[41472] in Resnet-Forum
Re: new construction IT planning
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Sweetser, Frank E)
Fri Nov 18 15:30:58 2016
Content-Language: en-US
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="_000_CY4PR01MB2214FEB28A169CE78D72FA1BDBB00CY4PR01MB2214prod_"
MIME-Version: 1.0
Message-ID: <CY4PR01MB2214FEB28A169CE78D72FA1BDBB00@CY4PR01MB2214.prod.exchangelabs.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2016 20:29:54 +0000
Reply-To: Resnet Forum <RESNET-L@listserv.nd.edu>
From: "Sweetser, Frank E" <fs@WPI.EDU>
To: RESNET-L@listserv.nd.edu
In-Reply-To: <CF666EB4FA50864494545E228DAA186B9216C5CF@palm.evergreen.edu>
--_000_CY4PR01MB2214FEB28A169CE78D72FA1BDBB00CY4PR01MB2214prod_
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
We're already underway on constructing a new dorm, so we've gone through th=
ese same issues. Here's what we're planning on so far:
Wired ports:
One port per pillow. We're a highly technical school, with a fairly demand=
ing student user base, so we plan on activating all ports. This has two ni=
ce side affects. First, no activation requests
Second, it lets us get away with keeping our wireless network strictly EAP-=
TLS, by ensuring there's a wired port for media devices (at least it has so=
far - we may have to change this due to other factors, like data acquisiti=
on devices for research projects). If you already have an open or PSK wire=
less network, this one may not matter so much for you.
If you do decide to do only partial port activation, keep this in mind when=
designing your rack layout. Having switches interspersed with patch panel=
s is great for full activation, but can be a mess if you have lots of adds =
over time.
Wifi:
Pretty much same here. I would also make sure to specify to the contractor=
that they do normal termination and testing, but then hide the cables behi=
nd a blank cover plate, rather than making them visible to students. Also,=
run two cables if you can, as it'll give you more flexibility for options =
like serial console if you want, or multiple Ethernet activations for some =
higher data rate models.
I'd also keep an eye on multi-gig AP models. While I wouldn't buy one to l=
ight up a building today, it might make sense to for something opening in a=
few years (802.11ax or 802.11ay?), in which case you'd want to make sure y=
ou have multi-gig switches already in place.
POTS:
This is another one that depends on your student population. Two summers b=
ack, we coordinated with our telecomm folks, and stole the phone lines to r=
etrofit per-room AP drops at minimal cost. The telecomm guys were very hap=
py to get all of the extensions back, as they had something like < 1% utili=
zation, and our students were ecstatic to have good high density wireless c=
overage.
It also helps that we have a solid IP phone infrastructure on campus, so in=
the few cases where they really do need a handset phone with an on-campus =
extension (almost all student advisors) we just issue them a Nortel IP phon=
e, and have them use the switch port on the back if they also have their ow=
n wired device.
When we took out the in room phone lines, we also made up for it by adding =
wall phones to one or two locations on every floor. That way there's alway=
s a way to have someone call up for things like pizza delivery, as well as =
acting as an emergency phone.
Cell Service:
We have a few DAS systems that work well, though from what I understand the=
y're starting to fall out of favor these days. You might try talking to so=
me of your local cell providers to see if they'd be amenable to setting up =
a local tower. If they decide it's worth their time, they'll most likely c=
over all construction costs, and even pay you a modest sum for rent. Defin=
itely worth asking about.
That said, providers seem to be pushing calls over wifi, so this one also m=
ight not matter so much over time if you have a solid wireless network.
CATV:
We're still installing it, though mostly so we can continue matching the se=
rvice already available in existing dorms. Check with your current provide=
r, and they may have some good IPTV options. I've heard of at least one or=
two universities (can't remember who, unfortunately) who have a deal where=
students just get issued a roku and an account that gives them their "loca=
l" channels, in addition to laptop and mobile device streaming choices.
Hope that all helps!
