Building Systems, Fire Safety, and Network Infrastructure

Fire Safety Definitions

Flashover Definition

According to the UK Fire Research Station (1993), "In a room fire, a stage can be reached where the total thermal radiation from the fire plume, hot gases, and the walls of the enclosure generates radiation sufficient for the ignition of all fuel sources within it."

Backdraft / Backdraught Definition

The UK Fire Research Station (1993) defines backdraft as follows: "Limited ventilation can cause a fire in a compartment to generate significant proportions of partial combustion products and unburned pyrolysis products. If these accumulate, and an opening is made in the compartment, the air intake can lead to a sudden deflagration. This deflagration, which moves through the chamber and exits through an opening, is a backdraft."

Expert Systems in Building Management

Modern buildings are equipped with specialized facilities such as air conditioning, safety systems, and lifts. When these are properly managed by a sophisticated system with integrated, centralized control, they become inherently smart and automated.

Data Transmission Components

• Workstations
• Servers
• Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Network Wiring and Equipment Connectivity

Hubs or Concentrators:

These devices serve as a focal point for connecting network nodes, typically arranged in a star physical topology.

Repeaters:

A repeater is a device that extends the length of a network by amplifying and regenerating the broadcast network signal.

Bridges:

A bridge connects two separate Local Area Networks (LANs) to create what appears to be a single, larger LAN.

Routers:

Routers are similar to bridges but operate at a different network layer. They generally require that each connected network uses the same addressing system.

Types of Wiring and Transmission Media

Structured Wiring

Structured wiring refers to a standardized cabling system for buildings or campuses that is independent of the specific applications that use it.

Transmission Media

• Two-wire Cable: Often associated with technologies like 128 Kbps ISDN.
• Coaxial Cables: Used for various applications, including ADSL at speeds up to 2 Mbps.
• Submarine Cables: High-capacity fiber optic cables, capable of speeds like 155 Mbps (e.g., PTIC).
• Waveguides: Used for high-frequency signal transmission, sometimes associated with Wireless Access Points (WAP).
• Radio Links: Includes technologies like GPS and other wireless communication links (e.g., elliptical links for microwave).

Modern Lighting Design and Efficiency

Designers are constantly seeking new solutions to illuminate spaces and create original, ergonomic environments. Furthermore, there is increasing awareness regarding the need for efficient light sources to benefit our ecological environment.