In the Field; Network Transition Step 1

I thought I would do something a little different that I believe many of you would be interested in. Me documenting one of my jobs as I go through it, not afterwards or in a lab environment. I get the odd comment where readers write, “that’s fine and dandy in a lab, but what about the real world”. In this article, a client installed a new router/circuit and wanted me to review his network design and provide any recommendations that I think would make things more reliable, easier to support, etc.. The client told me that the new router is in, but no traffic is traversing it, so I have some flexibility when making changes. Since the router is installed, configured and working, I can skip many of my usual install questions which I outline in the video. Lets get on with the new job. The first thing I need to do is to collect, review and validate any customer documentation. In some cases, I literally collect various sheets or paper, post-it notes, napkins and photos or whiteboards that contain portions of the network diagram. I then create an actual drawing in Powerpoint. No CAD or Visio required since this is simply for presentation purposes. I can’t tell you how many times I help the client resolve issues by simply creating one diagram. If you happen to have your network diagram on a computer or network management system, I suggest you audit the accuracy of it. When everyone agrees the drawing is correct, I move to the next step which is more of an inventory exercise. I validate which port is connected to what equipment. Typically this is followed up with updating any client documentation that may be incorrect. In the past, I cover how to track down which device is on what port http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-RuI8Avqhc In this case, I was told that there was a past network issue that required the switch to be swapped out. That comment usually sets of a red flag in my head since I wonder if the technician maintained the same port number when equipment was moved over to the new switch. Now that the diagram and drawing is accurate, I draw a diagram illustrating what things will look like after the change. I always prepare myself to explain ahead of time what benefits the changes provide since the, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it“ mentality creeps into these discussions. In my next video, I will start explaining specific changes to be made, testing points, if I run into any issues and how I dealt with them.

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