
Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies



The Institute for Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies
The Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies Commonly known as i³t represents employers and individuals who work in the Digital Infrastructures and Data Transfer Systems Industry, a key contributor to the GDP of UK plc.
It is our mission to have the Datacoms Industry recognised as an Independent Trade, with standardised and recognisable, Qualifications and Apprenticeships.
What is Structured Cabling?
Structured cabling (Data Comms Cabling) is the system of cables and equipment that connect all our digital/data systems at a local / National level. Sometimes mistaken for ICT which is a generic name more about computer and old telecommunication systems sometimes connected to or controlling networks There is a great deal of confusion regarding the different systems that are used to transfer data.
1. Data is transferred through a network of cables connecting a series of servers, be it local, national or international, this is called the backbone, and is normally supplied by BT, and others ie Virgin.
2. Local internal cabling at commercial buildings i.e., schools, colleges, factories, and airports tends to be copper alloy, although new types of cable are under development. Banks and secure areas tend to use Optic Fibre as they are extremely secure and very reliable if installed correctly. These cables link all the internal systems to comms rooms then to the outside world, this is NOT normally supplied by BT.
The old term for all these systems was Structured Cabling, however electricians also use the term Structured Cabling so to separate the industries we are now introducing it as Data Comms Cabling. Some examples of how data comms cabling carries data
Mobile phones – your mobile phone communicates with the local celnet mast by radio, then goes through a Transceiver at the bottom of the mast
(this converts the radio signal to a digital signal for transmission down the structured cabling) then is channelled through underground cabling to the Digital exchange (what used to be the telephone exchange) , if it is a mobile you are calling the signal travels back through data comms cabling to another mast near the person you are calling through the transceiver and up the mast and out to the phone you are calling.
If you are calling direct to a landline phone the signal travels through the structured cabling to the exchange and then through data comms cabling to the landline phone you are calling.
ICT and Infrastructure Funding
One common confusion by the terminology from the old analogue landline phone system, is that because you are connecting phones it is called telecommunications, and is commonly but incorrectly referred to as ICT, but in reality in modern terminology it is all Data Comms Cabling.
Because of the confusion between the old telecom system blending into pure data transfer, the term ICT has stuck. The main problem with this is that £M have been invested by the government into ICT and very little investment in Data Comms Cabling. ( Connectivity) which is the glue that holds the system together, no data cabling, no internet, no system.
What Is ICT
ICT – Information and Communication Technology – the problem is that in the UK, ICT is seen as the be all, and end all, of the system, yet the ICT qualifications do not cover the full range of subjects required for this much specialised subject of (Data Comms cabling).
Let’s examine something a bit more complex.
Airports:
What has an airport got to do with Data Comms cabling? Let’s take it from the beginning –
Car Park – cabled to server with CCTV for licence plate recognition/occupant security video, ticket information, entry/ exit approval.
Main Building – the lights, air conditioning, display boards, security cameras, announcement systems, check-in computers, baggage handling system, security systems, scanners, secure door entry system, Wi-Fi, CCTV, alarm system/fire systems, phones, tills at the shops – the list goes on.
Airside – air traffic control (although a radio system) the voice and data from the control tower or from the Air Traffic Control to the radio mast is carried by Data Comms cabling via servers distributing and connecting the information from all around the airfield.
Other examples where Structured cabling is used:
Type 45 Destroyers: Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, everything from the TV in the ward room to all the ships controls to weapon system control is through Data Comms cabling.
Aircraft: most modern aircraft have Data Comms networks for control, radar cabin environment etc.
Schools, Universities Hospitals, Oil Platforms: Wi-Fi, plugin broadband, CCTV, fire and alarm, security, door entry.
Motorway and road Infrastructure: CCTV ,traffic lights/ management, overhead displays.
Rail infrastructure: train control, ticketing, signalling infrastructure.
All data equipment requires three main things to function in today’s society:
1. Power – battery, solar, mains
2. Computer systems – Software
3. Connectivity – without which, data equipment is rarely of much use in today’s environment and yet receives the least government funding, for training and development.
Data Comms cabling is what gives connectivity to the data process. It is a trade that has evolved in the background and to the majority of people, is a system hidden in a secure room usually called the server or Comms room. They are rarely seen because anyone tinkering in a server room could bring a company to a standstill just by pulling out a single wire, this is why the comms rooms should always be a secure area.
