Physical Infrastructure

This area addresses the requirements for the generic cabling system on campus, both fibre and twisted pair. The requirements to the infrastructure in telecommunication and server rooms are also dealt with. This includes power supply, ventilation and cooling, fire protection as well as general ICT room plan guidelines. Recommendations for building an AV (audio-visual) infrastructure in lecture halls and meeting rooms is also covered.

Cloud implementation using OpenNebula

Cloud computing is one of the hot topics that we hear about every day, and is becoming more and more popular. In this best-practice document, we discuss how to create a private cloud with an open solution and technology.

Service priorisation as a part of the data centre continuity plan

This Best Practices document focuses on the prioritisation of services and service platforms as part of the business continuity plan, when an unforeseen major incident occurs at the data centre, such as a power outage with no reserve power immediately available, or a malfunction in the cooling system that cannot be repaired right away. During an incident such as these, a great many services may have to be shut down. This document does not list all issues in full detail; it merely provides examples that provide a good starting point for thinking about the documentation, instructions and operating processes in your own environment that will be part of your business continuity plan.

Providing high network availability at data centres

The massive virtualisation, technical development of data centres and the growing functions and demands on centralised IT services are accompanied by growth in the importance of technicians ensuring the stability and availability of network services provided.

The increased availability of services operated at data centres requires redundancy, best on each infrastructure layer of the data centre.

This document is focuses on and describes computer IP network design and technology in the area of data centres, which help ensure the increased availability of virtualised systems.

Virtualization of servers using XenServer open source virtualization platform

This document describes the basic principles of server virtualisation using Citrix company product. The essence of virtualisation is based on using XenServer tools, which need to be installed on a physical machine, as well as XenCenter management software, which needs to be installed on the management console, which should be located in the same part of the network as the servers on which XenServer is installed.

Virtualisation of Network Devices 

This document considers the implementation of selected network services in such a way that it will be possible to operate them in the environment of modern data centre virtual infrastructures. The document describes the benefits of virtualisation, but also looks at the disadvantages – when it is better not to use virtualisation. Included here are the requirements for virtual infrastructure, since the network devices used here have slightly different requirements to classical virtual servers in terms of network integration.

Guidelines for the Design of HE Buildings, ICT and AV Infrastructure
This document provides guidance on the role of ICT on campus construction projects and on how ICT personnel in the higher education (HE) sector should proceed in order to safeguard the ICT needs of their respective institutions. New building and major renovation projects within the sector may involve different forms of organisation and staffing. In order to achieve the best possible result, it is important that ICT personnel are involved from the early phases of building projects.

Requirements for Generic Cabling Systems

When setting up a generic cabling system, it is recommended that the latest version of any current cabling standards are used. The standard of workmanship is considered extremely important. Detailed installation documentation is an absolute requirement in new buildings and major renovations, it is important to ensure the allocation of necessary space and pathways in order to enable the establishment of a fully functional IT environment.

Requirements for the Design of ICT Rooms

An important condition for efficient ICT systems is that ICT rooms are of satisfactory quality. ICT rooms need to be optimally located in the building. It is important to carefully analyse the institution’s current and future space requirements. Factors related to security, fire resistance, noise, heating, electrical fields, conduit paths, equipment transport, floor loads and any extrinsic general building structures must be carefully considered.

Power Supply Requirements for ICT Rooms

The installation of standby power generators is recommended for essential ICT rooms. A centralised online UPS should be installed to supply all ICT rooms. Main electrical panels supplying essential ICT rooms shall be constructed according to Form 4-b in the EU norm NEK EN 60439-1. The need for overvoltage protection of the distribution grids must be assessed and creation of a single earth potential in ICT rooms is very important.

Ventilation and Cooling Requirements for ICT Rooms

The design and installation of ventilation and cooling systems must focus on energy conservation. The preferred systems are based on the “free cooling” principle, and are combined with supplementary compressor-based cooling systems, which operate when the external air temperature does not permit adequate cooling. In essential ICT rooms, the emphasis of cooling systems should be on redundancy to ensure that any faults do not result in shutting down operations. A BMS (Building Management System) must be established to regulate operation of the ventilation and cooling systems, and to monitor room temperature and humidity.

Fire Protection Requirements for ICT Rooms

In general, all requirements stipulated by fire detection and extinguishing equipment regulation must be met. All ICT rooms must be equipped with smoke detectors. Essential ICT rooms must be equipped with an early detection facility, based on laser aspiration detectors. Less-essential ICT rooms must be equipped with high-sensitivity point smoke detectors. Other ICT rooms must be equipped with point smoke detectors similar to those employed in the remainder of the building.

Functional Description of AV Equipment in Lecture Halls and Meeting Rooms

A functional description for recommended AV-equipment solutions on campus is provided in this document. This includes requirements for building construction and technical installations, sound, picture, control system, requirements for remote lecturing, videoconferences, and burglar-proofing equipment. A system description is given for large lecture halls (over 80 seats), smaller lecture halls, seminar/classrooms, meeting rooms and videoconferencing rooms. Finally, a plan for relevant integration and interaction with other contractors is covered.

Operational Support Systems and AV Transmission

This document deals with resources shared by a number of AV rooms used in connection with operational support and external and internal audio and video transmission. Topics that are covered include: monitoring and remote control of AV installations, broadcasting/streaming of lectures, multi-party videoconferences, and infosystems.

Technical and Functional Requirements for AV Equipment

This document outlines the necessary requirements for ensuring the correct quality and uniform solutions for AV equipment. The requirements provide guidance for all AV equipment purchases, regardless of complexity or size. Covered areas, divided into main topics, include: overall system requirements, requirements to the sound system, the video system and control systems.