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MDU Guidelines
For Public Release
[Abstract]
Status : Draft
Version : 7.1
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Document Information Sheet
Document control
Report title MDU Guidelines for Developers, Builders and Consultants
Document ID Project number N/A
Document Name Document1
File path Document1
Rev Date Revision details/status Prepared by Author Reviewed Approver
7 21/09/2020 Complete rewrite SD SD
7.1 30/09/2020 Minor Adjustments SD TZ
Current revision Status Draft
Approval
Author signature Approver signature
Name Name
Title Title
The document should be regarded as uncontrolled unless signed and in PDF format.
Copyright statement
Copyright of this material resides with OptiComm Ltd. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced or reused for any purposes whatever without prior written permission of the owner.
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Contents Document Information Sheet ................................................................................................. 2
Contents ............................................................................................................................... 3
1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 5
2 Stakeholder Register ..................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Internal Stakeholders ............................................................................................................... 5
2.2 External Stakeholders .............................................................................................................. 6
2.3 General Responsibility Matrix .................................................................................................. 6
3 References .................................................................................................................... 8
4 Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Acronyms ................................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Diagrammatic representation ................................................................................................. 10
4.3 Interpretation ......................................................................................................................... 11
5 Communication Pathways ........................................................................................... 12
5.1 Telecommunications Entrance Pathway ................................................................................ 12
5.1.1 General Requirements ................................................................................................... 12
5.1.2 Example installation ....................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Vertical Pathway .................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.1 General Requirements ................................................................................................... 14
5.2.2 Example installations ..................................................................................................... 15
5.2.3 Firestopping ................................................................................................................... 16
5.3 Horizontal Pathways .............................................................................................................. 16
5.3.1 General Requirements ................................................................................................... 16
5.3.2 Example installations ..................................................................................................... 18
5.3.3 Firestopping ................................................................................................................... 19
6 Base Building Communications Facilities .................................................................... 20
6.1 Equipment Room (Comms Room) ......................................................................................... 20
6.1.1 General Requirements ................................................................................................... 20
6.1.2 Arrangement and spacials ............................................................................................. 20
6.1.3 Environmental and Treatments ...................................................................................... 21
6.1.4 Security and Access ...................................................................................................... 22
6.1.5 Electrical ........................................................................................................................ 22
6.1.6 Lighting .......................................................................................................................... 24
6.1.7 Fire protection ................................................................................................................ 24
6.1.8 Equipment installed by OptiComm ................................................................................. 24
6.1.9 Example of an equipment room ..................................................................................... 25
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6.2 Telecommunication Rooms (Comms Cupboards) ................................................................. 26
6.2.1 General Requirements ................................................................................................... 26
6.2.2 Arrangement and spacials ............................................................................................. 26
6.2.3 Shared Services Room .................................................................................................. 28
6.2.4 Security and Access ...................................................................................................... 28
6.2.5 Electrical ........................................................................................................................ 29
6.2.6 Equipment Installed by OptiComm ................................................................................ 29
6.2.7 Example of a Telecommunications Room...................................................................... 29
6.3 Antenna Room and Rooftop Facilities ................................................................................... 30
6.3.1 Free to Air TV ................................................................................................................ 30
6.3.2 Foxtel Satellite ............................................................................................................... 30
6.3.3 Security and Access ...................................................................................................... 31
6.3.4 Electrical ........................................................................................................................ 31
6.3.5 Arrangement and spacials ............................................................................................. 31
6.3.6 SMATV by OptiComm ................................................................................................... 32
7 Apartments .................................................................................................................. 33
7.1 Minimum Requirements ......................................................................................................... 33
7.2 Minimum Arrangement and spacials ...................................................................................... 34
7.2.1 Labelling ........................................................................................................................ 34
7.3 Recommended Arrangement and Spacials ........................................................................... 34
7.4 Data, Telephone and TV Cabling ........................................................................................... 37
7.4.1 Data Outlets ................................................................................................................... 37
7.4.2 Telephone Outlets ......................................................................................................... 38
7.4.3 Television Cable (Coaxial) ............................................................................................. 38
7.4.4 Patch leads .................................................................................................................... 39
8 Other Information ........................................................................................................ 40
8.1 Integrating Building Services ................................................................................................. 40
8.2 Battery Systems..................................................................................................................... 40
8.3 Cellular Antenna .................................................................................................................... 40
9 Documentation ............................................................................................................ 42
9.1 Documentation provided by the Developer ............................................................................ 42
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1 Purpose
This document provides information as to the provision of appropriate cable pathways, communication rooms and preparation of apartments for the delivery of OptiComm Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) in Multi Dwelling Unit developments. Its intended audience is Consultants, Builders, Electrical Contractors, and Developers.
This document has sections and diagrams which are general in nature and should be used as a guide for developing an appropriate building design to meet all relevant obligations. OptiComm takes no responsibility as to the currency of this information and the builder is responsible for ensuring compliance to all relevant building codes and regulations.
Failure to follow this guideline may result in additional costs or delays in deployment of the OptiComm Fibre infrastructure and associated telecommunication services
2 Stakeholder Register
The term stakeholder refers to "an individual, group, or organisation, who may affect or be affected by the activity or outcome of a process". 1
2.1 Internal Stakeholders
At OptiComm, internal stakeholders are those people who are directly affected by this document and what it stipulates. Typically, this would include the originator (the business unit manager who requested the document) and the intended target audience for which this document will influence decisions or actions by staff and contractors.
Position Business Unit
Responsibility
Chief Technology Officer CTO Group Development of the Standards and Guidelines
GM of Construction Construction Ensuring project managers and field staff have contributed to the development of the document
Chief Customer Officer Sales Ensuring the standards being developed don’t contribute to extra costs to a builder
1 Project Management Institute, 2013
All requirements stipulated in this document are based on Australian Standards and should already be adhered to by the builder and sub-contractors. There should be no cost impost to a builder or developer in ensuring the building has been constructed to meet this guideline.
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2.2 External Stakeholders
External stakeholders are entities who are affected by a decision or action we take. In the table below, we look at the considerations of how these stakeholders are impacted or could be impacted, not what contribution they make to the document.
Stakeholder Group Impact
Developer Ensuring the building meets the requirements of section 20A of the telecommunication act for being fibre ready
Consultant As technical adviser to the developer ensuring their specifications include the requirements specified
Builder Ensuring the building is constructed to suitable standards and to mitigate any defects that may occur due to quality of installation
2.3 General Responsibility Matrix
The below matrix outlines the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in the successful deployment of OptiComm's FTTP infrastructure and associated telecommunication services within an MDU.
Component Specify Supply Install Com-
mission Test Sign Off
Base Building
Backhaul connectivity to site OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Communication pathway(s) from
property boundary to
Telecommunications Equipment
Room
Developer/
Consultant Builder Builder Builder Builder Builder
Construction of
Telecommunications Equipment
Room
Developer/
Consultant2 Builder Builder Builder Builder Builder
All lighting and power to the
Telecommunications Equipment
Room
Developer/
Consultant3 Builder Builder Builder Builder Builder
Installation and commissioning of
Communication equipment to
service the building
OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Installation and commissioning of
Television Antenna and PayTV
Satellite dish
OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
2 It is the developer’s consultant who has the responsibility to specify the details of the equipment room using the guidelines provided by OptiComm 3 Per footnote 2.
