ASD ISM 1646Detail Cabling Paths and Points on Floor Plans
Official control statement
Floor plan diagrams contain the following: - cable paths (including ingress and egress points between floors) - cable reticulation system and conduit paths - floor concentration boxes - wall outlet boxes - network cabinets.
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
In plain English
Floor plans should show cable paths, conduit systems, and key network component locations.
What this means in practice
Imagine trying to find a lost set of keys in a cluttered room. Having a detailed floor plan showing where all your cables and network equipment are is like making sure that room is tidy with everything in its place. Without this, it could take ages to fix problems or set up new equipment, leading to business interruptions and potential security risks.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect (Control Stack)
Proactive
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
June 2021
Control Stack last updated
29 Sept 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureTopic
Floor plan diagrams
Why it matters
Inaccurate cabling maps can delay fault isolation, prolong outages, increase repair costs, and hide unauthorised taps or changes to cable ingress/egress points and cabinets.
Operational notes
Update floor plans after each cabling change; record cable paths, ingress/egress points, conduit routes, floor concentration boxes, outlets and network cabinets to support rapid fault-finding.
Implementation tips
- IT Manager: Create a detailed map of your office's current cabling layout. Start by walking around the office, noting where all the cables run and using this information to draw an accurate floor plan that marks all important points like network cabinets and wall outlets.
- Facilities Manager: Work with an architect or engineer to include conduit systems in the floor plan. Ensure they map out where cables can safely run through walls and between floors, making it clear on the plan for future installations or repairs.
- IT Team: Identify and mark all ingress and egress points for cables on your floor plans. This means showing clearly where cables come into and exit each floor, allowing for easier troubleshooting and rerouting if necessary.
- Facilities Maintenance: Regularly update the floor plan as changes are made. When any new cable is installed or moved, update the plan immediately so it accurately reflects the current setup and prevents confusion later.
- Office Manager: Keep copies of the floor plans in multiple places. Ensure that one copy is stored digitally in a secure drive and a printed version is kept in an office manual so that anyone can easily access them when needed.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe current floor plan documents: Request the latest version of the office floor plansLook atWhether they include detailed information about cable paths and network componentsGoodFloor plan will show clear paths for cables and marked locations for all network boxes and cabinets
- GoodWill include up-to-date conduit maps showing precise locations throughout the facility
- AskMaintenance records of floor plansLook atRecords that show the floor plans are reviewed and updated regularly. Good records will list changes made, date of updates, and authorisation from a responsible person
- AskA walk-through demonstration: Request a physical walk-through guided by the floor plan. Compare plan details to actual cabling layoutsGoodOutcome sees all cable paths and network components matching exactly with the documented plans
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1646 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
handshakeSupports(1)expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.12 | ISM-1646 requires floor plan diagrams to record cable paths (including ingress and egress points between floors), reticulation and condui... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
Related ASD ISM controls in Communications infrastructure
See all Guidelines for communications infrastructure controls, or browse the full ASD ISM library.