How can we prepare residential premises for very high bandwidth? Under what regulations? And for what future use? Such were the questions posed at the breakfast debate on “the emergence of multimedia housing: what are the implications for the construction sector?” organised by Caen la Mer and Synergia, and to which its invited speakers endeavoured to reply.

It’s inevitable. Equipping housing with multimedia infrastructures has become a key feature in residential enhancement. Digital convergence (telephone, television and Internet via the same medium) has already revolutionised consumer habits. “Home automation, high-definition TV, Voice over IP, security… all require that residential buildings, just like business premises, be appropriately cabled so that these systems can be networked and inter-connected,” believes Jean-Charles Potel, regional sales manager for Forclum, an Eiffage filiale. And it’s just the beginning. Tomorrow’s applications promise to be increasingly voracious in terms of bandwidth: TV on Internet (3D, HD, VOD), the lounge wall (rock paintings or virtual screen), holographic communication (communicating in real-time communication whilst in several locations), flexible screens and e-paper… Potential applications are countless: teaching, press, advertising, medical files, product labelling, etc. “Tomorrow’s world will be communicative and connected,” foresees Jean-Charles Potel. And to accelerate the phenomenon, “In its economic modernisation law, the French government has integrated access for all to the throughput required for future services,” adds Jean-Paul Leroy, in charge of Caen la Mer’s High Bandwidth project. Precabling in new buildings involving over 25 homes is a reality since the 1st of January 2010.

Concrete solutions are available

This digital revolution will, nonetheless, be subject to rules and standards. “Standards and guidelines offer valuable answers to questions concerning new residential networks,” indicates Aicha Altiti, marketing manager for Acome. With the NF C15-100 (2002) French standard, the presence of a GTL – gaine technique logement (housing service shaft) is already mandatory in all residential premises. The shaft reunites all low current supplies (telephone, data, television) within a communication cabinet .
Furthermore, the NFC 15-100 standard has also rendered mandatory the installation of RJ45 sockets (at least one socket per room), instead of the former T sockets. This feature is now mandatory in all new residential developments for building permits dating since the 1st of January 2008.” “Manufacturers are already offering solutions to implement adequate cabling for all of these new services in housing developments.” And adequate cabling means guaranteed and permanent access to such services. But before deploying miles of cable, we need to train technicians. “It’s essential that we appropriately train those who will be required to install such networks. In particular, in emerging professions (such as network technicians, VHB technicians, administrators and negotiators),” believes Marie-Françoise Dujarrier, Director of Nove@, a “Centre of Rural Excellence” certified association. “Thanks to our qualified trainers and to Acome’s technical centre, we help professionals to improve their skills, in particular via continuing education programmes.” So, if the equipment’s available and technicians are duly trained, high bandwidth can but continue its development.

> Marie-Françoise Dujarrier
Director of Nové@
ZA les Closeaux BP 5 50140 Mortain
Tel: 02 33 79 51 40
E-mail: contact@novea.asso.fr
www.novea.asso.fr/

> Aicha Altiti
Marketing Manager for Acome
Usine de Romagny 50140 Mortain
Tel: 02 33 89 35 14
E-mail: aal@acome.fr
www.acome.com

> Jean-Charles Potel Regional
Sales Manager -
Forclum ZI du Martray 14730 Giberville
Tel: 02 31 52 37 00
E-mail: Jean-charles.potel@eiffage.com
www.forclum.com

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