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Component Specify Supply Install Com-
mission Test Sign Off
Communication pathways from
comms room to riser
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Communication pathways from
Riser to Apartment
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Drawstrings in lateral
communication pathways OptiComm Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Vertical Cable tray within comms
riser
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Identification of consolidation points
for data links used by building
services equipment
Developer/
Consultant N/A N/A N/A N/A OptiComm
GPOs to selected consolidation
points
Developer/
OptiComm Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Installation and commissioning of
lateral copper cables (CAT5/6) from
consolidation points to building
services equipment
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Supply and installation of Network
Termination Device(s) at
consolidation points used for
building services equipment
OptiComm
with
Developer
OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Supply of copper patch leads for
consolidation points
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Apartment
Cabinetry or Home hub for Network
Termination Device (NTD)
Developer/
Consultant Builder Builder Builder Builder Builder
GPO to NTD location Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Installation of fibre Optic link from
equipment room to vertical
backbone riser
OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Installation and commissioning of
backbone fibre optic link OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Installation and commissioning of
lateral fibre cable from riser to
apartments
OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Installation and commissioning of
NTD and PSU for apartment OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm OptiComm
Installation and commissioning of
Copper cabling (CAT5/6 and Coax) in
Apartments
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Supply of patch leads for NTD
cabinet
Developer/
Consultant Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical Electrical
Foxtel approval and agreement Foxtel OptiComm N/A N/A OptiComm Developer/
Body Corp
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3 References
This document refers to the following standards legislation, regulations, policies and procedures. Where references used are applicable, the application is subject to those in the latest edition available.
All works shall be performed per Australian Standards, and where specified the International Standards, including but not limited to:
Standard No Title
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installation and wiring rules
AS/NZS 3080:2013 Generic cabling for customer premises
AS/NZS 3084:2017 Telecommunications pathways and spaces for Commercial Buildings
AS/CA S009:2020 Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring Rules)
AS/CA S008:2020 Requirements for Customer Cabling products
AS/NZS IEC61935.1 Testing of balanced communication cabling in accordance with ISO/IEC 11801 Installed cabling
NCC 2019 Vol 1 Building Code of Australia Volume 1
ANSI/TIA-568.0-D Generic Telecommunications cabling for customer premises
ANSI/TIA-568-2.D Balance Twisted-Pair Telecommunications cabling and Components
ANSI/TIA-568.4-D Broadband Coaxial Cabling and components
Table 1 – Referenced Australian and International Standards and Codes
Document No Title
Foxtel Installer Product List
FXTL-T-0219 Satellite MultiStacker Installation Requirements
N/A Telecommunications Act 1997
Table 2 – Other referenced documents
Reference drawings may be used as a guide only and not relied upon for dimensions. The contractor shall undertake any site measurements required.
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4 Definitions
4.1 Acronyms
The following list of terms are used throughout the document.
Term Definition
AR Antenna Room. A special Telecommunications Room on the top floor of a building which terminates cables from antennas situated on the roof.
BAS Building Automation System.
CCTV Closed Circuit Television. A video security surveillance system
CES Communications Earth System. A system of earthing using common elements to provide for earthing of electrical and communications equipment within a Premises.
Comms Room See Equipment Room (ER).
Comms Cupboard See Telecommunications Room (TR).
EACS Electronic Access Control System. An integrated system that controls access to a building and internal premises.
ER Equipment Room. A room within the base building that is used for telecommunications equipment. Its common name is Comms Room or MDF Room.
GPO General Purpose Outlet. An electrical power outlet.
FTTP Fibre to the Premises. A method of delivering wideband data services.
ICN Integrated Communication Network (ICN). A Fibre network that supports both Telecommunications and Building Services delivered over a shared infrastructure.
ITU The International Telecommunications Union. An international body that sets telecommunications standards.
MATV Master Antenna Television. A system that distributes television signals from a centralised antenna
MDF Room See Equipment Room (ER).
MDU Multi-Dwelling Unit any development where two or more premises are joined by a common wall and managed by a Body Corporate.
NTD Network Termination Device. The legal term for a carrier’s network demarcation device. See ONT.
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ONT Optical Network Terminal. A device that interfaces the Optical Distribution Network to electrical interfaces delivering Data, Phone and TV Services
Pathway The physical pathway between the end-user interface such as the NTD or ONT to the point of boundary/building entry.
POTS Plain Old Telephone Service. An electrical interface that delivers an analogue telephone interface.
PSU Power Supply Unit. A device which converts 240Vac to (usually) 12Vdc.
RDT Rapid Deployment Terminal. A device located in each Telecommunications room which terminates the backbone fibre and distributes out the feeder fibre to each apartment.
RSP Retail Service provider. A company that provides Internet, Telephone or other data services which does not own network infrastructure
TR Telecommunication Room. A small room located on each floor that is connected to the Equipment room via a communications Pathway. Its common name is Comms Cupboard.
UPS Uninterruptable Power Supply. A power system that continues to operate from a battery source in the event of power failure.
4.2 Diagrammatic representation
The following diagram can be used in conjunction with the above terms.
Figure 1 - Diagrammatic representation of terms use in this document
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4.3 Interpretation
In this document, the following rules of interpretation apply and are used to define the significance of each particular requirement:
• Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of the document;
• The singular includes the plural and vice versa;
• "MUST" - This word, or the words "REQUIRED" and "SHALL" mean that the item is an absolute requirement of the specification;
• "SHOULD" - This word or the adjective "RECOMMENDED" means that there may exist valid reasons in particular circumstances to ignore this item, but the full implications should be understood, and the case carefully weighed before choosing a different course;
• "MAY" - This word or the adjective "OPTIONAL" means that this item is truly optional. One developer may choose to include the item because it enhances their product.
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5 Communication Pathways
Under part 20A of the Telecommunication Act, a property developer is required to provide a fibre-ready infrastructure to and within the dwelling. Our approach at OptiComm is to minimise the cost impost of making a building fibre ready.
Communications pathways are the conduits and cable tray used to establish a physical channel between the apartments and the point of building entry. A pathway must be provided to every endpoint location within the building.
Communication pathways are the fundamental piece of infrastructure that makes a building "Fibre-ready" so OptiComm can enable the delivery of services. Without an activated telecommunication network, a property developer will not be issued with a Certificate of occupancy by the Local Government Authority, so it's essential pathways have been appropriately prepared and made available on time so not to delay the delivery of services.
5.1 Telecommunications Entrance Pathway
The telecommunications entrance pathway (or Lead in Conduit) links the Equipment Room (ER) with the external telecommunication infrastructure located at the property boundary. It shall be constructed to meet the requirements per section 5.6 of AS3084.
