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Standards

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All Users shall follow these ITSFM standards to ensure the system is populated with consistent information across the FDOT Districts and Regional Partners. Key elements of these standards include Database Management and Standardized Naming Conventions.

It is important the system be updated as changes and upgrades are made to the transportation management system. Database updates shall be performed on a timely basis to ensure accurate information about the installed facilities is available each time the system is accessed. It is equally important to follow the standard naming conventions to ensure query and reporting tools provide the expected results.

Data Management

The ITSFM is populated with a large amount of data so it is critical the data is collected and entered into the ITSFM utilizing predetermined standards to provide maximum functionality from the system. These standards allow users to view specific data (and filter out unwanted data) in graphical, tabular views and in the standard reports.

The ITSFM database includes feature tables based on these standards. Many of the tables use predefined code lists (text) in drop-down menus to ensure misspelled words such as an incorrect manufacturer, type and model for equipment will not adversely affect queries and searches.

The FDOT Districts and Regional Partners shall notify the Central Office ITS Section of the need to add new code list data to the system. Updating the code list is necessary to support new equipment attributes and provide for them to be placed into the system. All changes or additions to the system must be authorized and implemented by the Central Office.

Standard Naming Convention

This section defines the methodology and terminologies that shall be used to populate feature information (both Linear and Point features) within the ITSFM system and to provide consistent and meaningful data across the Districts. Standardization will also provide for data integration (shared) into other database systems used by FDOT. In order for the database to differentiate between individual ITS components, the components shall all be assigned unique identifying names or codes based on the following standardized naming conventions:

The naming conventions outlined in the following subsections are intended to provide users with intuitive information within the name itself and provide value to the user when navigating between the ITSFM system, maps, as-built plans and other system documents.

Site Identification Name

The ITSFM manages ITS, signal and communication system components by associating them to a specific location or site, typically the cabinet which houses the supporting electronics. For instance, Regional Transportation Management Centers (RTMCs), Communication Facilities (Hubs & Wireless Shelters), Equipment cabinets (ITS and Signal), Electrical sites (ELEC), and Utility Demarcation Sites (UDS) are equipment sites that require a unique Site Identification Name (SIN). This allows all system components installed at a site to be associated with the site SIN. The SIN shall be present on the new as-built plans and attribute inventory forms to create a common association between the two data documents. Linear facilities such as ducts and cables provide connectivity between equipment sites and do not utilize SINs because they are not tied to one specific location or coordinate point within the ITS network.

The SIN is partitioned into four designating sections, providing the reader with meaningful information about the site location including the Interstate or State route numbers, milepost, proximity to the nearest travel lane or the median and a unique letter designator. The following is an example SIN that depicts a site located on Hwy. 821 at milepost station 56.1 near the northbound travel lane with a unique letter identifier.

 
Route   Mile Marker   Lane   Letter
821   56.1   NB   A
Route:

The 1st designator represents the Interstate or State Route number.

  • If the roadway is an Interstate (I-75, I-10, etc.), the Interstate route number shall be used.
  • If the roadway is a State Route (SR) and not an Interstate, the SR number shall be used.
  • If the roadway is not an Interstate or State Route, the roadway name shall be used.
Mile Marker: The 2nd designator represents the mile marker station shown to the nearest tenth of a mile. The mile maker indicates the mile section posted in the field and may or may not be the same as the mile post shown on the FDOT straight line diagrams. This designator shall represent the mile marker shown in the field to assist with finding the location in the field.
Lane: The 3rd designator represents the nearest travel lane
Letter: The 4th designator represents a unique identifier used to differentiate between other sites that are present in the same tenth (0.1) mile marker location and the same nearest travel lane. A second site would use the letter B the third site the letter C and so forth.
 
If the roadway is not FDOT right-of-way such as on a city or county roadway, the SIN shall be the actual street address and roadway name where the site is located. For example, the SIN for a single site located at 100 Main Street near the eastbound travel lane would be:
 
Address   Roadway   Lane   Letter
100   MAIN ST.   EB   A

 

Infrastructure Names

Outside plant infrastructure such as equipment cabinets, access points, electrical sites, etc. shall be assigned a unique name. The naming convention for different types of facilities shall use the abbreviation for the facility type in conjunction with a SIN. Facility type abbreviations are as follows:

CAB Equipment Cabinet
ELEC Electric Equipment Site
EPB Electric Pull Box
FSV Fiber Splice Vault
FPB Fiber Pullbox
HUB Communication Hub
POLE Pole Support Structure
SLTR Wireless Shelter
STR Overhead Span or Cantilever Support Structure
UDS Utility Demarcation Site

Since the Site Identification Name provides a unique identifier for any type of field infrastructure, it shall be used in conjunction with the facility type abbreviations to name infrastructure facilities. The following is an example infrastructure name that depicts an electrical equipment site located on State Route 821 at milepost 56.1 near the northbound travel lane with a unique letter identifier A.