A Data Comms cabling engineer has to understand:-
The planning of routing of cables.
The problems associated with poor routing.
The authorisations – Safety System required (Risk Assessments/ Method Statements etc)
Know how to check his equipment and stock of materials.
How to install his equipment and cables appropriately.
How to Terminate, test, and rectify faults
Record test results.
Hand the system over to the customer.
How to ensure that all the systems listed below are able to function properly without interfering with each other
Control systems for heating/air con.
Low power lighting systems
IP phones systems
Ethernet switches
Wi-Fi
Fire Systems
Copper/metallic connectors/ fibre terminators
Security Alarms, CCTV
Ethernet cables, switches, servers
Door entry systems
TV/radio
Broadband – which is used as a generic term for internet cables, but actually refers to the volume of data traffic you can get down a cable which limits are referred to in band width.
Required to complete their work:
Appropriate training
Recognised Qualifications – sometimes funded, are available,
Preferably having completed an Apprenticeship, or a proof of competence.
A trade/quality Card or phone app to be able to confirm to customers that they are appropriately trained / qualified to complete the task.
DBS Checks/ PVG scheme.
There has been much confusion about the terminology.
Telecoms Engineer is not a Data Comms cabling engineer – A Telecoms Engineer tends to connect sets of cables under the road then either to poles or underground to a building (external ) then to internal (router) in households.
A Data Comms cabling engineer will connect to the system of hundreds/thousands of cables in comms rooms through servers and switches which supply a building, sometimes using POE (power over Ethernet) in other words through your internet/ ethernet cables, which means that you can operate all your office equipment without plugging into a mains outlet, and if you include 12v led lighting itis a much safer environment.
Data Comms cabling operates on a 48v Ethernet supply – safer – no shock risk, very low or no fire risk.
Electricians install:
There is a fallacy that Data Comms cabling is a part of the electrician’s skillset, Data Comms cabling engineering has nothing to do with a 220v power supply.
Electricians may supply 220v Mains to a building and server room, Electricians are not trained in working with the equipment that a Data Comms cabling engineer is trained and qualified in, some electricians have some basic training in data comms but generally this does not reach the standards of the industry.
For commercial sites the electricians supply the power to site, all the Data Comms cabling within the site is then or should be installed and maintained by approved, qualified, Data Comms cabling engineers.
Summary
Your computer: –
Magically connected to the outside world of the Internet, World Wide Web, normally by two methods:
The Ethernet cable which plugs into your computer and connects you directly to the router, if your connection is by Wi-fi and this includes your mobile phone, tablet, Kindle then you are connected to the router by short range radio, (Wi-Fi), the router/ in turn is connected by cable to a (cabinet in street) which if you are lucky is connected to the exchange by optic fibre or if you are unlucky by copper cable which is slower.
The exchange then connects you to the world of the internet.
Either way you have just been connected through Data Comms cabling.
Aims and Objectives
Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technology has aims and objectives to establish the data cabling /connectivity industry and its engineers as a recognised stand-alone industry and occupation in the UK, and to influence the professional standards and competencies of those who operate within the industry.
Fundamental to achieving the aims and objectives outlined is to have appropriate qualifications available for existing workers and new entrants into the industry, the latter through apprenticeships. To this end the Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technology team has been working to provide qualifications and support for this fast growing and High Tec industry.
The Data Cabling/Connectivity Industry
From energy production, distribution and control to business and financial services, from manufacture to passenger and freight transport, and from healthcare to the design, construction and operation of buildings & structures “connectivity” is an essential characteristic of their requirements in terms of data transfer.
The principles and applications of “connectivity” are provided through complex networks of cables, wireless signals, hardware and associated accessories to ensure that data/information is transferred as fast as possible with effectiveness and efficiency. Collectively these networks are branded as Intelligent Infrastructure Technology Systems.
Qualifications and Apprenticeships
Contact us for approved organisations in your area.
Companies looking for subcontractors
Contact us for member companies looking for subcontractors.
Send a short message stating your needs, area, contact details, and your membership number.
Subcontractors looking for Contracts
Send a short message stating your availability, area, contact details, and your membership number.



