenance needs before things can deteriorate, and working with smart IoT devices.
For this magic to happen, you need - you've guessed it - planning and integration at the build stage.
How Do I Find Out About An ICN?
If you’re a commercial builder with a client who’s thinking of installing a smart building network, talk to us at Emerging IT. We can match our technological expertise with the end user’s needs. We’ll also make sure it happens at the right time, ensuring that the ICN is an essential element of the build stage.