5.1.1 General Requirements
The conduits shall exit the building, as depicted in Figure 2 below. It is the responsibility of the builder or their nominated electrical contractor to ensure conduits have been installed to the property boundary point and be capable of interconnection with the pit provided by OptiComm.
Figure 2 - Telecommunication Entrance pathway diagram from AS3084
During preliminary planning purposes, AS3084 recommends the size and quality of conduits detailed in Table 1 should be allowed. The sheath marking and dimensional physical properties of the conduits will need to conform to S008:2020.
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Building area (m2) Minimum number of entry
conduits
Nominal Communication conduit size (mm)
Up to 2000 1 100
Single Tenant
2,001 – 5,000
5,000 - 20,000
> 20,000
1
2
3
100 or 4 x 50
100
100
Multi Tenant
2,001 – 5,000
5,000 - 20,000
> 20,000
2
3
4
100
100
100
Table 1 - Quantity and size of conduits (Source: AS3084)
Whilst AS3084 stipulates the size and quality of conduits for commercial premises; it does not define anything for residential MDUs. OptiComm provides the following guidance in Table 2.
Type of Building
(living units or m2)
Minimum number of entry conduits
Nominal Communication
conduit size (mm)
Common services pit4
Residential
2 – 150 units
150 – 1000 units
> 1000 units
1
2
3
100
100
100
No
No
No
Mixed use
< 2000
2,001 – 5,000
5,000 - 20,000
> 20,000
1
2
3
4
100
100
100
100
P8
P8
Type 77
Type 77
Table 2 – OptiComm recommendation on quantity and size of conduits for Residential MDUs
4 A common services pit is recommended for commercial premises at or near the property boundary which will be owned by the developer/body corporate. This is to facilitate the sharing of entry pathways for multiple carriers rather than having any one carrier who has control over all entry pathways. Access to the common services pit shall be controlled by the property manager.
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5.1.2 Example installation
Figure 3 - Building Entry Pathway
5.2 Vertical Pathway
Vertical pathway(s) or “comms riser” is a facility for the installation of the backbone telecommunications cable the vertical length of the building. It is used to interconnect the equipment room to the telecommunication rooms (or Comms cupboards) located on each floor and typically consist of penetrations and cable tray rising vertically through the building.
5.2.1 General Requirements
Vertical pathways shall provide for cable support fixing using either:
• Continuous accessible perforated cable tray with a minimum width of 100mm; or
• A shared cable tray with a minimum of 100mm allocated for OptiComm.
The requirements of Vertical Pathways are as follows:
i. Should be constructure using galvanized steel with perforated flat surface angled at the edge. An open wireframe as in Figure 3 should be avoided;
ii. Shall link every Telecommunication Room (TR) in the building with the Equipment Room (ER);
iii. Shall not be used for any electrical (LV or higher) circuits as per AS/CA S009:2020;
iv. Shall run from the floor penetration to ceiling penetration, but not through the penetration;
v. Where the riser(s) are not a single continuous shaft, additional pathways using cable tray or conduit (min 2 x 100mm) will be required to link the shafts with appropriate access at least every 15 metres and at every change of direction;
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Figure 4 - Vertical Pathway example using cable tray
5.2.2 Example installations
Vertical pathways and associated cable trays can be used for multiple Information Communication and Technology services such as fire signalling, 4G/5G DAS cabling, SMATV feeder cable, etc. The below pictures are examples vertical pathways.
Figure 5 – Examples of a 100mm exclusive use cable tray (Left) and 500mm shared cable ladder (Right)
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5.2.3 Firestopping
Firestopping of the vertical pathway is the responsibility of the builder and shall be carried out in coordination with the trades and only after OptiComm has install the backhaul cable. If OptiComm is required to breach a firestop post installation, it is OptiComm’s responsibility to repair the firestop.
5.3 Horizontal Pathways
Horizontal pathways are conduits or a combination of cable tray and conduits connecting each of the Telecommunication Rooms to the Apartments.
5.3.1 General Requirements
Horizontal pathways can be either:
• continuous conduit between the telecommunication room and the individual apartment; or
• combination of cable tray and conduits.
When using continuous conduit, it shall meet the following clauses:
i. Use a continuous Telecommunication P20 conduit (23mm Inner diameter) between the telecommunications room and the individual apartments for exclusive use by OptiComm5;
ii. Use sweeping bends with a diameter of at least 300mm. The conduit may sweep at a large radius of greater than 2m and not be counted as a bend;
iii. Keep bends to a maximum of three from riser to apartment without an access opening for hauling;
iv. Be fitted with a drawstring in every conduit;
v. Each conduit be labelled with the apartment or lot number at the telecommunication room end; and
vi. Conduits can be surface mounted below the soffit or cast 'in slab'.
5 For details of conduit dimensions and name refer to Appendix 2
Installation of firestop material between the floors is the responsibility of the builder and shall be performed by a skilled person in accordance with the National Construction Codes.
Whilst not mandatory, OptiComm recommends the full length of conduit be tested with a mandril of 21mm diameter to ensure the pathway is suitable for installation of the OptiComm fibre cable. Kinks and sharp bends will inhibit the cable traversing the conduit and may incur additional costs for the builder to have replaced or repaired.
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Figure 6 is an example of an H pattern apartment complex using conduit horizontal pathways.
Figure 6 - Horizontal pathway using only conduits example layout
When using a combination of cable tray and conduit, it shall meet the following clauses:
vii. The cable tray shall be sufficent in size to support the number of cables (minimum of 100mm) and continuous in nature – no use of aerial catenary is permitted;
viii. To allow cable installation, access panels shall be placed at
o every change in direction of the cable tray;
o at every point the conduits exit the cable tray into the apartments; and
o no more than 15 metres apart;
ix. Entry into each apartment shall be via a single P20 conduit and shall:
o be clustered in a groups above an access panel to minimise the number of panels required;
o use sweeping bends with a diameter of at least 300mm;
o be individually labelled with the apartment number; and
o be recorded and labelled per NCC requirements if pentrating a fire wall;
o be fitted with a drawstring for each apartment;
x. Entry into the Telecommunication room shall be be either continuation of the cable tray or installation of a single 100mm conduit.
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Figure 7 is an example of an H pattern apartment complex using a combination of cable tray and conduits for the horizontal pathway.
Figure 7 - Horizontal pathway using cable tray and conduits
5.3.2 Example installations
The below pictures are examples horizontal pathways using conduits.
Figure 8 - Various examples of horizontal pathways attached to the soffit
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5.3.3 Firestopping
Firestopping of the horizontal pathways are the responsibility of the builder. Firestopping shall only be completed after OptiComm has installed the lateral fibre optic cables.
Installation of Firestop material for horizontal pathways as they enter an apartment, or the telecommunications room is the responsibility of the builder and shall be performed by a skilled person in accordance with the National Construction Codes.
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6 Base Building Communications Facilities
6.1 Equipment Room (Comms Room)
The Telecommunication equipment room (commonly called the comms room or MDF room) is located within the base building and shall provide sufficient space to house the building's telecommunications equipment as specified below.