Our Vision
- To be recognised and respected UK wide and beyond as the professional body for employers and individuals in the “Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies” industry
- To be established as the body that sets and monitors engineering and operational standards for the “Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies” industry to the highest level
- To enable employers and individuals to influence the competence requirements at all occupation levels in the “Intelligent Infrastucture Technologies” industry
- To encourage codes of conduct and practice in the industry that are compatible with and reflect society and the environment at large
- To facilitate and provide advice and guidance that enables individuals to progress in their career as appropriate to their aspirations
- To be the body of choice for forward-thinking individuals and organisations in terms of technological development and future skills sets
Principles of connectivity
From energy production, distribution and control to business and financial services, from manufacture to passenger and freight transport, and from healthcare to the design, construction and operation of buildings & structures “connectivity” is an essential characteristic of their requirements in terms of data transfer.
Qualifications
Three years of development work from the team that introduced Modern Apprentice Engineers to Scotland, Produced the Structured Cabling Pilot Qualifications in 2001, helped develop the structured cabling qualifications and Modern Apprenticeship UK wide that have been in use since 2004 and are the technical authors for the new suite of QCF Diploma in Cabling Installation Qualifications, which have pathways for all the ambient infrastructure sectors of the industry, covering the Internet of Things Collectively as Intelligent Infrastructure Technology Systems.
The first set of New Ofqual approved Building services structured cabling qualifications are now available in England
Level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Cabling Installations (QCF)
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
What is the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF)?
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a new credit transfer system which has replaced the National Qualification Framework (NQF). It recognises qualifications and units by awarding credits. And since each unit has a credit value and the credits can be transferred, the system gives the learners the ability to get qualifications at their own pace. The QCF is jointly regulated by the England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales’ DCELLS and Northern Ireland’s CCEA.
ICT LEVEL 3 Scotland
Personal Effectiveness 2
Health and Safety in IT & Telecoms
Interpersonal and written communication 2
Customer Care for IT and Telecoms Professionals 2
IT & Telecom System Operation 1
IT & Telecom System Operation 2
IT & Telecom System Operation 3
IT & Telecom System Management 1
IT & Telecom System Management 2
IT & Telecom System Management 3
Managing software development 1
Managing software development 2
Event driven computer programming 1
Event driven computer programming 2
Event driven computer programming 3
Object oriented computer programming 1
Object oriented computer programming 2
Object oriented computer programming 3
Procedural Programming 1
Procedural Programming 2
Procedural Programming 3
Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT & Telecoms systems 1
Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT & Telecoms systems 2
Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT & Telecoms systems 3
Remote Support for IT & Telecoms Products or Services 1
Remote Support for IT & Telecoms Products or Services 2
Remote Support for IT & Telecoms Products or Services 3
IT & Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 1
IT & Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 2
IT & Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 3
Testing IT & Telecoms Systems 1
Testing IT & Telecoms Systems 2
Testing IT & Telecoms Systems 3
User Profile Administration
IT & Telecom System Security 1
IT & Telecom System Security 2
IT & Telecom System Security 3
Technical Advice and Guidance 1
Technical Advice and Guidance 2
Technical Advice and Guidance 3
Working with IT & Telecoms hardware and equipment 1
Working with IT & Telecoms hardware and equipment 2
Working with IT & Telecoms hardware and equipment 3
Web Development 1
Web Development 2
Web Development 3
Testing the Security of Information Systems 1
Testing the Security of Information Systems 2
Data Management Infrastructure
Data representation and manipulation for IT & Telecoms 1
Data representation and manipulation for IT & Telecoms 2
Data modelling 1
Data modelling 2
Computer games development 1
Computer games development 2
System Architecture 1
System Architecture 2