Frank Sweetser
Director of Network Operations
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
"For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant, and wrong.=
" - HL Mencken
________________________________
From: Resnet Forum <RESNET-L@LISTSERV.ND.EDU> on behalf of McHugh, Noel <Mc=
HughN@EVERGREEN.EDU>
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2016 2:09 PM
To: RESNET-L@LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: new construction IT planning
This winter/spring we will work with an architecture firm to plan two new r=
esidence halls here at Evergreen (~500 residents) to open in 2019.
I know some of this has been covered in some recent threads, but I'd love t=
o hear feedback on my initial pre-planning IT thoughts before our budget fo=
lks tell me to start cutting things out. What am I missing? Where am I of=
f base? Where should I stick to my guns on this plan and where should I co=
mpromise for our fiscal reality?
=B7 Wired ports
o one port per pillow.
o oversubscribe switches - purchase switches to connect 25% of wired port=
s, connect ports as requested only. Make sure IDF rack is only 25% full.
=B7 WiFi
o Install one ceiling drop per room.
o Likely install one AP every 2-3 rooms depending on size, but have enoug=
h infrastructure for future expansion and easy reconfiguration of AP locati=
ons.
o Work with current vendor (Aruba) sales engineers to pre-plan WiFi, but =
have enough
=B7 POTS (my area of greatest uncertainty)
o Current halls have wired phone jacks in each room. Residents call Cent=
ury Link to get a phone.
o Cell service on our wooded campus is marginal, but still most people do=
n't get landlines.
o Don't want to install a bunch of infrastructure that won't be used, but=
having trouble imagining no option for residents to purchase landline.
o Could we dual purpose wired ports to a telco demarcation point? Experi=
ence with local telco is that communication with install techs is virtually=
impossible.
=B7 Cell Service
o Would love to host multi-network cell tower or small cell on new buildi=
ng, not sure of feasibility here.
=B7 CATV
o Install coax to each lounge area for HD TV lounges.
o Don't see installing coax to bedrooms even though a handful of students=
are still purchasing their own cable modems for higher speed internet than=
we provide.
=B7 Other areas I'm missing?
Thanks for any feedback and advice as we get ready for this exciting new pr=
oject!
Noel McHugh
Residential IT Manager
The Evergreen State College
www.evergreen.edu/housing/new<http://www.evergreen.edu/housing/new>
___________________________________________________ You are subscribed to t=
he ResNet-L mailing list.
To subscribe, unsubscribe or search the archives, go to http://LISTSERV.ND.=
EDU/archives/resnet-l.html ________________________________________________=
___
___________________________________________________
You are subscribed to the ResNet-L mailing list.
To subscribe, unsubscribe or search the archives,
go to http://LISTSERV.ND.EDU/archives/resnet-l.html
___________________________________________________
--_000_CY4PR01MB2214FEB28A169CE78D72FA1BDBB00CY4PR01MB2214prod_
Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv=3D"Content-Type" content=3D"text/html; charset=3Diso-8859-=
1">
<style type=3D"text/css" style=3D"display:none;"><!-- P {margin-top:0;margi=
n-bottom:0;} --></style>
</head>
<body dir=3D"ltr">
<div id=3D"divtagdefaultwrapper" style=3D"font-size:12pt;color:#000000;font=
-family:Calibri,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" dir=3D"ltr">
<p>We're already underway on constructing a new dorm, so we've gone through=
these same issues. Here's what we're planning on so far:</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>Wired ports:</p>
<p><br>
</p>
<p>One port per pillow. We're a highly technical school, with a fairl=
y demanding student user base, so we plan on activating all ports. Th=
is has two nice side affects. First, n<span style=3D"font-size: =
12pt;">o</span><span style=3D"font-size: 12pt;"> activation
requests</span></p>
<p><span style=3D"font-size: 12pt;"><br>
</span></p>
<p><span style=3D"font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style=3D"font-size: 12pt;"=
>Second, it lets us get away with keeping our wireless network strictl=
y EAP-TLS, by ensuring there's a wired port for media devices (at least it =
has so far - we may have to change this due
to other factors, like data acquisition devices for research projects). &n=
bsp;If you already have an open or PSK wireless network, this one may not m=
atter so much for you.</span></p>
<p><span style=3D"font-size: 12pt;"><br>
</span></p>
<p></p>
<div>If you do decide to do only partial port activation, keep this in mind=
when designing your rack layout. Having switches interspersed with p=
atch panels is great for full activation, but can be a mess if you have lot=
s of adds over time.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Wifi:</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Pretty much same here. I would also make sure to specify to the =
contractor that they do normal termination and testing, but then hide the c=
ables behind a blank cover plate, rather than making them visible to studen=
