Winnipeg School Division #1
LAN Network

The requirements of this project were;

• Provide a solution to design, install and test an estimated 16,000 Cat5E drops in approximately 90 buildings
• Provide a solution for closet electronic requirements (switches, etc.)
• Design backbone connectivity (fibre, copper, voice, video and data)
• Provide the required electrical power for every closet.

Once the design and installer are chosen, the next most critical aspect of any communications system install is the pathway or foundation. The pathway is required by code to support the distribution cable in tray or certified support (J-Hooks) their entire length (J-Hooks every four feet). The Cat5E cable would not be able to support the faster speeds of today’s networks without proper support. There are two separate paths - one for backbone and one for distribution. You will also notice that all drops are supported there entire length, regardless of the number of drops in the path. A single drop needs the same commitment to pathway as a trunk of 100 drops.

The last major concern in designing a total communications distribution system is in how the closets are designed. At WESCAN, we ensure that the design is both very functional from an IT technician's point of view as well as very flexible. Again, the closet design must be complete and thorough in order to enable the goal of providing an ‘Open Communications Distribution System'. This is accomplished by ensuring the closet design considers all of the customer's needs and concerns. You will notice that there is the proper amount of cable management for the install. Also, the component placement in the closet is a major concern in achieving an ‘Open Communications Distribution System’. Our expertise and professionalism ensures the proper closet design.

Owner: The Winnipeg School Division #1
Contract Amount: $5,200,000.00
Completed: 2003 (ongoing)