System Architecture 3
Web development 1
Web development 2
Web development 3
Introduction to IT & Telecoms Systems Development
Software Design Fundamentals
Networking principles 1
Networking principles 2
Telecommunications principles 1
Telecommunications principles 2
Fibre Telecommunications Techniques
Principles of Information Governance and Assurance 1
Principles of Information Governance and Assurance 2
Principles of Information Security Testing 1
Principles of Information Security Testing 2
Principles of Secure System Development 1
Principles of Secure System Development 2
Principles of Data Management Infrastructure
Using the Internet 1
Using the Internet 2
Using the Internet 3
Using Email 1
Using Email 2
Using Email 3
Using Collaborative Technologies 1
Using Collaborative Technologies 2
Using Collaborative Technologies 3
Using Mobile IT Devices 1
Using Mobile IT Devices 2
Personal Information Management Software 1
Personal Information Management Software 2
IT Software Fundamentals 1
IT Software Fundamentals 2
Audio Software 1
Audio Software 2
Audio Software 3
Video Software 1
Video Software 2
Video Software 3
Database Software 1
Database Software 2
Database Software 3
Design Software 1
Design Software 2
Design Software 3
Imaging Software 1
Imaging Software 2
Imaging Software 3
Desktop Publishing Software 1
Desktop Publishing Software 2
Desktop Publishing Software 3
Drawing and Planning Software 1
Drawing and Planning Software 2
Drawing and Planning Software 3
Multimedia Software 1
Multimedia Software 2
Multimedia Software 3
Presentation Software 1
Presentation Software 2
Presentation Software 3
Project Management Software 1
Project Management Software 2
Project Management Software 3
Bespoke Software 1
Bespoke Software 2
Bespoke Software 3
Specialist Software 1
Specialist Software 2
Specialist Software 3
Spreadsheet Software 1
Spreadsheet Software 2
Spreadsheet Software 3
Website Software 1
Website Software 2
Website Software 3
Word Processing Software 1
Word Processing Software 2
Word Processing Software 3
ICT LEVEL 4 Scotland
Personal Effectiveness 3
Health and Safety in IT & Telecoms
Interpersonal and written communication 3
Customer Care for IT and Telecoms Professionals 3
IT & Telecom System Operation 1
IT & Telecom System Operation 2
IT & Telecom System Operation 3
IT & Telecom System Management 1
IT & Telecom System Management 2
IT & Telecom System Management 3
Managing software development 1
Managing software development 2
Event driven computer programming 1
Event driven computer programming 2
Event driven computer programming 3
Object oriented computer programming 1
Object oriented computer programming 2
Object oriented computer programming 3
Procedural Programming 1
Procedural Programming 2
Procedural Programming 3
Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT & Telecoms systems 1
Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT & Telecoms systems 2
Investigating and defining customer requirements for IT & Telecoms systems 3
Remote Support for IT & Telecoms Products or Services 1
Remote Support for IT & Telecoms Products or Services 2
Remote Support for IT & Telecoms Products or Services 3
IT & Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 1
IT & Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 2
IT & Telecoms Fault Diagnosis 3
Testing IT & Telecoms Systems 1
Testing IT & Telecoms Systems 2
Testing IT & Telecoms Systems 3
User Profile Administration
IT & Telecom System Security 1
NVQ ICT Level 3 England
CUSTOMER CARE IN ICT
DEVELOP OWN EFFECTIVES AND PROFESSIONALISM
HEALTH & SAFETY
INVESTIGATING AND DEFINING CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS FOR ICT SYSTEMS
TECHNICAL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
TECHNICAL FAULT DIAGNOSIS
WORKING WITH ICT HARDWARE AND EQUIPMENT
Membership Information and Requirements
The Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies
Membership
Foreword
The Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies (i3t) represents employers and
individuals who work in the Digital Infrastructures and Data Transfer Systems Installation Industry. This industry is one in which effective ‘connectivity’ [1] is key, especially when considering that almost all sectors contributing to the GDP of UK plc (energy production distribution and control; business and financial services; manufacture; passenger and freight transport; healthcare; retail and wholesale; sport; hospitality), and the design, construction and operation of buildings and structures that facilitate a large range of these sectors rely on the industry for effective and efficient data transfer, communication and control / maintenance.
The levels of professionalism and competence required by the industry, both collectively as an organisation and/or individual are reflected in the Institute’s values, vision, membership
requisites, and services.
