Found in the ANSI/TIA-568 and 1005 standards, M.I.C.E. provides a method for categorizing the environmental classes for each factory cell/area zone, and provides for determination of the level of “hardening” required for the network media, connectors, pathways and enclosures. “M” “I” “C” “E” or M.I.C.E. refer to Mechanical – such as Shock & Vibration, Ingress – how the solution needs to handle water or dust, Climatic/Chemical – the temperature and wash-down of water or exposure to acids or oil mixtures, and Electromagnetic – exposure to ESD and electrical noise. In all these categories the hardening level required for network components increases with the increased severity of the environmental conditions. In an office there is no repetitive machine motion that affect the communication cables and no vibration sources that can affect the network connection points. Equally, there is no constant presence of dust, debris, or water and no wash-down requirements of the entire work areas. Chemicals used in an office are found in low quantities, in restrictive spaces, and in low doses. No chemical or corrosive elements are present in high concentrations. All electromagnetic sources (such as power distribution cabinets, drives or power systems) are generally isolated and normally located away from the general office areas. In a factory, all of these hazards are present and in varied quantities, limits or concentrations, depending on the area. Network/communication systems components (such as cables, connectors, enclosures and pathways) must therefore be considered with a M.I.C.E. provided guide to ensure that these components can survive the severity of the environments in the work areas. In short, M.I.C.E methodology is a method of categorizing the environmental classes for each factory cell or area that provides for determination the level of “hardening” required for the network media, connectors, pathways and enclosures.