Project Description

This paper is a cooperative effort by members of the Communications Cable & Connectivity Association (CCCA; www.cccassoc.org) and key partner contributors that together innovate smart building infrastructure components, establish best practices and standards, and assess and certify smart buildings. It describes the latest trends and technologies in the evolution of smart buildings, including new cable types and cabling practices, unique termination spaces, and methods for delivering power and connectivity. In addition, the paper covers the latest codes and standards that address these new technologies and identifies best practices for design and deployment.

Traditional commercial buildings employ a vast array of building systems, each with its own unique operating system, software protocol, and infrastructure. Previous infrastructure in a traditional building typically entailed unique layouts and cabling media for Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. IT and OT groups were also historically divided, with little to no crossover of the systems that each managed. With smart buildings now considered the gold standard for commercial properties and meeting evolving environment, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, those lines of division are becoming increasingly blurred.

Increased Internet Protocol (IP) adoption now allows previously disparate building automation systems to operate on a common Ethernet network without gateways. This allows seamless integration of building systems onto a single platform, creating the foundation of a smart building that optimizes operations, maintenance, sustainability, occupant experience, and overall cost savings.