More Detail: Technology, Security & Low-Voltage Systems

Technology, Security & Low-Voltage Systems for Existing Mid-Rise Office Buildings in North Texas

Modern mid-rise office buildings rely heavily on technology infrastructure and security systems to meet tenant expectations, maintain operational efficiency, and ensure safety. In North Texas—where office tenants range from tech companies and financial institutions to healthcare providers and government agencies—the demand for reliable connectivity, sophisticated security, and flexible low-voltage systems has never been higher. Existing mid-rise buildings (4–12 stories) must frequently upgrade or retrofit low-voltage and security components to remain competitive with new construction.

This page details the full range of technology, security, and low-voltage system types used in North Texas office buildings, including individual components, installation considerations, and modernization strategies.

1. LOW-VOLTAGE CABLING & CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Low-voltage cabling forms the backbone of telecommunications, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi networks, and internal communications systems.

A. Structured Cabling Systems

Primary Cabling Types:

• Cat6 / Cat6A: The most common for office tenant data and voice networks.
• Fiber Optic Cabling: Used for risers, MDF–IDF interconnections, and high-speed networks.

Components:

• Horizontal cabling
• Patch panels
• Jacks and faceplates
• Cable trays and ladder racks
• Telecom backboards
• Riser conduits

North Texas Considerations:

Older buildings often have limited riser space or outdated cable pathways, requiring new conduit installations or cable tray expansions.

B. Main Distribution Frame (MDF) & Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) Rooms

These rooms house critical network equipment such as switches, routers, backup systems, and telecom demarcation.

Required Elements:

• Dedicated HVAC or mini-split systems
• 24/7 cooling
• Anti-static flooring or sealed concrete
• UPS power systems
• Ladder racks and proper cable management

Common Upgrades:

• Increasing room size to accommodate modern equipment
• Improving cooling for denser equipment loads
• Replacing old plywood backboards
• Installing camera and access control systems inside MDF/IDF rooms

C. Wi-Fi & Wireless Infrastructure

Office environments require seamless wireless coverage.

Systems include:

• Ceiling-mounted access points (APs)
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches
• Antenna distribution systems

Modern Wi-Fi systems must be coordinated with lighting layouts, ceiling types, and building materials that affect signal strength.

2. SECURITY SYSTEMS

Security is a priority for all office buildings, especially in urban and suburban North Texas markets where multi-tenant occupancy is common.

A. Access Control Systems

These systems regulate who can enter the building and where they can go.

Common Technologies:

• Proximity card readers
• Fob systems
• Mobile credential access
• PIN pads
• Biometric readers (less common but growing)

Typical Components:

• Electrified hardware (maglocks, strikes)
• Access control panels
• Power supplies
• Request-to-exit devices
• Mullion readers for narrow frames

Installation Considerations:

• Door frames in older buildings may need reinforcement
• Power and data must be routed through concealed pathways
• After-hours installation is often required to avoid tenant disruption

B. Video Surveillance Systems (CCTV)

Most buildings now implement IP-based camera systems.

Camera Types:

• Dome cameras
• PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras
• Bullet cameras
• Fisheye (360-degree) cameras
• License plate recognition cameras (parking access)

Typical Components:

• Network video recorders (NVRs)
• Storage servers
• Network switches
• CAT6 or fiber connections

Placement Considerations:

• Building entries and exits
• Parking lots and garages
• Elevators and lobbies
• Loading docks
• Stairwells

Many owners upgrade legacy analog systems to modern IP systems for better resolution and easier management.

C. Intrusion Detection Systems

Although more common in stand-alone buildings, intrusion systems play a role in multi-tenant offices too.

Devices Include:

• Motion sensors
• Glass-break detectors
• Door contacts
• Panic buttons
• Alarm panels

Monitoring typically occurs through professional security firms.

3. AUDIO-VISUAL (AV) SYSTEMS

AV technology is a major feature in modern tenant spaces and shared amenity areas.

A. Conference Room Systems

Components include:

• Flat-panel displays or projection systems
• Video conferencing systems (Zoom Rooms, Teams Rooms)
• Ceiling microphones
• Soundbars or speaker arrays
• Touchpanel room controllers

Construction Considerations:

• Power and data at display walls
• Blocking support behind walls
• Acoustical treatments to prevent echo and sound leakage
• Coordination with lighting zones

B. Training Rooms & Multi-Use Spaces

Larger AV needs include:

• Multiple displays
• Wireless presentation systems
• Distributed audio
• Assisted-listening systems
• Motorized projection screens

C. Digital Signage

Used in:

• Lobbies
• Elevator lobbies
• Conference centers
• Cafés or tenant lounges

Requires dedicated data lines and sometimes media players.

4. BUILDING SYSTEM INTEGRATIONS

Modern technology integrates with building systems more than ever before.

A. Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Low-voltage contractors integrate cabling for:

• HVAC controls
• Lighting control systems
• Energy monitoring
• Occupancy-based automation

B. Lighting Control Systems

Systems include:

• Networked lighting controllers
• Daylight harvesting sensors
• Occupancy/vacancy sensors
• Scene controllers

C. Security Integration with Building Operations

Examples:

• Access control tied to elevator floor access
• Cameras tied to analytic software
• Visitor management integrated with lobby turnstiles

5. FIBER & TELECOMMUNICATIONS MODERNIZATION

Mid-rise buildings must often upgrade older telecom infrastructure.

A. Riser Backbone Replacement

Old risers may contain:

• Category 3 cabling
• Dead fiber strands
• Poorly organized pathways

Modern upgrades include:

• Single-mode fiber
• OM4 multi-mode fiber
• New riser conduits

B. ISP Coordination

Providers such as AT&T, Spectrum, Frontier, Logix, and others frequently require:

• Dedicated MPOE pathways
• New conduit entries
• Equipment mounting in MDF rooms

6. PHYSICAL SECURITY HARDSCAPE

Exterior security improvements include:

• Site cameras
• Bollards
• Gate controls
• License plate capture systems
• Security lighting

Parking garages often require upgraded surveillance and intercom systems.

7. SOUND MASKING & ACOUSTICS SYSTEMS

Open office layouts require noise management.

Components:

• Ceiling-mounted emitters
• Central controller
• White noise generation
• Zone control

Integrating sound masking with lighting and HVAC reduces distractions.

8. WORKING WITHIN OCCUPIED MID-RISE BUILDINGS

Low-voltage work requires enhanced coordination:

Challenges:

• Working above ceilings with active MEP systems
• Maintaining security during access control cutovers
• Minimizing downtime for IT systems
• Scheduling cable pulls during off-hours
• Avoiding impact to fire alarm cabling

Best Practices:

• Preconstruction cable-path surveys
• Phased system activation
• Redundant temporary systems during cutovers

9. MODERNIZATION STRATEGIES FOR AGING BUILDINGS

Many mid-rise buildings constructed in the 1980s–1990s are not equipped for modern tech demands.

Common Upgrades:

• Fully replacing backbone cabling
• Adding new IDF rooms to support floor density
• Integrating smart building platforms
• Replacing analog cameras with IP systems
• Adding visitor management kiosks
• Converting to cloud-based access control