Connection of Building Networks
Both university facilities and student residences can be connected to the building network:
The responsibility of the Planning and Technology Department is limited to the physical part of the necessary work. In addition, the functionality of each data connection requires the corresponding configuration of the associated active network technology components, which is carried out by the Operations/Communications Department after consultation.
Connection of university institutions to the university core network
In order to activate a data connection to the core network for university institutions such as institutes, departments, administrative units, etc., various requirements must be met:
- Fiber optic cable connection to the relevant building or associated data distribution node must be available.
- Free cable capacity on the required cable route.
- Available active and passive network technology components such as patch cables (connection cables with plugs), media converters, switches, free router ports, etc. for activating the required data connection.
- Available personnel and transport resources.
If the above requirements (in particular fiber optic cable connection to the building) are not met, the following suitable alternatives are available:
- VDSL connection
- Radio links
- Leasing of external cable routes (dark fiber, dedicated lines, etc.)
The use of alternative connection options between buildings is limited to areas that are not yet connected to the university core network via fiber optic cable infrastructure or that could not be connected for technical reasons.
In addition, any work necessary to install alternative connection options is subject to the following conditions:
- All installation work within university buildings requires approval from the owner, the Building and Real Estate Management Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia (BLB).
- All work must comply with applicable building regulations, such as fire protection, monument protection, and building protection.
- All necessary installation work in and on university buildings for the establishment of a radio relay connection may only be carried out by specialist companies.
VDSL connection
The requirements for establishing a VDSL connection are:
- Existing telephone cable connection between the locations to be connected.
- Free wire pair in the relevant telephone cable.
- The parallel connection of digital services on one cable is limited.
- Power and data connection in close proximity to the telephone distribution box.
Radio links
Technically, both optical and radio-based systems can be used. There are a large number of different systems and manufacturers available, which can vary greatly in terms of price and technical specifications. The latest and most comprehensive information on this topic can be found on the Internet.
The prerequisites for establishing a radio relay link are:
- Direct line of sight between the locations to be connected.
- Possibility of installing antennas and radio technology.
- Power and data connection in close proximity to the transmitting antenna(s) (depending on the technology used).
- Weatherproof housing for the sensitive, active parts of the transmitting equipment, also in close proximity.
Leasing of external cable routes
The requirements for renting a cable line are:
- The setup and rental fees incurred must be borne by the university institution that requires the line.
- Power and data connection near the transfer point to the external provider.
Connection of student residences
Student residences have the option of connecting to the university network. The costs incurred for installation work, etc., including in the university buildings, are borne by the residences if the installations have to be carried out specifically for the respective users.
The operation and responsibility for the radio links lies with the dormitories/students as owners and users of the equipment.
The IT Center provides access to the university network subject to compliance with the Terms of Use Building Network, insofar as this is technically possible.
