All of these demand a new standard for engineers connecting these systems in buildings.
The IET's Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration in Buildings, expected in 2016, will promote good practice in the specification, design and integration of connected systems in buildings.
It will outline a best practice, covering common communications and built environment challenges to improve connectivity, communications networking and connected systems integration in residential and SME commercial buildings. It will also provide a reference on design, integration practice and technological considerations for practitioners working to meet the highest standards for their customers.
James Eade, chairman of the IET's Standards TC4.1 Connected Systems Integration, which oversaw the creation of the code, said: "The functionality that modern technology affords our daily lives is immense but these disparate technologies have to be engineered to co-exist together effectively. This guide will not only be a key document for installers to guide them through the different technologies and their integration, but, crucially, it is also concerned with planning the current and potential future requirements of an integrated system."
The development of wired and wireless communications and control technologies brings connectivity and systems integration within buildings, ranging from entertainment and IT, to security, lighting, heating and other building operations. However, communications within the buildings are often impacted by location, the building fabric and power constraints. Systems compatibility and configuration issues can also present challenges.