NTL: Telewest Business
Big Case Studies
Terminal 5 off to a flying start with advanced network from ntl:Telewest Business
It’s not hard to be impressed by the sheer scale of the Heathrow Terminal 5 (T5) project. Spread over an area the size of Hyde Park, there will be more than 200 lifts and escalators to move people around, 1,000 monitors to provide flight details and self-service check-in to be connected. There are also 100+ retail shops that will require network connections.
Beneath the largest construction project in Europe, ntl:Telewest Business is implementing one of the most sophisticated bespoke networks in the world. The deployment of the T5 communication network, where 30 million passengers and a new generation of passenger planes are expected to pass through each year, has been an extensive and complex undertaking.
In December 2005, after five years of consultation and planning, ntl:Telewest Business began implementing an integrated communications infrastructure that will support a full range of voice, data and operational systems. The high-bandwidth and highly secure network backbone includes 2.5 million metres of cable. Designed and built specifically for the demands of T5, it has two primary connection rooms and more than 70 secondary connection rooms. The network also provides telephony for 1,500 staff phones and links up building management systems.
ntl:Telewest Business was chosen to implement the network because of its track record in delivering innovative, bespoke and reliable communication networks. Last September, the company met its target for building the local area networks that form part of the overall system, meaning work is now ongoing to delivering the additional components.
Nick Gaines, BAA T5 Head of Systems, commented: "Transforming a building into an airport terminal is all about technology. T5 is one of largest, most complex and exciting projects underway in Europe at present. When it is finished it will be a showcase for some of the most advanced technology in the world. Communications are fundamental for efficient and safe airport management, which is why BAA has selected the best partners and set them rigorous targets."