6.1.1 General Requirements
The equipment room shall be constructed as per section 4 of AS/NZS 3084:2017. The requirements for the room include:
i. being dedicated to building Information Communication Technology functions and related support facilities (cl 4.1.2). This can include:
a. Telecommunication services;
b. CCTV;
c. Access Control;
d. Intercom;
e. Electronic Metering; and
f. Other digital or smart building services.
ii. being free of hazardous chemicals, cleaning products or other such cleaning equipment (cl 4.1.2);
iii. where possible, being directly connected to the vertical pathway (comms riser), or where not possible, to ensure suitable pathways are established to the riser (cl 4.2.4);
iv. being isolated from any electromanagnetic interference such as electrical power transformers, motors and generators (cl 4.2.7);
v. being designed and constructed such that the room comprises a one hour (or higher) fire resistance rating (cl 4.2.9)
vi. being free of any services that are not related to the support of the telecommunications infrastructure (e.g. plumbing, ducting); and
6.1.2 Arrangement and spacials
The equipment room shall be constructed as per AS/NZS 3084:2017 with a minimum ceiling height of 2700mm (cl 4.4.2). In clause 4.3, the standard specifies equipment rooms be larger than what is required for modern telecommunications equipment. OptiComm recommends the following dimensions would been deemed as meeting the requirements based on the size of building:
The readiness of equipment room is on the critical path for the delivery of telecommunication services throughout the building.
As a minimum OptiComm requests the equipment room is completed with relevant treatments and permanent power at least 2 months prior to practical completion to ensure timely delivery of services.
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Type Building Services Minimum size
(sq m) Minimum
dimensions (mm)
< 500 Units (Res) No 4.0 2000 x 2000
< 500 Units (Res) Yes 6.8 3400 x 2000
> 500 Units (Res) No 10.2 3400 x 3000
> 500 Units (Res) Yes 10.2 3400 x 3000
The below an example layout based on AS/NZS 3084:2017, allowing for the OptiComm sealed cabinet and a rack to be used building services (CCTV, EACS, TV, etc). Space for the building services rack should be allowed for irrespective of the contracted party providing the services.
Figure 9 - Typical Equipment room recommended by OptiComm (based on AS/NZS 3084:2017)
6.1.3 Environmental and Treatments
The following clauses for environmental treatment of an equipment room are extracted from section 4.4 of AS/NZS 3084:2017.
i. A HVAC system shall provide suitable cooling for the continuous operation of the installed equipment within the room (cl 4.4.8.1);
ii. The air handling unit should be available on a 24x7 basis. If the building system cannot assure continuous cooling operation a standalone unit should be provided (cl 4.4.8.2)
iii. The room shall be sealed appropriately to minimise the ingress and/or creation of dust (cl 4.4.9);
iv. The room should be finished in a light colour to enhance room lighting (cl 4.4.9); and
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v. The room should have a suitable floor covering composed of antistatic material (cl 4.4.9)
Where OptiComm uses its self-contained cabinet per 6.1.8, there is no requirement for the above environmental treatments. However, where a building services rack is installed and houses equipment such as the TV headend, CCTV, EACS or other third-party equipment, which is owned by the body corporate, consideration should be given as to the environmental requirements of this equipment. OptiComm does not take responsibility for the failure of any building services equipment caused by the environmental conditions of the room.
6.1.4 Security and Access
OptiComm recommends the door be a minimum of 820mm in width and open outwards from the equipment room in compliance with fire safety standards. For specific details on door height, width and fittings refer to AS/NZS ISO/IEC 14763.2.
Per section 5.7 of AS 3084, provision shall be made for 24-hour access by OptiComm and their authorised personnel for the support and maintenance of the equipment. If attended access cannot be provided, OptiComm recommends fitting the room with an Electronic Access Control mechanism and issuing access tokens.
6.1.5 Electrical
The standard equipment room electrical requirements per AS/NZS 3084:2017 state:
i. shall be a separate room to the location of the Main Switch Board (MSB) or any other electromanagnetic interference such as electrical power transformers, motors and generators (cl 4.2.7).
ii. shall be fitted with a dedicated electrical supply circuit to serve the equipment in the room (cl 4.4.11.1).
iii. where support facilties such as air conditioning, lighting and convenience power outloets are installed, these should be power from mechanical and electrical services distribution boards, not from the dedicated equipment circuits (cl 4.4.11.2).
iv. Where an electrical board is installed in the room (4.4.11.3):
a. it shall be used only for services in that room; and
b. it shall have the appropriate reserved distance requirements around the door as per AS/NZ 3000.
To meet OptiComm’s specific requirements, the room shall include as a minimum:
i. two 230 Vac electrical outlets rated at 10A6 or higher to be used exclusively for equipment power (one for each rack); and
ii. on separate circuits per clause 4.4.11.1;
6 Whilst the standard stipulates a minimum of 10A, OptiComm’s preference is for two 15A dedicated circuits
Important details on Environmental treatment should be noted. The treatment of the Equipment room should be discussed with the OptiComm project manager.
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iii. the outlets are recommended to be the captive type to reduce the risk of accidental disconnect;
The equipment room shall be fitted with a Communication Earth System per section 20 of AS/CA S009:2020 and be equipotential bonded to the earthing system of the building's electrical installation to minimise the potential difference (voltage) between the systems. It shall include as a minimum:
iv. an earthing/bonding bar or terminal to be durably labelled as "Communications Earth Terminal";
v. an earthing conductor between the CET and the building electrical earthing system with:
a. a minimum cross-sectional area of 6mm2;
b. using yellow-green insulation; and
c. durably labelled at the electrical installation end with "Communications Bonding Conductor."
The resistance of the communications bonding conductor shall not exceed 0.5Ω as measured between the CET and the main building electrical earth. The actual size used will be based on the length of the bonding conductor. The following table can be used as a guide, but the actual resistance shall be measured to ensure compliance.
Figure 10 - Communications Earth System (per section 20 of AS/CA S009)
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6.1.6 Lighting
Lighting shall be provided as per section 4.4.10 of AS/NZS 3084:2017. The lighting shall be controlled by one or more switches located near the entrance door to the room. The following points shall also be considered:
i. Lighting fixtures should not be powered from the same electrical distribution panel as the equipment;
ii. Emergency lighting and signs should be appropriately placed in the room to AS/NZS 2293.1 standard where an absence of light would hamper emergency egress; and
iii. Control of the lighting by movement sensors should be considered to ensure lights are not left running when the room is unoccupied.
6.1.7 Fire protection
Fire protection for the telecommunications equipment room shall be as per requirements stipulated by the NCC 2019.
Sprinkler heads, if required as part of the fire protection should be provided with wire cages to guard against accidental operation because of inadvertent impact damage. Consideration should be given to use of 'slow-blow' sprinkler heads or a 'dry pipe' sprinkler system where practicable and allowable to minimise any damage.
6.1.8 Equipment installed by OptiComm
On satisfactory completion of the telecommunications room, OptiComm will install equipment racks to facilitate the delivery of the Fibre infrastructure and associated telecommunication services.