 
Device Type   Route   Milepost   Lane   Letter
ELEC   SR821   56.1   NB   A
Type: The 1st designator represents the infrastructure type.
Route: The 2nd designator represents the Interstate, U.S. Highway, State or County Route number or street name. Note that the address number and roadway designation (ST, LN, CT) are included in the Route designation for street addresses.
Mile Marker: The 3rd designator represents the milepost location.
Lane: The 4th designator represents the nearest travel lane.
Letter: The 5th designator represents a unique identifier used to differentiate between other sites located within the same tenth (0.1) mile marker location and the same nearest travel lane.
   
Note: Linear features such as ducts and cables do not need to be assigned a unique name.
   
Infrastructure Names

 

ITS Field Device Names

ITS field devices and signals are assigned unique names (i.e., CCTV #1, DMS #5, etc.) and should be used by the RTMC and shown on the as-built plans. These device names are typically comprised of two name components, the device type (CCTV, DMS, etc.) and the next consecutive number from the last number assigned to that type of device. Although this provides unique device names for a single FDOT District, the same device name might be used for a similar device by another FDOT District or Regional Partner, thereby making it difficult to query device information at the statewide level. To resolve this issue, all field devices must be associated in the ITSFM to their respective Equipment Cabinet which is assigned a unique infrastructure name.

 

Electrical Circuit Names

Electrical circuits distributed to ITS equipment sites or Electrical Load Center (ELC) from a Utility Demarcation Site (UDS) shall be assigned unique circuit identification name(s). The naming convention for an electrical circuit shall use the Utility Demarcation Site name in conjunction with a unique circuit identifier. If the electrical circuit is split into multiple distribution circuits at an ELC, the circuits shall be assigned a consecutive letter (i.e., A, B, C, etc.) to identify multiple circuits leaving the ELC. Circuits shall be numbered from left to right, top to bottom facing the electrical distribution panel.

The following is an example of a single circuit leaving a Utility Demarcation Site UDS-821-56.1-NB-A, Circuit "1" that can provide power service to either ITS equipment site(s) or an Electric Load Center.

 

UDS Name Circuit
UDS-SR821-56.1-NB-A / 1
UDS Name: The 1st designator represents the Utility Demarcation Site name.
Circuit ID: The 2nd designator represents the unique circuit identification number.

The following is an example of the UDS circuit above being split into multiple circuits by an ELC.

 
UDS Name Circuit
UDS-SR821-56.1- NB-A / 1A
UDS-SR821-56.1- NB-A   1B
UDS Name: 1st designator represents the Utility Demarcation Site name.
Circuit ID: The 2nd designator represents the unique ELC circuit number.

Equipment Bay & Rack Names

Equipment racks shall be assigned unique bay and rack identification names. Equipment bays are defined as a row or multiple rows of equipment racks installed inside RTMC and remote HUB buildings. The naming convention for bays and racks shall use the SIN in conjunction with a unique bay and rack identifier. Bays shall be assigned a letter (i.e., A, B, C, etc.) to identify the bay and the racks shall be identified by assigning consecutive numbers to each rack in the bay. Racks shall be numbered from left to right facing the bay. The following is an example of an equipment rack located at HUB-821-56.1-NB-A, Bay A, Rack number 001.

SIN Bay Rack
HUB- 821-56.1- NB-A / A / 001
SIN: The 1st designator represents the Site Identification Name.
Bay: The 2nd designator represents the unique bay letter.
Rack: The 3rd designator represents the unique rack number.

