A structured cabling system with almost 7500 outlets has been supplied to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in Newport, Gwent, by the AMP NETCONNECT Division of Tyco Electronics in conjunction with systems integrator CSI on behalf of Emperian Ltd.
The system, built around Category 5e copper cabling and a fibre backbone with over 1300 fusion splices, forms a key part of the refurbishment and expansion of the campus-style complex at the Newport site, which will eventually form the hub of the National Statistics operation in the UK.
Compiling economic and social data for the United Kingdom, the Office of National Statistics is the official source for authoritative, accurate, relevant and independent information on the UK's economy and society. Much of the work of National Statistics involves the regular collection, analysis and production of statistical information at monthly, quarterly and annual intervals. National Statistics also provides specialist services and outputs tailored to individual customer requirements.
The Office of National Statistics has six major office complexes spread across the UK, but the one in Newport, Gwent, has been identified as having the biggest growth potential because of its 'out of town' location. It currently employs around 1300 staff, but this figure is expected to rise as further wings of the existing office complex are taken over.
The Newport building dated from the 1970s, and was not designed with modern communication systems in mind. However, with the increasing voice and data workload being imposed, coupled with the intention to install VoIP communications in the near future, it was clear that a full structured cabling network was needed.
The decision was taken two years ago to put the work out to tender, and the order was won by CSI, who had already carried out other successful installations for the ONS and other Government departments. CSI had also had a long and successful history of using AMP NETCONNECT products on projects of this type, and was able to help the in-house information management team on developing a system that not only met existing requirements but also featured a high degree of 'future-proofing'.
Installing the system presented a number of challenges: not least the fact that the building lacked the underfloor space that typically houses structured cabling systems in modern offices. This meant that most of the cabling has had to be installed above the ceiling tiles, with the void space being only 50mm.
The work also had to be carried out on a fairly tight time scale, and with the minimum of disruption to the ongoing work of the ONS. As a result, most of the work was pre-arranged to be completed outside normal working hours.
Particular attention was paid to the layout of the cabling cabinets, where CSI used their own comb-type looming tool to ensure a tidy layout throughout. CSI pride themselves on the quality and reliability of their work, something that is confirmed by the fact that they carry out maintenance on other ONS sites where they are regularly asked to test and fault-find other contractors' faulty outlets and wiring.
'Fortunately, we don't have problems of this type with the Tyco Electronics products', says Mark Russell of CSI: 'We have a lot of experience in testing cabling installations using advanced test equipment, and I can honestly say that we have not had a single failure on this contract that could be attributed to an AMP NETCONNECT component.'
Work on the installation started in May 2004, and the final job was completed by mid-December, well ahead of the Christmas deadline originally specified by the ONS.
Mark A. Harris, IM Manager Newport, comments: 'CSI spent eight months on site installing around 7500 copper outlets and approximately 1300 fibre fusion splices. Throughout the installation process, they were sensitive to both technical and business needs, giving a high degree of attention to detail whilst still managing to offer a number of cost saving options.
Around 90% of the new network is now live, and we have yet to find a single faulty connection: a powerful testament to the high quality of work carried out.'