ts. Also, run two cables if you can,
as it'll give you more flexibility for options like serial console if you =
want, or multiple Ethernet activations for some higher data rate model=
s.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>I'd also keep an eye on multi-gig AP models. While I wouldn't bu=
y one to light up a building today, it might make sense to for something op=
ening in a few years (802.11ax or 802.11ay?), in which case you'd want to m=
ake sure you have multi-gig switches
already in place.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>POTS:</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>This is another one that depends on your student population. Two=
summers back, we coordinated with our telecomm folks, and stole the phone =
lines to retrofit per-room AP drops at minimal cost. The telecomm guy=
s were very happy to get all of the extensions
back, as they had something like < 1% utilization, and our students wer=
e ecstatic to have good high density wireless coverage.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>It also helps that we have a solid IP phone infrastructure on campus, =
so in the few cases where they really do need a handset phone with an =
on-campus extension (almost all student advisors) we just issue them a=
Nortel IP phone, and have them use the switch
port on the back if they also have their own wired device. </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>When we took out the in room phone lines, we also made up for it by ad=
ding wall phones to one or two locations on every floor. That way the=
re's always a way to have someone call up for things like pizza delivery, a=
s well as acting as an emergency phone.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Cell Service:</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>We have a few DAS systems that work well, though from what I understan=
d they're starting to fall out of favor these days. You might try tal=
king to some of your local cell providers to see if they'd be amenable to s=
etting up a local tower. If they decide
it's worth their time, they'll most likely cover all construction costs, a=
nd even pay you a modest sum for rent. Definitely worth asking about.=
</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>That said, providers seem to be pushing calls over wifi, so this one a=
lso might not matter so much over time if you have a solid wireless network=
.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>CATV:</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>We're still installing it, though mostly so we can continue matching t=
he service already available in existing dorms. Check with your curre=
nt provider, and they may have some good IPTV options. I've heard of =
at least one or two universities (can't remember
who, unfortunately) who have a deal where students just get issued a roku =
and an account that gives them their "local" channels, in additio=
n to laptop and mobile device streaming choices.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Hope that all helps!</div>
<p></p>
<p><br>
</p>
<div id=3D"Signature">
<div id=3D"divtagdefaultwrapper" style=3D"font-size:12pt; color:#000000; ba=
ckground-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">
<div class=3D"BodyFragment"><font size=3D"2"><span style=3D"font-size:10pt"=
>
<div class=3D"PlainText">Frank Sweetser<br>
Director of Network Operations<br>
Worcester Polytechnic Institute<br>
"For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant, and w=
rong." - HL Mencken</div>
</span></font></div>
</div>
</div>
<br>
<br>
<div style=3D"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<hr tabindex=3D"-1" style=3D"display:inline-block; width:98%">
<div id=3D"divRplyFwdMsg" dir=3D"ltr"><font face=3D"Calibri, sans-serif" co=
lor=3D"#000000" style=3D"font-size:11pt"><b>From:</b> Resnet Forum <RESN=
ET-L@LISTSERV.ND.EDU> on behalf of McHugh, Noel <McHughN@EVERGREEN.ED=
U><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, November 18, 2016 2:09 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> RESNET-L@LISTSERV.ND.EDU<br>
<b>Subject:</b> new construction IT planning</font>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
This winter/spring we will work with an architecture firm to plan two new r=
esidence halls here at Evergreen (~500 residents) to open in 2019.</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
I know some of this has been covered in some recent threads, but I’d =
love to hear feedback on my initial pre-planning IT thoughts before our bud=
get folks tell me to start cutting things out. What am I missing?&nbs=
p; Where am I off base? Where should I stick to
my guns on this plan and where should I compromise for our fiscal reality?=
</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:Symbol"><span style=3D"">=B7<span style=3D"font:=
7.0pt "Times New Roman""> &nbs=
p;
</span></span></span>Wired ports</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>one port per pillow.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>oversubscribe switches - purchase switches to connect =
25% of wired ports, connect ports as requested only. Make sure IDF ra=
ck is only 25% full.