HUB- 821-56.1- NB-A
  Equipment Room  
             
      Bay A      
  Rack 001 Rack 002 Rack 003 Rack 004 Rack 005  
             
      Bay B      
Rack 001 Rack 002 Rack 003 Rack 004 Rack 005
             
      Bay C      
  Rack 001* Rack 002 Rack 003 Rack 004 Rack 005  
  *HUB-821-56.1-NB-A/C/001        
             

Cable Complements

The ITSFM displays cable complements that summarize the physical and logical connectivity within a cable sheath. A complement is a grouping of logical circuits and logical fiber units displayed in sequential order within the cable sheath. Cable complements provide the user the ability to identify and track circuits through the cable network from the origination point to the termination point as well as provide cable sheath attributes and fiber path usage information including:

  • Cable Sheath Data
    • Actual cable length
    • Year installed
    • Strand quantity
    • Conductor type
  • Cable sheath-count and Circuit Position
    • Fiber paths
    • Optical circuits,
    • Idle fibers (splice through from other cables but not activated)
    • Dead fibers (not spliced to other cables)

The following Cable Complement is shown in Blue with the definition shown on the left and right of the complement. More information on the Naming Conventions used in this example is explained in the following subsection.

Cable Footage in Feet} 4008 f - '2007 {Year Installed
Manufacturer and Fiber Type} AFL-SM-072 {Number of Strands Sheath Count
Fiber Path from Hub A} Hub A, 1-4 {Hub Port Numbers 1-4 1-4
Circuit #5 from Hub A} Hub A Ckt#5, 1-2 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 5-6
Dead Fibers} Dead, 7-8 {Dead Sheath Fibers 7-8 7-8
Circuit #4 from Hub A} Hub A Ckt#4, 1-2 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 9-10
Backbone Circuit #4 from RTMC} RTMC Trk#4, 1001-1002 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 11-12
Circuit from #1 Hub A} Hub A Ckt#1, 1-2 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 13-14
Circuit from #2 Hub A} Hub A Ckt#2, 1-2 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 15-16
Circuit from #3 Hub A} Hub A Ckt#3, 1-2 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 17-18
Fiber Path from Hub A} Hub A, 19-44 {Hub Port Numbers 19-44 19-44
ITS WAN Backbone Circuit} ITS WAN, 1001-1004 {Fibers 1-4 45-48
Fiber Path from Hub A} Hub A, 49-54 {Hub Port Numbers 49-54 49-54
Backbone Circuit #5 from A} RTMC Trk#5, 1001-1002 {Fibers 1-2 from GBIC 55-56
Fiber Path from Hub A} Hub A, 57-72 {Hub Port Numbers 57-72 57-72

 

Fiber Path Names

The term "Fiber Path" is defined as a logical fiber circuit terminated on a patch panel at the fiber path's origination point but not connected or activated to any optical communication equipment. Fiber Paths typically originate at major control sites such as the RTMC, Hub or other control centers. Fiber Paths shall be assigned unique and meaningful names that allow user to quickly identify and track the Fiber Path in the ITSFM as it traverses the cable network.

The naming convention for a Fiber Path shall be based on a combination of the name for the Point-of-Origination, shown as the prefix, in conjunction with the fiber port termination position on the patch panel (i.e., fiber path 1 = port 1, fiber path 2 = port 2, etc.). The Fiber Path name shall not exceed twenty-five (25) characters. The following is an example name for a Fiber Path leaving the RTMC on patch panel Port #84:

Path Name Port #
RTMC, 84
Path Name: The 1st designator represents the fiber path name at the Point-of-Origination.
Port #: The 2nd designator represents the patch panel port number termination.
   
Note: Patch panel port numbers shall be based on the total number of patch panel ports at the equipment site. Empty port modules shall be counted in the total patch panel port count. For example, If two 72-fiber patch panels are installed at the RTMC, the port numbers for the 1st panel installed will be ports 1 through 72 and the 2nd panel will be ports 73 through 144. Each time a patch panel is installed, the 1st port will be assigned the next available port number. Patch panel port numbers shall be labeled on each patch panel.

 

Optical Circuit Names

The term "Optical Circuit" is defined as a logical fiber circuit connected to or activated to optical communication equipment creating a lit optical circuit. Optical circuits can be derived from various types of communication equipment installed at the RTMC, Communication Hub or other control centers. Optical Circuits shall be assigned unique and meaningful names to allow users to quickly identify and track the Optical Circuit in the ITSFM as it traverses the cable network.

The naming convention may vary based on the circuits type (i.e. backbone or distribution) and the circuits physical topology. The name shall include a prefix that includes an abbreviation representing the Point-of-Origination and Circuit Identifier or other meaningful description in conjunction with logical fiber units. Another option is to use the abbreviations for the circuits point-of-origin, combined with its destination, to name the circuit.