As a minimum, OptiComm will install a single self-contained secure cabinet with the dimensions of 850mm x 650mm x 1350mm to house our telecommunications equipment. This cabinet and its content will remain the property of OptiComm and will be used exclusively by OptiComm to service the occupants of the building.
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Figure 11 - OptiComm Communications Cabinet
6.1.9 Example of an equipment room
The following figures provide an example of a typical telecommunications equipment room – albeit an older version using racks.
Figure 12 - Example telecommunications equipment room
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6.2 Telecommunication Rooms (Comms Cupboards)
The Telecommunications rooms (commonly called comms riser cupboards) are located on each floor of the building and should provide sufficient space to easily access the vertical backbone and horizontal pathways.
6.2.1 General Requirements
The telecommunication rooms shall be constructed as per AS/NZS 3084:2017. Where possible, the rooms shall be dedicated to telecommunication or other ICT services. The requirements for the rooms include:
i. being located as close as practicable to the centre of the building (cl 3.1.2);
ii. being directly connected to the communication riser;
iii. being appropriately separated from electrical installations per AS/CA S009:2020;
iv. being free from any services that are not related to the support of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure e.g. plumbing, ducting (cl 3.1.3);
v. being free from the storage of hazardous chemicals, cleaning products or other such cleaning equipment (cl 3.1.3);
vi. terminating the horizontal pathways for apartments from the floor being served (cl 7.1.2);
vii. the inclusion of cable tray per section 5.2 of this document;
viii. the provision of a dedicated general-purpose outlet (GPO), where required, for telecommunications equipment located within the room (cl 3.4.5.1); and
ix. the provision of a Telecommunications Earth Terminal when a GPO is installed (cl 3.4.5.3).
Failure to meet these requirements may mean the building does not meet the requirements for being fibre ready as per Part 20A of the Telecommunications Act.
6.2.2 Arrangement and spacials
Telecommunication rooms documented in section 3 of AS/NZS 3084:2017 are significantly larger than needed for a modern fibre ready building. Whilst all other requirement of AS/NZS 3084:2017 shall be applied, as the building’s telecommunication provider OptiComm deems the following size specifications would be deemed to meet the requirements being ‘Fibre Ready’ as per Section 20 of the Telecommunication Act.
The readiness of telecommunication rooms is on the critical path for the delivery of telecommunication services throughout the building.
As a minimum OptiComm requests the telecommunication rooms are completed at least 2 months prior to practical completion to ensure timely delivery of services.
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Living units per floor Size (mm) Min. Penetration (mm)
< 15 1000 x 780 100 x 50
15 – 30 1900 x 780 300 x 50
> 30 Depends on the type and structure of the building and the use of either cable tray or conduits. Recommend a room of at least 2 sq meters
The below diagrams provide the two most common types of telecommunication rooms and OptiComm requirements for allocated space. The blue shaded area is required to be reserved for exclusive use by OptiComm to install backhaul fibre infrastructure and supporting building services equipment.
Figure 13 - Telecommunication Room - Type 1
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Figure 14 - Telecommunication Room - Type 2
6.2.3 Shared Services Room
Some buildings are designed with a large shared services room like the one in Figure 15.
Figure 15 - Shares Services Room
This is design is completely acceptable and compliant with AS/CA S009:2020 and AS3084:2017, provided appropriate separation is maintained, in particular from the electrical services cupboard. In the Figure 15 example, the Telecommunication riser cupboard was similar in dimensions to that provided for in Figure 14 - Telecommunication Room - Type 2.
6.2.4 Security and Access
The Telecommunication rooms shall only be accessible under the authority of the building or property manager who will be responsible for issuing the access key.
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6.2.5 Electrical
The telecommunication rooms, where identified, shall be fitting with a single dedicated 230 Vac electrical outlet (GPO) rated at 10A to be used exclusively for telecommunications equipment.
Where a GPO has been installed, the room shall also be fitted with a Communication Earth System per section 20 of AS/CA S009:2020 and be equipotential bonded to the earthing system of the building's electrical installation to minimise the potential difference (voltage) between the systems.
Refer to section 6.1.5 for further details on the CET.
6.2.6 Equipment Installed by OptiComm
The type of equipment installed into the telecommunication room is typically a small enclosure called a Rapid Deployment Terminal. The size of this unit is up to 300x300mm.
Figure 16 - RDT Type 1
Figure 17 - RDT Type 2
6.2.7 Example of a Telecommunications Room
The figures below provide an example of a larger style telecommunications room which is also used for other services (fire signals).
Figure 18 - TR with Building Services ONU
Figure 19 – Standard Typical TR with RDT
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6.3 Antenna Room and Rooftop Facilities
The Antenna room is the special name for the Telecommunications room immediately below the rooftop of the building. As most residential buildings reticulate television signals (pay and free) using a Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV) system, this room houses the electronic equipment which interfaces with antenna structures on the roof. It may be also used to support lift phone services and other functions.
Irrespective of the technology used or the party contracted to install the system, the following information is essential to delivering a quality television signal throughout the building. Thus, it is recommended the building architect in conjunction with the civil engineer detail the nominated location on architectural drawings to ensure an appropriate positioning to meet the above, whilst considering the relevant wind loading for the given area.
It is not the responsibility of the installation contractor having to negotiate the relevant location of this equipment.
6.3.1 Free to Air TV
To facilitate the “off air” reception of Free to Air signals there needs to be a suitable rooftop area made available for the installation of a Yagi antenna for receiving free to air channels from a local transmission tower.
6.3.2 Foxtel Satellite
In addition, if Foxtel PayTV is to be reticulated throughout the building and the following is to be provided as per the Foxtel document FXTL-T-0219 - Satellite MultiStacker Installation Requirements:
• Space for installation of up to 120cm dish;
• A clear line of sight to the Optus D2 satellite;
• Cable gland entry into the building;
• Communications Pathway from building entry to the Antenna room; and
• 4m x 4m clear zone for mounting the dish and antenna.
Locations with a limited Line of Sight can result in intermittent or complete loss of signal which will impact the customer experience. There should be no obstructions, for example, trees or parts of buildings in the signal path.
Placement of the mount for the dish on a building is aesthetically important and an essential part of the design for buildings. Figure 20Error! Reference source not found. provides guidance on the preferred mount and dish location where number 1 is the most preferred location and the location where it was installed on this building (centre of building at highest point). Location 2 (front of building) and 3 (side of building) are the least preferred options. Location selection is also dependant on wind loadings for the given area.
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Figure 20 –Preferred Antenna location
6.3.3 Security and Access
Post-handover, access to the roof will only be required when a service request has been lodged by the body corporate/facilities manager, so access will be co-ordinated through them and will occur only during business hours to comply with health and safety regulations.
6.3.4 Electrical
No specific electrical requirements are necessary for the roof top facilities.
In the Antenna room, there shall be provision for two double GPOs and a Communications Earth Terminal.
