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TNS Policies

Policy on Rooms Used for Telecommunications

The purpose of this policy is to define the environment within rooms at all Penn State locations which contain equipment used for telecommunications. Those rooms which are uniquely used for telecommunications purposes are defined as "Telecommunications Rooms". Those rooms which serve as not only wiring closets and/or locations in which telecommunications equipment is installed, but also as building mechanical rooms and/or janitorial facilities, are defined as "Equipment Rooms"

Most University buildings were built prior to 1984. Most of these buildings contain rooms which are shared between Telecommunications and Networking Services (TNS) and other units of the university. In addition to being used for telecommunications purposes, these rooms are also used for unrelated purposes by the other units having access to them, especially by the Office of Physical Plant (OPP). In contrast, buildings constructed since 1984 generally contain at least one room dedicated to telecommunications use. While many of these rooms are used uniquely by TNS, many are also used by other units of the University for telecommunications purposes. Hence, there are relatively few rooms used for telecommunications purposes which are currently used uniquely by TNS. Despite this, it is nevertheless the responsibility of the TNS to specify the location and design of any room which may be used for telecommunications purposes. This is done in close cooperation with the Office of Physical Plant, and in compliance with standard accepted industry practices. Specific information relating to location and designs is available from TNS.

This policy focuses upon two aspects of the environment of telecommunication rooms and of equipment rooms. The first is security. Based upon findings of the University's auditors, reasonable physical security must be provided to protect network integrity. Ideally, this should also eliminate accidental troubles caused by access of unknown (and perhaps unauthorized) personnel to either telecommunication rooms or equipment rooms. It is therefore TNS' intent to convert the door locks of both types of rooms to a common electric locking system. The initial focus will be on those rooms which are, or which may become, telecommunications rooms. Hence, in telecommunications rooms that are shared with other units, access will continue to be monitored. (Access to telecommunications rooms containing telecommunications equipment operated and maintained by other units can be acquired by contacting TNS' Network Operations Center. (814) 865-4NOC [4662]) In equipment rooms, especially those shared with OPP, a mutual goal will be to provide similar capabilities for access, with OPP maintaining control of the key until that is accomplished. Refer to Telecommunications Room Access and Key Policy for details pertaining to telecommunications room security and access.

The second aspect of the environment relates to the contents of the rooms. For those used uniquely for telecommunications purposes, the following guidelines shall be followed:

  • Rooms will be maintained in a neat, clean and orderly manner.
  • All equipment will be placed in equipment cabinets, racks, mounted on the wall, or placed on wall shelves. This equipment will support only the physical layer of the network. File servers, printers and other peripheral devices will not be located in the rooms.
  • Adequate clearance must be provided for the operation of cabinet doors, swing-gate racks, etc.
  • All wiring will be neatly installed using distribution rings and patch cables. Jumpers will be routed through the wire guides provided on the patch panels.
  • Wire clippings and other discarded material will be removed from the room.
  • Telecommunications rooms are not to be used as storage areas.

Exception to Permit Servers in Telecom Rooms:

Servers will be permitted to be located in Telecommunications Rooms with the following restrictions and requirements.

  • Servers must be rack mounted type.  Floor mounted or shelf mounted (even if the shelf is a rack mount shelf) are not permitted.
  • No keyboards may be located or stored in the Telecom Room.
  • There is adequate space available, which includes planning for future services including but not limited to wireless and VoIP.
  • There is adequate electrical capacity.
  • There is adequate cooling (air conditioning) capacity.
  • Prior approval is required by TNS.  Submit a request, along with specific information regarding the size of the servers in rack space units, and electrical load information (amps, va or watts is acceptable) and voltage (120 volts is assumed if not provided).  Please include the building and Telecom Room.  Requests may be submitted via the following web form:  http://tns.its.psu.edu/forms/spDesignReqForm.html
  • TNS will determine if the Telecom Room has adequate space, electrical and cooling capacity.

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