The costs associated with voice and data networking for a new building fall into 4 basic categories:
With sufficient advance planning CIT Telecommunications will normally expect to draw on a bond to fund the associated costs. Included are:
Trenching and underground conduit to the building. This can be very expensive depending upon routing, digging conditions and other variables. Generally with sufficient time for planning, the one-time costs should be covered by a Telecommunications bond to be paid back out of port charges from building occupants.
In some cases, particularly where buildings that are not contiguous to the main campus, direct underground connections may not be possible. In these cases a common carrier connection will be required. Installation and ongoing leased line charges are not covered by Telecommunications.
Campus backbone and router connectivity. This connection will typically be a fiberoptic connection carrying 100 megabits or more. Most larger buildings should be connected via gigabit if possible.
Building connection to the UVM (656) Meridian telephone switch. This will either be fiberoptic or copper circuits depending upon costs and logistics. Performance is comparable.
Additional voice switching equipment. This could include either additional central voice switching equipment or a "fiberoptic remote shelf". Space for remote switching equipment, if needed, should be included in the building costs. Telecommunications can provide details.
The above costs (except as noted) will be recovered through the normal monthly voice-data rate ($45 per month voice/data port in FY 2001).
This includes the costs to covered as part of the building project funds:
Wiring closets, risers, conduits, cable trays, etc. Building plans must include space for network electronics (e.g. "hubs" or "switches") and cabling connections. The space must be considered in addition to, and separate from, electrical wiring space with adequate ventilation and service clearances to meet safety, equipment and electrical code requirements.
Inside cabling, jacks,face plates,punch down blocks, racking, etc. for each voice or data connection. The specifications for this wiring should be approved by Telecommunications & Network Services. Note that the time and materials costs for installing this cabling after the building construction is completed are much greater and are normally covered by the requesting department.
Inside cabling for campus academic video (as desired). If this will ever be needed, it will be substantially less expensive to install it with the other cabling.
This includes networking equipment and labor for the installation of network data jacks. Although earlier connections have been shared 10-megabit connections, we would install switched (not shared) 100-megabit connections into the gigabit backbone for this building. Because the one-time $100 per network jack installation charge is not sufficient to cover actual costs, they are subsidized by the ongoing port charges. The following are covered by the network connection fee:
Inside networking equipment (switched 100-megabit hubs for new construction);
Labor for punchdowns, wall jacks & electronics installation;
Testing network equipment and connections.
This includes telephone instruments (which can be rented or purchased) and computer equipment (computers, printers, etc.) which are a departmental responsibility.