Network Communications News (NCN) November 2016 | Page 19

Cisco Systems

PROJECT FOCUS

Cisco deployed a Panduit
copper and fibre cabling system.

All systems go

By enabling IoT capabilities through a single converged IP network Panduit allowed Cisco Systems to
increase its network availability and productivity while enhancing the workplace experience for employees.
Michael Crane finds out more.

C

isco understands the importance
of the Internet of Things (IoT)
and shares a collective vision
with many of its technology
partners, focusing on solutions
and outcomes when constructing
a smart, connected and digitised
building. When Cisco decided to occupy
four floors in the newly constructed
Oxford Properties building in Toronto,
it envisioned a facility that incorporates
many in-building technologies to make
it one of the world’s smartest buildings,
demonstrating leadership in the industry.

Business challenges
The Oxford Properties high rise (RBC
Waterpark Place III) was a prime

location for Cisco’s new Canadian
headquarters. The entire base building
infrastructure was equipped with a
converged backbone network which
the Cisco Canada Smart & Connected
Real Estate team previously worked on
with Oxford Properties. The four floors
accommodating the new headquarters
would occupy over 100,000ft2 of
employee office space, meeting rooms,
system engineer and testing labs,
solution demo rooms and an executive
briefing facility for customers.
Prior to relocating, Cisco IT and
the Smart & Connected Real Estate
team collaborated to determine the
challenges in the current building as they
related to employee workplace mobility,
efficiency, and productivity. The Cisco

teams developed a plan to incorporate
traditional and non-traditional
technologies to greatly enhance the
workplace experience for employees.
Non-traditional technologies
included IP Power over Ethernet (PoE)
lighting, environmental monitoring,
IP PoE heating, ventilation and
air conditioning (HVAC) controls,
automation and energy management.
Traditional technologies included
Voice over IP (VoIP), IP security, IP door
access control and wireless access
points (WAPs). Cisco required a robust
physical infrastructure that enables all of
these technologies and lowers capital
expenses. In addition, Cisco required
adequate space to keep pace with future
growth of the company.
19

19-20 Project Focus.indd 19

01/11/2016 14:57