Activity # 1 Problem Solving/ Engineering Design Process IET 120-Technology Systems Team Harris & Jent

The Problem Cable Rack, is a floor mount rack that all of the cables go to. There can be different configurations but in all there are patch panels mounted in the rack that the cables are terminated to. From the patch panels we use patch cables to connect to network switches that are also mounted in the rack. Running a shorter run cable versus a longer cable run. Upgrading a school’s data network to Cat6a network cable. Cat6a cable allows data transmission speeds of up to 10 GB/s The length limit for Cat6a cable to run to standard is 100m (328ft.) Background of the Problem

( Problem): One classroom is being pulled to a rack which will make the cables very close to the length limit for the cables to run to standard. Since the school was built, there has been an extra rack added that is closer to the classroom. (length limit of cable is 328ft) The problem with the shorter pull is that it has many corners to negotiate making it harder to pull than the straight and longer run. The shorter run is about 150ft where the longer is at least 300ft. The current plan from the design engineer is to make the longer pull. (Goal): To run the most cost efficient length and to achieve least amount of stress on the cable. The longer run will be less stressful on the installer and the cable, by going the short route it saves a significant amount of cable, but makes the job more difficult. Also it is imperative to gauge the risk that the longer pull may not pass certification due to length and factor it into any decision. Problem & Goal Statement

Step 4: (Consider the consequences of each alternative) The shorter pull will likely cost an extra 2 hours to complete compared to the longer pull. A crew of 2 workers making $20 an hour will cost $80 extra to do this. This will put more pressure on the crew to complete the job on the deadline. Even though the longer pull is easier, 12 cables that are 150ft longer will use around $550 more in material. Also if the longer cables are over the length limit the crew will have to re- run the cables to the shorter rack anyway, which would cost more money and even more time. Step 5: (Select the best solution) The material cost savings of running the shorter cables heavily outweighs the extra cost of labor for the short pull. When coupled with the fact we know that the shorter pull is within length limits the best solution is to pull the shorter cable run. Step 6: (Implement the solution) We decide to run the shorter cable pull. Step 7: (Evaluate the action taken) The shorter pull saved at least $400 on the job, the extra time it took to run the shorter pull was manageable to complete the job on time. We did not have to worry about the cables being too long. The shorter pull was the best choice. Step 1: (Recognize the problem) The current design calls for a cable run that will possibly be too long. If we run the longer cable and it proves to be too long we will have to find another alternative anyway. We know that the other option is well within length limits and will save on material, but will be much more challenging to install. Step 2: (Define the problem) We have two possible network racks to pull new cables to. We have determined that one option will be around 300 feet, possibly more that the 328ft limit, even though it is straight and will be easy to pull. The other option is half as long but has many corners and tight spaces to negotiate making the job harder and taking more time. By using half of the cable on the shorter run compared to the longer we will save money in material that may offset the extra time needed for the harder pull. There is a deadline to this job so the time it takes to run the cables is a significant factor. Step 3: (Brainstorm) There are only two options with this particular problem. We can pull the longer run and chance that it will pass certification, because its will be easier and take less time. Or we can pull to the shorter rack that will be harder to do and cause more pressure to the deadline. Problem Solving Approach

Information Collected Price of the cable being used (Panduit Cat6a CMR copper cable) is $300 per 1000ft spool Total number of cables to be pulled into the classroom is 12 Total cost of cable needed for longer runs is approximately $1100 Total Cost of cable needed for shorter runs is approximately $550 Examining the rack determines that space will be available on either rack to patch the new drops into network switches Sufficient cabling infrastructure (cable tray, J-hooks, conduit, etc.) is already present to run cables in either direction Development of Alternative Solutions We could refuse to make a decision and wait for the design engineer to decide on the problem. That would take much more time and would likely anger our bosses, which could put our jobs in jeopardy. Making another rack that would be straight and shorter would not be feasible from a cost or time standpoint. We could quit our job but we need our job to pay our rent and bills. We can pull the longer pull according to the original plan. We can make a decision to change the plan and pull the shorter pull Selection of Best Solution The shorter pull takes longer but not a great amount longer, and the material cost savings largely outweighs the cost of paying installers for the extra time. Saving money and materials and getting the job done on time will always make the boss happy. Pulling the shorter cable pull is the best solution to this problem. Conclusion