The antenna room should be located on the top floor immediately below the roof top. It should be connected to the vertical backhaul pathway. Refer to section 6.2 for details on the antenna room which are the same as a telecommunications room.
6.3.5 Arrangement and spacials
The Antenna room shall provide the same spacial arrangements as the Telecommunications Room.
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Figure 21 - Antenna Room for the MATV system
6.3.6 SMATV by OptiComm
Where OptiComm is contracted to provide the SMATV system, refer to Appendix 2 for further details.
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7 Apartments
This section describes the general requirements for the installation of the carrier’s Network Termination Device into an apartment. It also includes recommendations pertaining to the installation of internal cabling for an apartment to reticulate data, telephone, and television signals.
7.1 Minimum Requirements
OptiComm requires suitable space for the installation of the Network Termination Device, preferably in a secluded location near the front of the apartment or below the Distribution Board (DB). The NTD location shall include:
i. a double GPO on a common electrical circuit;
ii. a 63mm hole cut out per the template diagrams in 7.2;
iii. presentation of the horizontal pathway from the Telecommunications room at the top of the 63mm cutout with drawstring installed;
Whilst not specific to OptiComm’s requirements, we recommend the following is also provided following the AS/NZS 3080:2013 and AS/CA S009:2020 standards:
i. installation, termination and testing of a structured cabling system using CAT6 cabling for the reticulation of data and telephone services throughout the apartment;
ii. installation, termination and testing of a RG6 Quad Shielded cabling for the reticulation of Free to Air and PayTV signals throughout the apartment; and
iii. optionally, provision of a second GPO for 3rd party equipment.
Figure 22 provides a general arrangement of the cabling and equipment within an apartment and the delineation of responsibilities.
Figure 22 - Single Line Diagram of Apartment NTD and cabling arrangement
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7.2 Minimum Arrangement and spacials
Builders shall make available a location for the installation of the OptiComm’s Network Termination Device. This can be within a services cupboard or wardrobe. However, if located in a wardrobe there needs to be sufficient clearance (100mm) for airflow to ensure the equipment does not overheat.
Figure 23 – NTD enclosure with minimum requirements
7.2.1 Labelling
In small apartments where only a single outlet exists, we would recommend labelling this outlet as “INTERNET” at the wall point and in the hub location, or if no outlet at the hub on the cable with a printed label attached. This make it easy for a resident to identify what to plug into the relevant equipment.
7.3 Recommended Arrangement and Spacials
The following sections are completely optional but are recommended by OptiComm for a certain level of quality and expectation of modern apartment living. These recommendations do depend on the size and market of the apartment.
Builders shall make available a location for the installation of the OptiComm’s Network Termination Device and use either Figure 24 or Figure 26 as a template layout to deliver a professional and quality finish and ensures the best customer experience. The preferred location is below the Distribution Board within a small enclosed cupboard.
OptiComm’s network demarcation is the Optical Network Terminal. All copper cabling is the responsibility of the cabling contractor and this includes the supply of patch leads. The contractor is only required to supply, OptiComm will fit off at time of installing and commissioning the ONT.
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Figure 24 - NTD enclosure and supporting infrastructure in landscape
Figure 25 - Example of a landscape installation
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Figure 26 - NTD enclosure and supporting infrastructure in portrait
Figure 27 - Example of a portrait installation using a home hub
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7.4 Data, Telephone and TV Cabling
Within apartments, the importance of the cabling infrastructure is like that of other fundamental building utilities such as heating, lighting and mains power. As with other utilities, interruptions caused by the poor quality of installation or use of inappropriate components will disrupt the consumer experience. Due to the nature of the building construction, it may be impractical to replace faulty cabling post-construction.
For the avoidance of doubt, it shall be assumed all in-apartment cabling is the responsibility of the builder/electrician. OptiComm will only provide in-apartment cabling where it is specified in our contract.
The following sections are only recommendations for delivering a basic structured cable system to reticulate the Internet, Telephone and Television signals from the NTD to the various telecommunication outlets (TO) throughout the apartment. This information should be incorporated into the data cabling specification of a construction contract.
7.4.1 Data Outlets
Installation of Category 6 (CAT6) shall be used to reticulate the data and telephone signals from the NTD to the various outlets throughout the apartment. The cable and all associated termination components should meet the following minimum requirements:
Requirement
The installation of customer premises cabling shall be per ANSI/TIA-568.0-D and AS/CA S009:2020.
Any data cable used within the apartment shall meet clause 5.6.11 of AS/CA S008:20207.
The data cable used between the telecommunication outlets located at the NTD and the telecommunication outlets located throughout the apartment shall be a minimum of Category 5e as specified in ANSI/TIA-568.2-D.
All data cable runs shall be continuous (no joins) and no more than 90 meters in length.
All data cable runs shall conform to the minimum separation distance from electrical cables as specified in AS/CA S009:2020.
All outlets shall use an 8P8C (RJ45) modular socket rated to a minimum of Cat 6 and terminated using the T568A wiring scheme.
All cables and sockets shall be clearly labelled (both ends) and documented.
All cables shall be tested per AS3080 and a copy of the results provided to the builder for verification.
A TCA1 form8 should be completed for the building.
7 https://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/71488/S009_2020.pdf 8 https://www.acma.gov.au/cabling-advice-forms
https://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/71488/S009_2020.pdfhttps://www.acma.gov.au/cabling-advice-forms
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7.4.2 Telephone Outlets
The use of a structured cabling system will support both data and telephone services; therefore, no specific dedicated telephone outlets are required. Telephone ports on the NTD can be plugged into a standard 8P8C (RJ45) modular socket and a telephone using a 6P2C (RJ12) plug can interface into this outlet.
7.4.3 Television Cable (Coaxial)
Installation of television cable (RG6) shall be used to reticulate the signals (both FreeTV and PayTV) from the NTD to the various outlets throughout the apartment. The cable and all associated termination components shall meet the following minimum requirements:
Requirement
All components used shall be listed in the Foxtel Multistacker installer product list9.
Cable shall be RG6 Quad shield coaxial cable selected from the installer product list.
TV points (both ends) shall be terminated with F-Type fittings selected from the installer product list.
It is recommended to install two F-Type outlets per location for 1 x FTA, 1 x PAYTV.
It is recommended to install at least one data outlet (RJ45) in conjunction with each TV outlet as many TVs today are Smart devices that support Internet connectivity.
All cables and sockets shall be clearly labelled (both ends) and documented.
The subcontractor is responsible for the supply and installation of a splitter at the NTD location with sufficient ports to service the required number of TV outlets (refer to Single line diagram).
A passive splitter shall be selected from the installer product list and support a maximum of 4 outputs. It shall support frequency bands of 47 – 862Mhz (FTA) and 950 - 2400Mhz (SAT).
All coaxial cables shall be tested for basic connectivity and short circuit and a copy of the results provided to the builder for verification.
