To accomplish this, extend a fiber backbone from
the MDF in the same fashion as to the other TRs. Connect
it to the grounding system and provide ladder racking
and other equipment. At this location also provide one
or more remote edge switches, which allow convenient
connections to the simulation equipment. This also
allows horizontals requiring connection to the building
LAN or simulation system to route to the same room,
although there may be different cabinets or racks.
Using the same switches as used for the building
network requires the owner to have less backstock in
case of equipment failure. It also makes it more likely
that the equipment will be monitored for faults and that
firmware and maintenance will be kept current. Consider
a central uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the
data/equipment room because it can also be used to protect
simulation-related hardware if the area is prone
to power issues. Full body simulators can be expensive
and at risk of power related damage. A single power event
that causes the simulation or simulation computers
to reboot could break an entire student session.
Configuration of a collocated room is not as simple
as designing a larger TR. Simulation equipment requires
4-post racks or enclosed cabinets for equipment support,
which is not the case with most network electronics. The
need for different racks generally results in an irregular
row and eliminates the possibility of baying. Since cabinets
can be as deep as 42,” working clearances should
similarly scale up, thereby impacting room size. Coordinate
pathways in the room to support basic connections
as well as the healthcare simulation connections. Some
of the equipment in the room will be installed by the telecommunications/
ICT contractor while other hardware
is typically installed by the AV contractor. Plans should
show the space reserved for these trades. Coordination
of scope and timing by these trades is necessary to ensure
the room is laid out properly (Figure 12).
Although it may seem like a good idea to use the
control room to house the simulation equipment, this
is not recommended. The environment best suited for
electronics is not comfortable for most personnel. The
equipment generates a level of noise that would be problematic
when a simulation is being run. Control rooms,
while having a certain level of security, generally have
76 I ICT TODAY
more traffic than would be desired around the
simulation system equipment.
Many providers of healthcare simulation systems
offer cloud-based features related to storage and management.
These solutions support the on-site equipment
rather than replace it. Remote management generally
appeals to the simulation support team; however, it is
important to discuss cloud services with the owner’s IT
department because it may run against institutional
policy due to security concerns. While the discussion
of collocation and cloud-based services is often led by
the team designing the simulation system, it is helpful
to have the ICT designer participate in the discussion.
They have insight into both the IT department standards
and the project at large. Outcomes of this discussion
can impact ICT design, and it can be more challenging
FIGURE 12: Simulation server room layout.