Network Cabling, Network , Structured cabling, cable, Washington DC

Network Upgrade Planning for Companies – Part 2

24 Apr 2017

 Network , Structured cabling, cable, Washington DCAs mentioned in Part 1, a good network upgrade plan will make an analysis determining each aspect of SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, helping project managers create a clear plan consisting of five phases. Part 1 discussed the first two, Gathering of Requirements and Selection & Design. Part 2 will cover the last three, Implementation, Operation, and Review & Evaluation.



3) Implementation


Proper execution of the first two phases, will allow Implementation to be performed without major issues. However, every neglected task in the first two phases will certainly have to be addressed during Implementation. A sound schedule will provide time for unanticipated problems which will minimize disruptions of the customer’s business. Maintaining communication between project designers and the client throughout installation is crucial for making a project successful.



4) Operation


After the completion of the network implementation phase, the network transitions into a production environment. The network is live and executes the tasks it’s been programmed to perform. The proper completion of all tasks before this phase will minimize unexpected incidents during the network’s operation phase.



5) Review & Evaluation


Once operational, the network’s design and implementation must be studied and assessed in terms of the design’s objectives. Typically, these tasks are performed by design team staff with the help of network members. There will be an evaluation of costs, performance, and environmental fit.



The items below are recommended for this process:



  • Make a comparison between user experience and the documented goals, then make an assessment of the design’s performance.

  • Make a comparison between planned designs and costs and actual results of deployment, ensuring future projects will learn from these lessons.

  • Observe the operation and document all revisions, making sure the system is accountable.


Each phase should practice sound planning and conduct reviews for optimal functioning and successful installation. For ideal results, on-site technicians should participate in all phases of a network upgrade. They will have a better grasp of the project’s goals, and they will able to provide users better service.

Union Network Cabling


When union work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Union Network Cabling for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. Specializing in cabling for data, voice, security and even the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290

Network, Data cabling, IT Support

Network Upgrade Planning for Companies – Part 1

12 Apr 2017

Network, Data cabling, IT SupportPlanning the network upgrade for a company requires careful consideration. Similar to other projects, a need is determined, and then the upgrade process is planned from its start to conclusion. Every sound network upgrade plan will make an analysis determining each aspect of SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This SWOT analysis will help project managers create a clear plan that defines the tasks required and the order of the workflow.



Overview


A network constructed as a hodgepodge of devices attached using a combination of protocols and technologies is a sign of substandard initial planning. This lack of forethought results in networks that are prone to downtime, challenging maintenance, and difficult troubleshooting. This poor kind of network is commonly found at small businesses that undergo rapid and unanticipated growth. Big companies also experience this when their networks suddenly expand after a merger with or acquisition of another company. In cases where growth is expected, a company will have a better opportunity to properly plan a network upgrade that is less problematic and provide users adequate service.



Five Phases


Network upgrade planning starts after completion of the initial site survey and report. The plan will be typically divided into five phases as listed below, and each will be then discussed individually.




  • Gathering of Requirements

  • Selection & Design

  • Implementation

  • Operation

  • Review & Evaluation


1) Gathering of Requirements


Once adequate data has been gathered from visits to the customer and site, the ISP design team will make an evaluation that will determine network requirements and write an analysis report.



2) Selection & Design


After the completion of the analysis report, equipment consisting of devices and cabling will be selected. Several designs will be drafted by the design team, and these will be submitted to other project members for feedback.


This process with allow participants to consider the LAN from a point of view of documentation and assess trade-offs in terms of cost and performance. In addition, design weaknesses will be discovered and solutions will be considered. Moreover, this phase will allow prototyping to determine optimum methodology. Prototypes let designers see how the network will operate before final implementation.


Part 2 will cover the next three phases, Implementation, Operation, and Review & Evaluation.



Union Network Cabling


When union work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Progressive Office Cabling for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. Specializing in cabling for data, voice, security and even the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290