Why Higher Education Facilities Need Sustainable Cabling Networks

Most modern colleges and universities have already deployed structured cabling in their facilities. Standards for structured cabling are being updated year after year, however. In order to support the needs of tomorrow’s students, higher education facilities need sustainable cabling networks that are still viable after several years. They also need a roadmap for growth and expansion, as demand for bandwidth continues to increase.

Networks in Higher Education Facilities Need to Meet High Demands

Student activities and technology-based lessons are driving the need for increased network capacity on college campuses and within college facilities. The technology needs of colleges and universities are also unique when compared to other types of facilities. Scores of college students live in campus housing and rely on campus networks to do homework, turn in assignments, communicate with faculty, and collaborate with other students. They also rely on campus networks during their downtime. College students living in dorms need a high bandwidth network to play online games, access the cloud, communicate with friends and family, and use their mobile devices.

In fact, use of mobile devices on college campuses has skyrocketed, both for personal purposes and to aid in education. 81% of college students used tablets or smartphones to help themselves study in 2014. Students now expect to connect instantly and reliably wherever they are. In the future, we can expect nearly 100% of students to do the same.

Multimedia displays, conferencing tools, and other devices are also present within campus facilities. All of these technologies are heavily dependent upon the strength of the networks they are connected to. As student populations continue to grow, there is a need for additional access points, high-capacity cabling, and network sustainability.

Network security and campus security are also top priorities as college campuses often reach the size of small communities. While this can be a advantage for learning and collaboration, it presents a challenge when an institution needs to upgrade an integrated network. In order to accommodate more students and higher network demands, colleges and universities need a plan for sustainability. They need the assistance of experienced, certified cabling and IT professionals.

How to Build a Sustainable Cabling Network for Higher Education

When first designing a network for sustainability, cabling and IT professionals need to look at important work areas. In every college and university facility and on every campus, there are specific learning spaces that require dedicated attention when installing a network. Some spaces may be different sizes and involve different types of technological applications. For example, a small seminar room that contains a digital display and a single computer will have different network requirements than a large lecture hall.

Facilities devoted to different pedagogies will also have different network requirements, such as laboratories and arts buildings. Installing sustainable cabling networks in these types of facilities requires in-depth design work and the implementation of high-grade materials. To create an interconnected campus and to install networks in large facilities, cabling and IT professionals will need to use their design expertise to overcome distance limitations and reduce the risk of interference from various sources.

The overarching goal of network sustainability is to establish a network that lasts for multiple generations of new electronics and supports new trends in higher education technologies. Applications may include but are not limited to the following:

• Audio/Visual Applications
• Building Maintenance Systems
• Energy Management and IP Security Systems
• Digital Signage and Displays
• Internet of Things
• Cloud Applications
• Web Conferencing
• Adaptive Learning Technology

For longevity, every network also needs to be supportive of increasing student capacity.

A structured cabling system built to the highest standards is built to last for 10-15 years. This can be achieved by using the newest types of cabling and by designing the system to be easily maintained and expanded. Selecting lower-standard cabling has become a popular way to reduce IT budget spending, but this also leads to higher maintenance costs and the need to replace an existing system sooner. This, in turn, increases ongoing costs for the educational institution. Lower-standard structured cabling installations generally last only 5-7 years.

Partnering with a Certified Network Cabling Company

Companies that specialize in network cabling and structured wiring will select and deploy the highest quality hardware for each educational facility, guaranteeing longevity. Partnering with a company also allows institutions of higher learning to keep professionals at hand to assist with maintenance, support, and expansion. To build a sustainable network, cabling professionals must exceed government and industry standards. When a network lasts, it allows educational institutions to worry less about their IT maintenance so they can focus more on education students with the most innovative technology.