Planning for communications

Your installation requires a variety of communication equipment to support the computer installation. Telephone lines, fax lines, and the remote support facility (RSF) are just some of the types of communications that you will need to have installed.

You will have to refer to specific product planning documentation for each type of communication equipment that you are going to install. The main tasks to prepare for communication equipment are:

1. Get an exact list of the communication features that your company ordered:
   1. Make copies of the communication-feature planning list.
   2. Determine the specific communication features on order from your company's copy of the purchase agreement.
   3. Check the types of communication features and enter the quantities of feature cards and cables on the communication-feature planning list. This list is your record of communication features to help in your planning and coordinating tasks.
2. Prepare a communication-feature planning list:
   • Use a separate planning list for each communication feature. On the list, connect the device and modem blocks with lines to indicate the feature's arrangement in the network. Indicate whether the network is switched or nonswitched. The network-diagram part of the list is for typical networks. If enough space is not available on the planning list, use additional lists or separate sheets of paper to draw the network.
   • Finally, check or fill in the remaining part of the communication-feature planning list. You might not be able to answer some items, such as the modem model, until you meet with the local communication company representative.
3. Meet with the local communication company representative to order needed equipment and to discuss service:
   • Define the equipment and wiring to be provided by the communication company.
   • Determine the power outlets needed for communication company equipment.
   • Place an order for the needed services.
   • Schedule the installation work the communication company will do before the arrival of your server.
   • Install a telephone for the service representative, if recommended.
   • Define the options when you order a handset with a switched line.
4. Meet with the modem vendor to discuss the following items:
   • Options such as switched or leased line, line speed, auto answer, and clocking must be known.
   • Who will install and who will service the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) modem.
   • What modems will require couplers, jacks, and plugs.
   • Match the coupler and the modem.
   • The telephone company must be notified of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) registration number and ringer equivalence number.
   • Modems that require power outlets.
5. Coordinate the installation of your equipment with remote locations to be sure the proper equipment is installed on time at both locations. Be sure the equipment at your location is compatible with the equipment at the remote location. Pay particular attention to these items:
   • The communicating devices must use the same type of communication features.
   • The devices must operate at the same speed (bits per second).
   • The modems must be compatible.
   • The couplers must match the modem.
   • The modem strapping (jumpers) must be the same at both ends of the line.
   • Properly coordinating remote locations can prevent problems such as mismatched communication equipment. A copy of the completed communication feature planning list should be sent to the remote locations before the equipment is installed.
6. Determine and establish wiring practices for privately owned lines:
   • Do not route your communication lines parallel with power lines. Power transients can cause electrical noise in your communication lines. Noise can also be caused by electric motors, radios, and radar equipment.
   • Use shielded outdoor-type cable where communication lines exit a building.
   • Install shunt-type lightning protection on all exterior communication lines, whether they are buried or overhead.
   • Ground the shields of overhead communication lines where cables enter or exit junction boxes or at other points where the shield is broken. For buried lines, ground the shield at each building exit or entry.
   • Shield continuity must not be broken where the ground conductor connects to the shield. Cable that includes a drain conductor is easier to install when multiple grounding is needed.

See the applicable national and local safety standards for communication regulations and requirements.