Next phase in IP Convergence

Panduit network infrastructure solutions support next phase in IP Convergence.

Next Generation cabling infrastructure to enable intelligent buildings as industry standard within 5 years.

Panduit , a global supplier of network cabling infrastructure, has today highlighted the intelligent building as the next development opportunity for IP convergence.

The company's next generation Zone Cabling Infrastructure solution makes it possible for companies to accelerate their converged network strategies by allowing powerful building automation systems (BAS) to be supported on the same network infrastructure.

The solution opens up new opportunities for companies to reduce the total cost of network ownership and have greater operational control across key business operations.

Brett Swett, business development manager at Panduit, commented, 'The first wave of convergence began when voice communications started moving onto data networks.

Businesses are now looking for additional efficiency gains and cost savings through IP convergence.

A facility's security, access control, climate control and lighting systems have all traditionally been run on dedicated, divergent systems.

They are now prime contenders for IP convergence".

"The key to convergence is the integration of individual systems onto a single infrastructure platform that can achieve a high level of interoperability between building systems.

In addition to enabling optimisation, convergence of these four systems onto a single IP infrastructure considerably reduces installation costs of the cabling infrastructure.

Panduit estimates savings of between 60% and 90% in the initial cabling costs alone".

"Further cost savings are available through ongoing reductions in energy usage.

For example, with convergence of systems in place, scheduling a meeting using Microsoft Outlook will communicate to the lighting system to turn light fixtures on and off and adjust the HVAC system based on the number of people scheduled to attend the meeting.

Not only does this enhance the work place environment but, according to the US Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org), by intelligently managing when and how devices within a building consume power, total energy used within the facility is reduced by up to 30%".

Panduit provides the complete cabling infrastructure requirements for intelligent buildings.

Multiple systems can be connected to the IP backbone in distributed zones.

Zone cabling provides organisations with a far more logical and flexible infrastructure than traditional cabling topologies.

Panduit is uniquely able to support current intelligent building vendors with an open-architecture cabling infrastructure.

The PanZone product line includes a BAS enclosure that supports connectivity for both voice and data communications and BAS devices.

This means that BAS, which have not yet been fully adapted for IP, can be attached through a PanZone enclosure to the IP network.

Brett Swett concluded, "Converging BAS onto the IP network stands on its own merits, however, environmental legislation, limiting power use, is likely to accelerate adoption.

We expect that intelligent systems, converged on the IP network, managing the use of a building will become the standard for new-build and refurbishment projects within the next five years.".

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