Our Vision is;
“To engage with and involve committed organisations and individuals to
champion, empower and establish the Digital Infrastructures and Data Transfer Systems Installation Industry as one that has a distinct identity with a working culture that is built on professional standards, professional competencies and practices that are respectful, inclusive and considerate of the environment”
To support our Vision our principal objectives are to:
- be recognised UK wide as the `go to` professional body for employers and individuals in the industry
- be established as the body that sets and monitors professional engineering and operational standards for the industry to the highest level
- enable employers and individuals to identify and influence competency requirements at all occupation levels in the industry
- be in a position to advise on qualifications and training programmes in terms of their compatibility to the industry’s skills needs
- encourage professional codes of conduct and best practice in the industry that are compatible with and reflect society and the environment at large
- facilitate and provide advice and guidance that enables individuals to progress in their career as appropriate to their aspirations
- be the body of choice for forward-thinking individuals and organisations in terms of technological development, future skills sets and the industry’s direction
[1] The installation, connection, commissioning, development and maintenance of complex networks of cables, wireless signals, hardware and associated accessories
We will realise our Vision by encouraging and supporting Members to:
- Be professional, ethical, respectful, diverse and demonstrate integrity
- Provide members and other stakeholders with services that meet their needs with an efficient, high quality and expedient delivery
- Foster a positive working environment internally and externally which is safe, open, supportive and understanding of others
- Positively respond to the needs of individuals in the industry irrespective of their job role with respect, fairness, dignity and understanding
- Embed professional practices in the industry through the sharing of knowledge, experience and thoughts on future developments in the industry
- Continuously promote and consolidate the “Environmental Considerations and Responsibilities” the Institute, its members and stakeholders have within and out with the industry
- Convey to members that they have an opportunity to have input to and influence the future, short and long term, of the Digital Infrastructures and Data Transfer Systems Installation Industry
- Encourage and practice a philosophy of “Continuous Review and Improvement” within the Institute and the industry at large.
Corporate Membership
Benefits
As a corporate member of i3t your organisation will have access to services and procedures that will provide:
- Vehicles for recognition of workforce competence, standards, and professional development
- Advice/Guidance on Apprenticeship programmes and their delivery
- Advice/Guidance on competence recognition for your organisation’s employees
- Opportunities to share and receive information that is of value to organisation, individual and industry.
- Opportunities to be involved in the direction of the industry at local, national and international level.
- Procurement facilities that offer discount and access to operation/business requirements/services such as;
- Leasing of equipment and plant
- Insurance
- Office supplies
- Vehicles, etc.
- Notification of tenders and/or other contracts which have been advised to the Institute
- Guidance and support on CPD, HR, OD, ED, consultancy, accountancy and other business services.
- Your visible commitment to the professionalism of the industry by way of “branding” on our website
As Members all we ask, is that your organisation;
- embody and uphold the Institutes values via it’s working ethos, practices and procedures
- collaborate with i3t in its commitment to establishing and maintaining professional standards, competencies, and practices in the Digital Infrastructures and Data Transfer Industry
has recruitment and CPD policies that benefit the industry, its employees and clients
Individual MembersHIP
The Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies are accepted as the organisation that represents the Digital Infrastructures and Data Transfer Systems Installation Industry in terms of establishing and monitoring a high level of professionalism that the public, clients, and fellow professionals can have confidence in. To this end members are expected to demonstrate professional competence and commitment consistent with their membership grade and job role in the areas of:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Design and development of processes, systems, services and products
- Responsibility, management or leadership
- Communication and inter-personal skills
- Professional commitment
- Compliance with the Institute’s “Code of Conduct” (Annex 1)
Benefits of membership
- Formal recognition of “Occupational Competence”
- Demonstration of commitment to professional standards, working practices and values
- Free access to:
- Advice/Guidance on education, training and career development –
- Education and training resources
- CAPYT (on-line Career Advancement Profiling at Your finger Tips)
- Technical fact sheets
The Institute of Intelligent Infrastructure Technologies Code of Conduct
All members of the Institute are expected to observe the requirements of the Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct places a personal obligation on the Institute’s members to act with integrity and in the public interest. It encourages members to act in accordance with the Statement of Ethical Principles. This Code of Conduct obliges members to:
- Act with due skill, care and diligence and with proper regard for professional standards.
- Prevent avoidable danger to health or safety.
- Act in accordance with the principles of sustainability, and prevent avoidable adverse impact on the environment and society.
- Maintain and enhance their competence, undertake only professional tasks for which they are competent, and disclose relevant limitations of competence.
- Accept appropriate responsibility for work carried out under their supervision.
- Treat all persons fairly and with respect.
- Encourage others to advance their learning and competence.
- Avoid where possible real or perceived conflict of interest, and advise affected parties when such conflicts arise.
- Observe the proper duties of confidentiality owed to appropriate parties.
- Reject bribery and all forms of corrupt behaviour, and make positive efforts to ensure others do likewise.
- Assess and manage relevant risks and communicate these appropriately.
- Assess relevant liability, and if appropriate hold professional indemnity insurance.
- Notify the Institution if convicted of a criminal offence or upon becoming bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director.
- Notify the Institution of any significant violation of the Institution’s Code of Conduct by another member