CPS Infrastructure Handbook

The network wiring system is necessary to support many technologies the schools may wish to use, including distance learning, cable television, media retrieval systems, and wide area network (WAN) connectivity. This document is the network wiring standards established for the Chicago Public Schools, including a standardized cabling system and physical topology network.

The audience for the manual is anyone involved in network wiring projects: school principals, technology coordinators, consultants, and contractors. The benefits of following the standardized system include:

• Maintaining district wide consistency and standardization within the Chicago Public Schools
• Supporting multi-vendor equipment
• Simplifying moves, additions, and changes
• Allowing for future applications -- “future proofing” the cabling system for any forthcoming technologies
• Saving time and money in cable maintenance; the principle cost for maintenance is labor

In summary, network wiring which follows these standards should provide classroom wiring to support LANs and backbone wiring from the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Room to the classrooms for the next 15-20 years.

The CPS Specifications and Details as listed within the CPS Infrastructure Handbook are those in effect as of July 1, 2025. The Specifications and Details as provided in the Infrastructure Handbook are the General Guidelines to be used on all CPS Projects. However, there are times when the Specifications and Details may be altered due to the needs of a particular Project. Please refer to the Specifications and Details as included in the specific Project Technical Manual issued for all CPS Projects.

Standards Overview

The standards include:

• Six strands of fiber optic cabling and two Category Six Enhanced cables connected to each administrative and instructional area.
• A backbone of multimode fiber optic cable that is star wired from the MDF Room to the classrooms.
• Network cabling that must conform to EIA/TIA telecommunication wiring standards.
• Electrical Standards: This is a supplemental section 16000. Electrical distribution system for the computers must conform to federal, State of Illinois, and City of Chicago Electrical Codes.
• Testing Standards: A critical part of the installation is the testing and verification that all cabling and wiring meet testing standards prior to acceptance of the final product
• Labeling Standards: This will provide districtwide consistency.

Network Wiring Project Components

Successful projects include the following seven components:

• Media Selection
• Termination Components
• Design Criteria
• Installation Techniques
• Certification Testing
• Code Compliance
• Documentation

Please Note:
Any request for a design variance of the Infrastructure Standards must be submitted for approval, in writing, prior to construction to: