Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1043933
November/December 2018 I 19 Having analyzed the various topologies, FTTZ emerges as the best option. The basic design of FTTZ is not only extremely close to the HCP (SCP), but also to the wireless SO. It is only missing some copper connections to a dedicated cabinet in either the TR or electrical room where building management equipment would be located. For an optimized design combining both ICT and building management for IoT networks, the most flexible solution is a modified FTTZ with extra copper links to another dedicated cabinet. What is Coming Next? Just like the telephone network was absorbed by the ICT network, now is the time for building management to also be combined. However, there are some radical changes, not only with IoT devices, but also with LED lighting that can now be powered with structured cabling. There is a big question in the industry whether 4-pair cable is really adaptable, since it is designed for high data rates. LEDs mainly require power, along with very low data rates for control, making the 4-pair cable somewhat of an overkill. The standards are evolving with a new project called SPE (single-pair Ethernet). The ICT industry will soon discover new single-pair cables with new single-pair connectors designed to provide the correct power with low data rates for longer distances, and maybe even daisy-chain! Look for IEEE 802.3cg, IEEE 802.3bw and IEEE 802.3bp for the data applications and IEEE 802.3bu for the power aspects. For cabling, TIA and ISO/IEC are both working to propose the right specifications. Also expected are advances in SPE switches, so that the integration of SPE in an existing network will be extremely easy in the modified FTTZ design. If working with a traditional star topology, FTTO, or PON, integration may be more difficult and complicated. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: Gautier Humbert, RCDD, is the standards coordinator for Legrand Digital Infrastructures. He is also the BICSI District Chair for Mainland Europe. Gautier is a member of working groups in multiple French, European, International and BICSI standards organizations, such as ISO/IEC JTC1/SC25, IEC TC48, IEC TC46, CLC/TC 215, CLC/TC 46X, and CLC/TC86BXA. In 2012, Gautier received the BICSI European Member of the Year Award. He can be reached at: Gautier.humbert@legrand.fr.