With the rapid advancement of information technology, digital infrastructure has become a strategic priority for airports aiming to strengthen their core competitiveness. Consequently, airports nationwide are investing heavily in digitalization and the construction of advanced information systems.
Typically, airport information systems are organized into several layers. The foundation is the integrated cabling and network system, which acts as the backbone for all IT infrastructure. Above this are layers consisting of hardware devices and system platforms, and finally, a variety of application systems.
Integrated cabling serves as the “information highway” of our digital society, functioning much like the central nervous system in the human body—wherever the cabling extends, the system’s capabilities follow.
This integrated cabling system forms a unified communications network, using standardized components and open architecture principles. It guarantees high-speed transmission of data and digital voice throughout the airport via computer networks, enabling centralized control and efficient information sharing.
As network and digital technologies evolve, systems such as digital broadcasting, surveillance, and geographic information increasingly rely on integrated cabling for network transmission. This advancement has significantly increased the importance and demand for robust cabling systems.
1. Key Considerations When Selecting Airport Integrated Cabling Systems
Airport terminal buildings are among the most complex structures, containing over 20 civil aviation information and electronic subsystems. These terminals feature diverse equipment, expansive public spaces, and ever-evolving application requirements. The following criteria are essential when selecting integrated cabling systems for airport environments:
(1) System Flexibility and Adaptability
The cabling system should be flexible enough to accommodate changes in spaces and equipment layout. Modifications should be achievable with simple jumper changes rather than extensive rewiring. Such flexibility ensures the system can meet the transmission needs of computers, data terminals, voice equipment, fax machines, and other graphic devices.
(2) Expandability and Networking Capability
The system should allow for easy expansion or changes in network topology (including star, bus, or ring structures) regardless of device locations. It should also support the creation of various logical subnets and network segments.
(3) Ease of Maintenance and Management
Maintenance should be straightforward, with modular connectors and plug-in extenders to simplify inspections and repairs. Components must be easy to remove, clean, or replace. During installation, future maintenance needs should be considered: distribution frames and cable routes should be well-organized, connectors and modules clearly labeled, and cable terminals marked with color codes, area codes, and room numbers. Socket panels should display socket type and cable number using colors, icons, and text.
(4) Compliance with Technical Standards
All products and systems must comply with international standards (such as ISO/IEC, ICAO, IATA, FAA) as well as relevant domestic and Chinese civil aviation regulations. For complex, newly built terminals, integrated cabling should meet ISO/IEC 11801:2002 Ed2.0 Category 6 UTP standards, supporting a channel bandwidth of at least 250 MHz. Horizontal cabling must support Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab) and power transmission (IEEE 802.3af).
(5) Product Performance and Safety
Given the critical nature of airport operations, cables and systems must meet high standards for performance and reliability. For example, in 2001, a rodent-damaged network cable caused a system failure at an airport, disrupting data transmission. This highlights the importance of employing high-quality, reliable cabling in airport operations.
(6) Interference Resistance
Cabling systems in airports must operate reliably in complex environments, resisting interference from high-frequency equipment and electromagnetic radiation. The system must prevent cross-talk and ensure transmitted signals do not interfere with each other.
(7) Cabling Space Planning
With the proliferation of intelligent buildings and digital technologies, integrated cabling is increasingly used in low-current systems, leading to larger and more complex equipment rooms. These rooms must accommodate traditional network equipment, video cabling cabinets, amplifiers, optical transceivers, and backup servers. Designers should allocate sufficient space for these rooms, treat them like data centers, and take into account requirements such as UPS, air conditioning, lightning protection, shielding, and remote monitoring of power, temperature, and humidity.
2. Integrated Cabling Management
Cabling management falls into two main categories: physical management and intelligent management.
(1) Physical Management
Traditional management relies on clear labeling and identification for wiring rooms, modules, cables, grounding terminals, and more. The five key elements include: cables, channels, spaces, termination hardware, and grounding. Cable labels should be present at both ends and critical points such as maintenance ports and joints. Distribution frames and panels must be clearly labeled and well-organized.
(2) Intelligent Management
Intelligent management utilizes software and electronic patch panels. Database-driven management software enables data entry, network modifications, and system queries, ensuring that electronic records are always current. Modern intelligent cabling systems, such as those with LED displays on patch panels, provide real-time port locations and jumper numbers, tracking connections as they change. These systems feature modular designs, Ethernet interfaces, and TCP/IP protocols, making them easy to integrate into networks. They monitor all changes, automatically generate work orders, and support batch modifications.