The circuit identifier shall include text that differentiates the circuit from other circuits. For example:

  • The abbreviation "Trk" can be used to indicate backbone or trunk circuits between the RTMC and Communication Hubs.
  • The abbreviation "Ckt" can be used to indicate a distribution circuit derived from the backbone.
  • The abbreviation RTMC-FHP can be used to indicate a circuit between the RTMC and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The optical circuit name will include the optical fiber units or count for each circuit. Optical circuits are typically comprised of two fibers, one for transmit and the other for receive therefore, two fiber numbers (1-2) are used to designate a two fiber circuit.

The following circuit name represents the first two fiber backbone circuit originating at the Regional Transportation Management Center.

Circuit Name/# Fiber#
RTMC Ckt#1, 1
RTMC Ckt#1, 2
Circuit Name / #: The 1st designator represents the Point-of-Origination name in conjunction with the unique circuit identifier and circuit number. Circuits with the same name shall be assigned an unique number, typically the next available number as the new circuit is activated.
Port #: The 2nd designator represents the fiber number.
   
Note: Fiber units are not intended to indication signal direction such as transmit or receive.
  GigaBit Interface Converters (GBIC) are transceivers installed in a single port or slot on communication equipment and are the interface between this equipment and the patch panel. GBIC have two-fiber ports, one for transmit and one for receive that together form a single Optical Circuit.

 

Example Circuit Naming Conventions

The following are examples of naming conventions based on different circuit type and topologies.

Point-to-Point Topology

The following diagram represents a Point-to-Point backbone circuit between the RTMC and Hub A. This circuit the fifth backbone or trunk (Trk#5) two-fiber (1-2) circuit that originates from the RTMC:

RTMC
Core
Switch
 Fiber 1-TX Fiber 1-RX  HUB A
Core
Switch
 Fiber 2-RX Fiber 2-TX 
RTMC Trk#5, 1-2

The following diagram represents a Point-to-Point distribution circuit between Hub A and a field cabinet. This circuit is the fourth (Ckt#4) two-fiber (1-2) distribution circuit that originates from Hub A:

Hub A
Core
Switch
 Fiber 1-TX Fiber 1-RX  Cabinet
Field
Switch
 Fiber 2-RX Fiber 2-TX 
Hub A Ckt#4, 1-2

Ring Topology

Fiber Ring circuits use two uni-directional transmission links to provide physical protection against outages caused by cable cuts when cables are deployed along separate or diverse paths between the equipment sites. The circuit name is similar to a point-to-point circuit name but these circuits include the term "Loop" in the prefix to signify that the circuit is configured in a Ring Topology. The prefix also includes a unique letter designation that separates the ring into two sides. For example, the letter "A" represents one side of the ring and the Letter "B represent the other side, with the separation happening at a mid-point of the ring. Another option would be the letter "N" representing the north side of the ring and "S" for the south side of the ring, if appropriate.

The following diagram represents a ring backbone circuit between the RTMC and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) facility. This circuit is the third two-fiber (1-2) ring truck circuit (Trk#3 Loop, 1-2) that originates at the RTMC and extends through the FHP facility then back to the RTMC

Naming Option 1 - Side 1
RTMC Trk#3 Loop (A), 1-2
Naming Option 2 - Side 1
RTMC-FHP Loop (A), 1-2

RTMC
Core
Switch
 
Fiber 1-TX
Side 1
Fiber 1-RX
  FHP
Field
Switch
 
Fiber 2-RX
 
Fiber 2-TX
 
 
Fiber 1-TX
 
Fiber 1-RX
 
 
Fiber 2-RX
Side 2
Fiber 2-TX
 
Naming Option 1 - Side 1
RTMC Trk#3 Loop (B), 1-2
Naming Option 2 - Side 1
RTMC-FHP Loop (B), 1-2

The following example represents a ring distribution circuit between Hub A and numerous field cabinets. This circuit is the ninth two-fiber (1-2) ring distribution circuit (Ckt#9, 1-2) that originates at Hub A and daisy-chains through multiple cabinet then back to Hub A.

