At a Glance
Company
Cisco Systems, Inc
Region / Country
North America / Canada (Toronto, Ontario)
Industry
Information Technology and Telecommunications
Panduit Solution
Copper Cabling and Connectivity
Fiber Optic Cabling and Connectivity
FiberRunner® Cable Routing System
PatchRunner™ High Capacity Vertical Cable Management
Enabling Smart Building Innovation Through a Converged IP Network
When Cisco relocated its Canadian headquarters to Toronto's RBC WaterPark Place III, the organization sought to create one of the world's most advanced smart buildings. Working with Panduit, Cisco implemented a secure, scalable converged IP network infrastructure capable of supporting traditional IT systems alongside emerging IoT technologies such as PoE lighting, HVAC controls, environmental monitoring, and security systems. The solution improved network reliability, increased operational efficiency, enabled future growth, and created an enhanced employee workplace experience.
Challenges
- Created a flexible, scalable infrastructure designed to support future growth
- Improved network availability and employee productivity through a secure converged architecture
- Enabled centralized monitoring and management of building systems using real-time data
- Reduced capital expenditures while supporting a smart building environment capable of delivering next-generation workplace experiences
Solution
- Implemented a converged backbone network utilizing Panduit copper and fiber cabling solutions
- Deployed more than 2,500 PoE ports supporting lighting, HVAC controls, VoIP, security, and environmental systems
- Utilized FiberRunner® Cable Routing System and PatchRunner™ Vertical Cable Managers to optimize cable management and improve network reliability
- Installed PanMPO™ Fiber Connectors and QuickNet™ Fiber Cassette Enclosures to simplify deployment, improve flexibility, and support high-speed applications up to 40Gb
Outcome
- Reduced lighting energy consumption by approximately 60%.
- Lowered ongoing maintenance requirements by eliminating routine bulb replacement.
- Improved lighting quality, uniformity, visibility, and data collection capabilities.
- Gained practical PoE lighting deployment experience to support future customer projects.
Challenges
As a recognized leader in networking and communications technologies, Cisco sought to develop a new Canadian headquarters that would demonstrate the future of smart buildings. Occupying four floors and over 100,000 square feet within RBC WaterPark Place III in Toronto, Cisco envisioned a highly connected environment capable of supporting business operations, collaboration spaces, testing labs, executive briefing centers, and advanced building technologies.
To achieve this vision, Cisco required a physical infrastructure capable of supporting both traditional IT services and emerging IoT applications. Key goals included improving workplace mobility, increasing operational efficiency, enhancing employee experiences, reducing costs, and providing sufficient scalability for future growth. The network would need to support systems such as PoE lighting, HVAC controls, environmental sensors, VoIP devices, wireless access points, security cameras, and access control systems through a single converged infrastructure.
“Through its converged network infrastructure system, Panduit is helping Cisco transform the way buildings are designed, built, managed, and experienced. Placing all devices and equipment onto a single IT infrastructure increases Cisco’s business operations while reducing capital expenses to achieve a secure, scalable facility.”
– William R. MacGowan
P.Eng., CEM, Former Director of Smart Building Digitization, Cisco Systems Canada
The Panduit Strategy and Solution
Panduit collaborated closely with Cisco and project partners to design an infrastructure capable of supporting a highly connected smart building environment. The solution centered around a secure converged IP network built on Panduit copper and fiber systems.
The space integrated thousands of OM4 and single-mode fiber connections to support the building backbone and future high-speed applications, including 40 Gb networking. Additionally, more than 2,500 PoE-enabled Category 6 and Category 6A ports create a foundation for lighting, building automation, security, environmental controls, and workplace technologies.
Additional technologies such as QuickNet™ Fiber Cassettes, PanMPO™ Fiber Optic Connectors, FiberRunner® Cable Routing System, and PatchRunner™ Vertical Cable Managers helped improve performance, simplify deployment, and maximize operational flexibility.
Implementation
Cisco leveraged the building's existing converged backbone while extending smart-building functionality across all occupied floors. The implementation included support for traditional voice, data, security, and wireless services alongside new PoE-powered systems, including lighting and environmental monitoring. The unified architecture enabled multiple building systems to operate over one infrastructure, reducing complexity and simplifying management.
Panduit's cable management and connectivity solutions were installed throughout the telecommunications and data center environments, ensuring organized deployment, long-term reliability, and ease of maintenance. The solution also provided the adaptability necessary to support future technology expansion.
The Outcome
The completed headquarters successfully demonstrates the power of a converged IP-based smart building. Cisco gained the ability to centrally monitor and manage building systems using real-time operational data. Occupants benefit from enhanced environmental controls, improved workplace experiences, and increased flexibility.
The infrastructure provides a clear migration path for future technological innovations while enabling Cisco to respond more quickly to evolving business and customer requirements. Through Panduit's solutions, Cisco established a scalable, secure, and highly efficient smart-building environment that supports both current operations and long-term growth.