9 https://www.foxtel.com.au/content/dam/foxtel/support/pdf/installer-product-list.pdf
Technical Note for Builders and Consultants
There are various categories of “data” cables available from manufacturers. The minimum requirement to support broadband data communication signals is Category 5e, although today Category 6 is more commonly available. Whilst frequently confused with Category 6a, the latter is a higher specification of cable with significant rigidity that provides no added benefit in residential (and most commercial) applications.
Both category 5e and 6 cables will support speeds up to 1Gbps, so there is little technical merit in specifying category 6a, 7 or 8 cable within a residential apartment as it only adds unnecessary cost.
https://www.foxtel.com.au/content/dam/foxtel/support/pdf/installer-product-list.pdf
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7.4.4 Patch leads
The provision of 50cm patch leads (both TV and data) from the wall outlets in the hub are the responsibility of the cabling contractor.
Special Note for Builders and Consultants
It is the builder’s responsibility to verify Foxtel approved components have been used by the electrical/cabling subcontractor. Whilst RF components can look the same, their performance can vary greatly. Foxtel will reject (and have done so on numerous occasions in the past) if non approved products have been used in the coaxial television cabling.
It is recommended the builder requests from their contractor the list of approved parts that are being used and their nominated Foxtel IPL number prior to the beginning of installation.
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8 Other Information
8.1 Integrating Building Services
Services within the residential and commercial building structure, such as lifts, building automation, security, access control, CCTV, HVAC, lighting and other systems all require a communications backbone to operate and interface to the Internet. An evolving concept is that of a “Smart Building”, whereby a multitude of building control systems are integrated onto a single fibre optic communications network. This delivers many advantages including improved cyber security, operational reliability, and performance, whilst also consuming less energy and space than the traditional segregated networks used in the past.
Integrating building services onto the OptiComm fibre network is subject to commercial negotiation and must be expressly included in the contract. It should not be assumed by the builder or other contractors where the OptiComm network exists it provides these Integrated communication capabilities.
Where OptiComm is contracted to provide Integrated Building Services, refer to Appendix 1 for further details.
8.2 Battery Systems
OptiComm installs battery systems to support our telecommunications equipment and in some cases also the building services equipment.
Under previous versions of the NCC, section C.2.12 had an unintentional limitation on the size of battery systems that could be used in class 2 to 9 buildings. However, since the introduction of the 2019 revision, the section on battery systems has been brought in line with AS62040.
The new standard states a battery system needs to be physically isolated only when the total voltage is equal to or greater than 12 volts AND the storage capacity is greater than 200kWh. Whilst the total voltage of our battery systems is greater than 12 volts, the storage is no larger than 150Ah or 7.2kWh. Based on this, there is no requirement for builders to fire rate their equipment or telecommunication rooms when OptiComm installs a battery system.
8.3 Cellular Antenna
To provide support for OptiComm’s out of band management platform, we install a device which allows us to securely manage equipment via the LTE network when our main fibre backhaul has been interrupted. To enable a reliable connection of this device, we need to install a donor antenna which is located external to the main equipment room. There are various options we use depending on where the best signal can be obtained.
Distance to Donor Antenna
Description Image and Dimensions
< 20m ext
If an external wall can be reached within 20 meters of the equipment room, a small puck antenna will be used. A small hole will be drilled through the wall for the cable (which will be covered by the
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antenna) and the antenna external mounted to the wall.
< 50m int
If a suitable signal can be sourced within 50m of the equipment room, a panel antenna is used that is about the size of an A4 sheet of paper and is mounted directly onto the wall. It stands out approximately 70mm from the wall. It can be painted the same colour as the wall to blend in.
Roof top
If no suitable signal can be sourced within 50m and the vertical backbone pathway is still accessible the third option is a rooftop antenna which is 1240 x 200mm.
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9 Documentation
9.1 Documentation provided by the Developer
Prior to the commencement of works the developer and/or builder will issue to OptiComm copies of the following documents:
i. Address List (OptiComm document supplied to Developer to be completed & returned)
ii. Electrical/cable tray reticulation design of every floor
iii. Riser layout design & dimensions
iv. Apartment end point location and dimensions
v. Headend/MDF room design & dimensions
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Appendix 1. Integrated Building Services
The following sections are relevant when OptiComm is contracted to provide Integrated Building Services.
Integrated Communications Architecture Located within the equipment room (or it could be the security office or any other location) there will be a rack (or multiple racks) of equipment that is called the building services rack. This rack will house all the “server” equipment used to manage the building, such as access control system, CCTV network video recorder, metering system, Satellite Master Antenna TV system, HVAC BMS, etc. OptiComm will provide this rack and along with it a building services Switch and Firewall to ensure separation of services is securely maintained and remote access can be provided to maintenance personnel.
Figure 28 - Smart Building Topology
The building services control devices such as BACnet gateways (for HVAC), MODbus gateways (for electrical meters), card readers, electronic locks, WiFi Access points, Lift controllers, TV receivers, cameras, etc are all connected to the equipment room by the single integrated telecommunications network which is provided and maintained by OptiComm.
At nominated locations throughout the building - usually in the Telecommunication Rooms on relevant floors – OptiComm shall install a building services Optical Network Unit (ONU). This is a 16 or 24 port ethernet switch - supporting Power over Ethernet - which is connected to the GPON backbone network. The building service end-point devices securely communicate using the ONU via the OptiComm fibre network to a dedicated port on the top of rack (ToR) switch which is in the building services rack.
Equipment Provided The building services network can deliver a multitude of components and services. Figure 29 gives a representation of the network equipment provided, and the responsibilities for
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deployment and points of demarcation. OptiComm has responsibility only for the green portion. Any copper (CAT6) cabling, patch panels and other such infrastructure is the responsibility of the electrical contractor.
Figure 29 - Responsibilities on Building Services network
The items listed below are typically included in an Integrated Communications Network provided by OptiComm.
i. Rack OptiComm shall provide building services rack with the dimensions of 600mm x 800mm x 2200mm will be provided. This shall house the TV equipment and other third-party building services equipment. The rack and associated equipment will be transferred to the body corporate on handover.
ii. Firewall (Item A) OptiComm shall provide a Firewall to ensure secure separation of data between services within the building. Being a single integrated network, it is good practice for each network segment to be appropriately secured from other services.
The firewall also provides protection from the Internet. With many buildings becoming “Smart” and connected with IoT (Internet of Things) devices, ensuring the security of the building systems is just as, if not more, important that securing a corporate IT environment. There are cases from the Australian Cyber Security Centre of an Australian company being hacked and having Intellectual property stolen by hackers who breached their IT network be coming through an insecure HVAC building services network that was directly accessible to the Internet.
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iii. Switch (Item B) OptiComm shall provide a top of rack switch the purpose of which is to allow the different building services server equipment to be aggregated and connected to the Carrier network. Each server device will be provided a dedicated ethernet port on the switch and separated into their own Virtual Network to ensure operation of services.
iv. MATV (Items C, D, E, F) See Appendix 2.