Side 1
Hub A Ckt#9 Loop (A), 1-2

 

Hub A
Core
Switch
 
Fiber 1-TX
Field
Cabinet
Side 1 Field
Cabinet
Fiber 1-RX
  Field
Cabinet
Fiber 2-RX
Fiber 2-TX
 
Fiber 1-TX
Field
Cabinet
   
Fiber 1-RX
 
 
Fiber 2-RX
Side 2  
Fiber 2-TX
 
Side 2
Hub A Ckt#9 Loop (B), 1-2

 

Multiple Path Distribution Circuit

Multiple Path Distribution Circuits provide protection against outages caused by cable cuts because the distribution circuit is connected to communication equipment on each end of the circuit providing multiple paths for the signal to travel in the event of a cable cut.

The circuit identifier shall include the abbreviation of both core switch sites (point-of-origin combined with the destination). The order in which the origin and destination are presented is not important. The prefix shall also include a unique circuit identifier number to distinguish it from other circuits with the same origin - destination.

Hub A
Core
Switch
 Fiber 1-TX Fiber 1-RX  Hub B
Core
Switch
 Fiber 2-RX Fiber 2-TX 
HubA-HubB Ckt#1, 1-2

 

Dead fibers are defined as Optical Fibers that are not spliced or terminated to fibers in an adjacent cable sheath or patch panel. Dead fibers include among others, fibers that have been cut dead ahead at a fiber drop cable location (i.e. end point of an optical circuit) and are not spliced ahead in the backbone cable beyond the fiber drop. Dead fibers are automatically identified by the ITSFM in the cable complement by the prefix "Dead" followed by the fiber unit sheath count (position within the cable sheath).

Example:
   
Dead, 5-12 — This designation indicates fibers 5-12 in the cable sheath are dead.
 

The following list of abbreviations shall be used with the ITSFM:

APL   Approved Products List EOP   Edge of Pavement
ATIS   Advanced Traveler Information System EOR   Edge of Road 
ATMS   Advanced Traffic Management System EOTL   Edge of Travel Lane
ASPH   Asphalt EPB   Electric Pull Box
BGN   Begin EQUIP   Equipment
BOC   Back of Curb EXST   Existing
BRDG   Bridge FH   Fire Hydrant
BSP   Black Steel Pipe FNC   Fence
CAB   Cabinet FOC   Fiber Optic Cable
CCTV   Closed-Circuit Television Camera FPB   Fiber Pull Box
C/L   Centerline FSV   Fiber Splice Vault
CMS   Changeable Message Sign GSP   Galvanized Steel Pipe
CNG   Change GR   Guard Rail
CONC   Concrete GRVL   Gravel
CRN   Corner HARB   Highway Advisory Radio Beacon
CMP   Corrugated Metal Pipe HART   Highway Advisory Radio Transmitter
CNTY   County HWL   Headwall
CRK   Creek HDPE   High Density Polyethylene
CULV   Culvert HWY   Highway
DEPT   Department INT   Intersection
DIR   Directional ITS   Intelligent Transportation Systems
DMS   Dynamic Message Sign LN   Lane
E   East LT   Left
EB   East Bound LGTH   Length
ELP   Electrical Load Center Point LGT   Light
ELTC   Electric MH   Manhole
ENC   Encased MKR   Marker
ENCD   Encoder MAX   Maximum
EOG   Edge of Gravel MP   Mile Post
   

             
MPNIF   Mile Post Not In Field TTS   Travel Time System
MIN   Minimum TYP   Typical
N   North UDP   Utility Demarcation Point
NB   North Bound VDS   Vehicle Detection System
NTCIP   National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol W   West
#   Number WB   West Bound
OH   Overhead W/   With
OHSIG   Overhead Signal WAT   Water
PED   Pedestal  
PET   Petroleum  
PI   Point of Intersection  
PL   Pole  
P/L   Property Line  
PP   Power Pole  
PTU   Pan& Tilt Unit  
PTZ   Pan & Tilt/Zoom  
PVC   Polyvinyl Chloride  
PWR   Power  
RDS   Radar Detection System  
RM   Ramp Meter  
RWIS   Road & Weather Information System  
RTMC   Regional Traffic Management Center  
RAD   Radius  
R/R   Rail Road  
RCP   Reinforced Conc. Pipe  
REQD   Required  
RT   Right  
RTMC   Regional Transportation Management Center  
R/W   Right of Way  
RD   Road  
R/L   Running Line  
SWR   Sewer  
SIG   Signal  
S   South  
SB   South Bound  
SCS   Speed Check Sign  
STA   Station  
STS   Storm Sewer  
ST   Street  
TBS   Trailblazer Sign  
TEL   Telephone  



For additional information, please contact Randy Pierce at Randy.Pierce@dot.state.fl.us