</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:Symbol"><span style=3D"">=B7<span style=3D"font:=
7.0pt "Times New Roman""> &nbs=
p;
</span></span></span>WiFi</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Install one ceiling drop per room. </p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Likely install one AP every 2-3 rooms depending on siz=
e, but have enough infrastructure for future expansion and easy reconfigura=
tion of AP locations.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Work with current vendor (Aruba) sales engineers to pr=
e-plan WiFi, but have enough
</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:Symbol"><span style=3D"">=B7<span style=3D"font:=
7.0pt "Times New Roman""> &nbs=
p;
</span></span></span>POTS (my area of greatest uncertainty)</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Current halls have wired phone jacks in each room.&nbs=
p; Residents call Century Link to get a phone.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Cell service on our wooded campus is marginal, but sti=
ll most people don’t get landlines.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Don’t want to install a bunch of infrastructure =
that won’t be used, but having trouble imagining no option for reside=
nts to purchase landline.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Could we dual purpose wired ports to a telco demarcati=
on point? Experience with local telco is that communication with inst=
all techs is virtually impossible.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:Symbol"><span style=3D"">=B7<span style=3D"font:=
7.0pt "Times New Roman""> &nbs=
p;
</span></span></span>Cell Service</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Would love to host multi-network cell tower or small c=
ell on new building, not sure of feasibility here.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:Symbol"><span style=3D"">=B7<span style=3D"font:=
7.0pt "Times New Roman""> &nbs=
p;
</span></span></span>CATV</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Install coax to each lounge area for HD TV lounges.</p=
>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-heig=
ht: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:"Courier New""><span style=3D"">o<span=
style=3D"font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Don’t see installing coax to bedrooms even thoug=
h a handful of students are still purchasing their own cable modems for hig=
her speed internet than we provide.</p>
<p style=3D"text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; line-height: 1=
06%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<span style=3D"font-family:Symbol"><span style=3D"">=B7<span style=3D"font:=
7.0pt "Times New Roman""> &nbs=
p;
</span></span></span>Other areas I’m missing?</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
Thanks for any feedback and advice as we get ready for this exciting new pr=
oject!</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
Noel McHugh</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
Residential IT Manager</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
The Evergreen State College</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<a href=3D"http://www.evergreen.edu/housing/new" style=3D"color: rgb(5, 99,=
193); text-decoration: underline;">www.evergreen.edu/housing/new</a>
</p>
<p style=3D"margin: 0in 0in 8pt; line-height: 106%; font-size: 11pt; font-f=
amily: Calibri, sans-serif;">
</p>
</div>
___________________________________________________ You are subscribed to t=
he ResNet-L mailing list.
<p>To subscribe, unsubscribe or search the archives, go to <a href=3D"http:=
//LISTSERV.ND.EDU/archives/resnet-l.html" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:=
rgb(5, 99, 193); text-decoration: underline;">
http://LISTSERV.ND.EDU/archives/resnet-l.html</a> _________________________=
__________________________
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>
___________________________________________________
You are subscribed to the ResNet-L mailing list.
<p>
To subscribe, unsubscribe or search the archives,
go to <a href=3D"http://LISTSERV.ND.EDU/archives/resnet-l.html" target=3D"_blank">http://LISTSERV.ND.EDU/archives/resnet-l.html</a>
___________________________________________________
--_000_CY4PR01MB2214FEB28A169CE78D72FA1BDBB00CY4PR01MB2214prod_--
