ICN has completed a vital HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) upgrade on the Capitol Complex. By upgrading the equipment in the Lucas State Office Building switch room, we secured the State's critical infrastructure and kept ICN customers across Iowa connected to reliable broadband services.
Why the Switch Room Needs to Stay Cool
The switch room functions as a Network hub for ICN, serving as one of the primary connection points. Maintaining essential HVAC equipment is needed to keep networking gear cool and prevent overheating in the switch room.
The older HVAC units had exceeded their lifespan, presenting a costly and risky vulnerability, especially during the hot summer months. This proactive HVAC upgrade ensured continuous network stability, security, and support for the State's Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government (COOP/COG) plan.
A collaborative, phased approach to prevent downtime
The project was a collaborative effort, funded in-part by the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) and managed by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and ICN. The main goal was to replace the older cooling system with new, appropriately sized units to handle current and future needs. This involved:
- Replacing aging chillers and CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner) units.
- Installing new rooftop condensers and cooling units.
- Upgrading electrical connections for the new equipment.
The entire process was completed in a phased approach to ensure that the building's cooling and services were never interrupted. This strategic approach prevented any downtime, allowing ICN to continue providing uninterrupted service to its customers and all Iowans.
This project is a perfect example of how investments in behind-the-scenes critical infrastructure can have a positive impact on Iowans daily lives.