Key features include:
◆ Automatic detection and reporting of devices on the monitoring link, with alerts for unauthorized access.
◆ Database-driven software for port management and record keeping.
◆ Electronic management of all move/add/change operations, with prompts displayed on patch panels or management hardware.
◆ Graphical platforms (such as CAD) to visualize device locations and statuses, matching actual components.
◆ Real-time, multi-user management and secure remote access capabilities.
◆ Comprehensive tools for querying, locating, updating, and reporting all information points and equipment.
◆ Automatic resynchronization after power loss or system failure, with ongoing connection status tracking.
◆ Real-time alerts (audio, visual, or email) for network interruptions, alongside regular log backups for historical data recovery.
(Source: BIM China Net)
Case Study: Integrated Cabling at Terminal 2, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Terminal 2 at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport was completed in May 2010, with a total area of 95,000 square meters. Its integrated cabling system employs the American Simon MAPITG2 intelligent solution, featuring Category 6 unshielded twisted pair cables, single-mode fiber, and modular connectors to connect voice, data, communications, and network switching equipment. Terminal 2 contains 6,000 information points, one main distribution room (PCR), five sub-distribution rooms (SCR), and 50 cabinets, including 337 copper and 168 optical cable distribution frames. Traditional copper frames are used for copper cabling, while fiber distribution frames are electronic and intelligent.
3.1 System Performance
The cabling system meets ISO/IEC 11801:2002 Ed2.0 Category 6 UTP standards, providing over 250 MHz of channel bandwidth to support high-speed, reliable data transmission throughout the terminal. The backbone network uses 10 Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ae) over fiber, while horizontal cabling supports Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab) and Ethernet power (IEEE 802.3af).
The MAPITG2 system offers a graphical management interface with real-time, multi-user, and remote access. It automatically detects devices, generates monitoring reports, and tracks system status. With support for Ethernet and TCP/IP, the system enables seamless network integration and real-time facility monitoring, streamlining maintenance and management.
3.2 System Components
(1) Building Complex Subsystem
This subsystem includes single-mode fiber connections between the information building, Building A, and Building B, as well as telephone cables that link the airport switchboard to Building B. On the first floor, an outdoor incoming line room is equipped with cable connection racks and electrical protectors. Outdoor fiber and large-pair cables connect Terminal 2 with other airport buildings.
(2) Management Subsystem
Also known as the floor wiring or telecommunications room, this subsystem is the termination point for both horizontal and backbone system cables. It includes main distribution frames, jumpers, and conversion sockets, allowing users to modify, add, or reroute cables as needed. This subsystem sets integrated cabling apart from traditional systems, offering greater flexibility and easier management. System planning and labeling are managed with specialized software.
(3) Main Device Interconnection Subsystem
This subsystem consists of the PCR’s main optical cable distribution frame, main and incoming cable frames, electronic data frames, and related wiring components. It connects the main equipment room (PCR), sub-distribution rooms (SCR), and monitoring rooms for customs, border control, health inspection, and security. Connections are primarily made using single-mode optical fiber to support the terminal’s high network demands.
The PCR acts as the main equipment room, housing both voice and data distribution centers and core network equipment. SCRs serve as horizontal management rooms and typically house access layer switching devices. Management areas are organized by floor and responsibility, meeting the operational needs of inspection and security units.
(4) Backbone Subsystem
The backbone subsystem provides vertical connections between distribution frames, using fiber optic backbones from the PCR to each SCR and large-pair UTP cables for voice transmission. It supports digital, analog, and ISDN phones, fax machines, and enables flexible configuration of data and voice networks via jumper management. The data backbone uses fiber to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
(5) Distribution Line Subsystem
Terminal 2 includes one incoming line room, one PCR, six SCRs, and monitoring rooms for customs, border control, health, and security.
(6) Work Area Subsystem
All information points utilize RJ45 sockets capable of supporting high-speed data and voice transmission. Information modules can be installed vertically or at a 45-degree angle, with color coding to distinguish data and voice points. Integrated dust covers can be installed or removed from either side, ensuring efficient installation and maintenance.
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