The biggest favor we can do for ourselves and future co-workers is developing and maintained documentation
Wire Schemes
- Wiring infrastructure info
- PIN standards
- Types/Cat Cable
- Cable Maps/DiagramsWhere do cables run? Are there repeaters? Wiring closets
- Need this info if we want to expand.
Cable Management
- Neatness
- Visually appealing
- Aids in visual identification
- Improves Cooling
- Safety – avoid tripping on long cables
Network Maps
- Physical (blueprint) and Logical Layouts (how data flows).
- Network may look like a star, but the logical topology could be a ring.
- IP address, Devices, VLNs, topology, Port maps.
- Use in conjunction with wiring schemes.
Documentation
The larger the organization is, the more scattered documentation becomes. Documentation typically includes:
- Network topology
- Server rules
- Logins/Device configurations
- Port layouts
- Firewall rules
Asset Management
- Manage and keep accountable. The larger an organization gets, the more problematic asset tracking gets.
- Accountability for physical devices.
- Get people to sign for the devices
- Device serial numbers/bar codes.
- Database to track devices
- Login information for devices
- Keep devices secure and up to date.
- Track warranties
Baselines
- Reference points for normal level of functioning.
- Should be updated and standardized regularly
- Network throughput/traffic
- Data sent/received
- Create with network capture or performance monitoring (Windows monitoring Tool)
Change Management
- How to handle modifications
- Need sign off from multiple levels of administration
- Prioritize requirements
- Approval cycle
- Is the equipment compatible
- Test Implementation
- Documentation/Accountability