Network Separation Whilst this architecture provides many advantages, it can create some confusion for developers, consultants and contractors using this topology for the first time. The integrated communications network is divided into two operating parts:
• The physical carrier network; and
• The building services network
Figure 30 gives a representation of the separation of the network that occurs in the equipment room, where two physical racks, one for building services which contains equipment that will be owned by the body corporate, and one which will be owned by OptiComm. Whilst this will vary depending on contract terms and conditions it is the most common scenario.10
Figure 30 - Visual representation of network separation
Ownership and Maintenance of equipment On handover of the building, all building service elements will be transferred to the developer or their appointed body corporate. OptiComm shall provide a twelve-month defect liability
10 Please refer to the relevant addendum to this document for specific cases
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period, thereafter the developer shall have responsibility for the ongoing cost of maintenance and support contracted either through OptiComm or any other suitably qualified and Foxtel approved third party.
The following figure is a diagrammatic representation of the ownership and maintenance responsibility as described above.
Figure 31 - Ownership and maintenance responsibility
Other third-party systems Other third-party systems can be installed into the building services rack and connected to the switch. The builder shall co-ordinate with OptiComm and other trades to ensure the systems are integrated into the network in a safe and secure mechanism.
Each building services subcontractor shall be required to participate in coordination meetings to establish appropriate resources are allocated and the network is designed to accommodate the needs of the relevant building services.
It shall be the responsibility of the builder to facilitate coordination meetings with the relevant trades who will use the integrated network.
Remote access for maintenance As the building services network is owned by the body corporate, access to the building services network, either by OptiComm or other parties (e.g. HVAC, EACS, CCTV), shall only be provided via a secure virtual private network (VPN). This is to ensure the building services systems are protected from the internet and to mitigate the risk of cyber security attacks.
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Appendix 2. Integrated SMATV system
The following sections are relevant when OptiComm is contracted to provide an integrated Satellite Master Antenna Television system.
Ownership The ownership of the SMATV system will be transferred to the developer or their nominated agent/body corporate on project completion or final payment of the equipment.
OptiComm shall provide a defect liability period as per the stipulated period in the contract after which it will be the responsibility of the body corporate to enter into a Facilities Maintenance Agreement (FMA) for support of the system.
General Overview There are four parts to the SMATV solution:
• Free to Air Television is delivered using a Multi Tuner DVB-T compact headend;
• Foxtel PayTV services are delivered using a Frequency Stacking device designed in accordance with Foxtel specification FD/T/E/2325;
• Both these two units feed into an Optical Transmitter which modulates the RF signal onto a 1550nm optical wavelength; and
• The transmitter is fed into a specialised amplifier which boosts the optical signal before transmitting it cross the fibre network.
As part of the installation and commissioning of the Foxtel compliant solution OptiComm will:
• make application with Foxtel and received approval for deployment of the relevant system;
• complete the installation of the relevant system to Foxtel standards;
• complete all testing in accordance with Foxtel requirements;
• complete all relevant paperwork and make the submission to Foxtel for approval;
• manage the approval process to ensure this is completed in a timely manner;
The building owner has a responsibility to execute the Foxtel Agreement prior to the finalisation of the commissioning documentation. The Foxtel process involved in approval, commissioning, testing and acceptance of the system is detailed in Appendix 1.
Once commissioned, every apartment will receive the Free to Air and Foxtel signals at the nominated wall outlets. To gain access to Foxtel services, the individual apartment occupiers need to sign up to a subscription and install a Foxtel IQ decoder.
The antenna room will house four active pieces of wall mounted equipment to provide reticulation of the Free to Air and Foxtel signals down to the telecommunications equipment room. These are hardened devices, so no air ventilation or conditioning is required.
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Equipment Installed by OptiComm The equipment installed on the roof top by OptiComm includes:
• A 90 or 120cm satellite dish;11
• A Free to Air Yagi Television Antenna; and
• Optionally, a Yagi LTE antenna for out of band management
Figure 32 - Example Antenna installation on a building
11 Whilst a 90cm dish is permitted in the Foxtel requirements, OptiComm strongly recommends the use of a 120cm dish as this will provide a better quality of service and customer experience.
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Foxtel Approval Process Where OptiComm is providing the TV reticulation the below Foxtel approval process is used.
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Appendix 3. Documentation provided by OptiComm
Prior to practical completion, OptiComm will issue to the developer the following documents for any Building Services portion of the network (if relevant in the contract):
i. Maintenance and Operations Manual
a. System Description
b. Single Line Diagram of the Network topology
c. Build Services Rack Elevations
d. Equipment Register
e. IP Address Schema
f. Warranty and Service details
g. Register of supporting document
h. Register of supporting drawings (if applicable)
ii. Operating manuals or specification sheets for
a. Optical Transmitter
b. Optical Amplifer
c. Satellite Multistacker
d. Free to Air QAM Modulator
e. 24 Port Switch (if relevant)
f. Firewall (if relevant)
g. UPS (if relevant)
iii. Commissioning Records
a. Foxtel “Scope of Work” commissioning document for Multistacker
b. UPC ITC (if relevant)
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Appendix 4. Recommended testing of Category 6 Cables
The Australian Standard AS3080 stipulates that all structure cable systems shall be tested to the relevant specification. The following are guidelines are for builders to ensure a contractor conducts the testing of installed cables in accordance with the TIA-568 standard.
As a minimum, a contractor should be requested to provide the following test results for each data cable outlet:
• Basic or Verification Testing
This testing confirms continuity and the absence of faults that could have been created during installation.
• A wire map test
Is used to identify installation wiring errors, check for end-to-end pin-to-pin connectivity, split pairs and detects if there are any crossovers, shorts, split pairs, reversed pairs, opens or breaks or any other miswires.
• Physical length test
Measures the physical length of a cable to ensure they are less than 90 meters in length (the maximum recommended distance in TIA568)
With a Category 6 cable installation, it is important that installation practices be followed, because there may be some non-standard-compliant components or hardware products used. Here is a list of tests required by the TIA standard (TIA-568-B.2, Addendum 1 for Category 6 cabling and for Category 6 connecting hardware).
• Certification Testing Performed On-Site
This confirms that the installed cabling's performance meets or exceeds Category 6 cabling standards (as in TIA-568-B.2 and in B.2, Addendum 1). This "flavour" of testing also verifies that the installation practices used in the field were done "to standard," such as no untwisting of conductors for a distance of more than one-half inch up to termination.
• Insertion Loss (IL)—IL is a measure of signal loss.
• NEXT Loss (pair to pair)—NEXT is an unwanted signal (crosstalk). n FEXT loss and ELFEXT (pair to pair)—Far-end Crosstalk (FEXT) is crosstalk measured at the opposite end from which the disturbing signal is transmitted.
• Return Loss (RL)—RL is the measure of the reflected energy caused by impedance mismatches in the cabling system. Greater return loss means better performance.
• Propagation Delay (PD)—PD is the amount of time that passes between when a signal is transmitted and when it is received at the opposite end of a cable or the cabling. n Delay Skew (DS)—DS is the difference in propagation delay between the fastest and slowest pair in a cable or cabling system.
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Appendix 5. Conduit Sizes
P20 P50 Conduit P100