What You Need to Know About Structure Wiring And High-Bandwidth Networks

Low voltage structured wiring is now one of the new home industries most often requested upgrades. Here Thomas Reiman, an expert in drafting technology master plans for builders, tells how to leverage this consumer interest and what to expect from broadband networks in the future.

By Thomas A. Reiman, President, The Broadband Group

January 3, 2001

Thomas A. Reiman

It isn't really about just the Internet. The expanding importance of information systems in the home has challenged the skills required of homebuilders and home remodeling professionals.

Not too long ago low voltage wiring, the gateway to Internet access, simply required an electrician to wire for phone and cable television. "Low voltage system integration" was at best a tag line for a customer installed home theater system. Today, consumer expectations for entertainment, information, and global interconnection places low voltage structured wiring at the heart of every home design.

This interest in proper home wiring has become among the highest requested upgrades in new construction. For the first time, fear of an "outdated home" is of real concern and consequence to buyers in all price ranges.

If we accept the notion that the American Home now functions as a work place as well as shelter, it is inconceivable that builders could ignore universal access to information throughout the home. "Structured" wiring means just that - there is an overall structure to the installation, location, and termination of low voltage wiring. There is a technological "heart of the home" that ensures all services are distributed through a central point of connection in the home.

The Internet represents a gateway to local and global information. In a society increasingly dependent on information industries and instant access to information database systems, the building professional must consider consumer interest and expectations, industry trends, and the economics of implementation.

Within the home sales process, the value of the home that meets the needs of information professionals attracts not only that segment of the workforce but buyers of all ages and disciplines (the single fastest growing information usage sector is seniors over 55).

Upgrades, a significant profit center for homebuilders, are where low voltage systems and subsystems drive real dollars to the homebuilder. What information age buyer would limit multimedia outlets to just a few rooms in the house?

Interconnection requires not only the wiring of the American home but also high-bandwidth networks that deliver the services which consumers expect in today's information age. As phone and cable companies fight to install high-speed access to the Internet, the builder installing structured wiring today creates homes that easily "plug into" the information networks of tomorrow.

(Of course, as part of the homebuilding process, the Internet represents a centralized and organized source for identifying, locating, pricing, and purchasing, homebuilding and remodeling supplies. Often referred to as B2B, or Business to Business, properly managed Internet sourcing can have significant effect on the cost of construction as well.)

Broadband networks complete the puzzle

While it is not critically important that the American home building industry become entrenched in the process of broadband initiatives, it is important that builders understand that wiring a home is not the end of the road for technological innovation - it is the first step.

As consumers accept baseline price increases due to high capacity home wiring, the need for high-speed, high-capacity networks and associated services becomes significantly important. If consumers can only control the assignment of a particular movie to one of many TVs or print a document to a centrally located printer, we have failed to complete the technology puzzle. The outside plant, or network distribution, must rapidly grow more sophisticated to ensure the maximum value of in home networks is realized.

In this regard, multiple network service providers are attempting to build broadband networks throughout America. While we wait for regulatory reform to sort out competition rules and pricing guidelines, it is important to remember that while established incumbent service providers (your current phone and cable company) may lack innovation and technological sophistication, many new entrants lack a sustainable business plan to succeed in the highly competitive marketplace.

The Broadband Group is at the forefront in the development of integrated broadband networks and broadband enabled services to the home and the homebuilder industry. Through our consultative engagements in communities and with homebuilders, we believe certain factors will affect the industry over the next 10-15 years.

The Future Of High-BandWidth Networks

While broadband networks will flourish, many of today's local service providers will not be in the business of building and operating those networks.

The definition of broadband will continue to evolve and non-standardized networks will increasingly cloud the development of consumer standards that would seamlessly deliver integrated services.

Fiber on its own is not the answer. Appropriately designed fiber networks, complimenting home networks, will evolve. The end result uncertain.

Transitional technologies such as DSL and cable modems will give way to more advanced digital delivery systems.

The homebuilder and buyer can have a significant impact on the design, installation, and operation of these networks.

Rapid change in technology is great for innovation and a challenge for today's economics.

The Internet is transforming the way in which we access and share information. It is important that builders and consumers stop to contemplate and understand how to control, manage, and leverage this change to our mutual advantages.

For more information, contact:
Thomas A. Reiman
President
The Broadband Group
Sacramento, CA
Phone: 916-614-9300
www.broadbandgroup.com

Also See:

Reiman Discussion

More like this

Comments on: "What You Need to Know About Structure Wiring And High-Bandwidth Networks"

See all videos

Search Our Buyer's Guide

Reference Library

Professional Remodeler's 2013 Market Leaders

Professional Remodeler’s annual Market Leaders list, which identifies the top...

15 design trends for kitchens & baths

With demand for custom design, remodeling, and renovations at its highest level since 2005, ...

Project Spotlight: Kitchen countered

Normandy Remodeling converts confined kitchen into sprawling galley.

5 bathroom design trends for 2013

Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

6 kitchen design trends for 2013

Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

More >

Search