In most companies, Network Managers transition in and out of the job every few years, often leaving behind networks that have evolved during their tenures… and that nobody else entirely understands. To maintain best business practices and productivity during transitions like these, Network Documentation is critical.

When maintained and coupled with a strong change control policy, Network Documentation enables everyone in the organization to understand the network itself, as well as the interdependencies for maintenance, troubleshooting and planning around future applications and technologies.

What’s more, Network Documentation can increase time efficiency, decrease costs and prevent poorly-planned upgrades. For instance, when the network malfunctions, it is difficult and time-consuming to pinpoint the cause of the problem without network documentation. And it can take vendors or managers longer than it should to gain even a rudimentary understanding of the environment during the implementation of new solutions. IT Managers, Application and Network designers all need detailed information about the state of the current network, in order to provide accurate estimates of the impact new systems will have on the existing infrastructure.

Security is also an important concern when attempting to better understand your network. Although a firewall can inspect traffic that is forced through it, if there is an alternate path that can be found by a hacker, then the firewall will not be able to protect your systems. While the network documentation service is not a security audit, many potential security issues are typically identified during this process.

Network Documentation Services
CDI’s certified network professionals can create detailed port level documentation of your existing network using a wide variety of tools and techniques to collect, compile and present data. The comprehensive report, provided in Microsoft Word and Visio, provides detailed information about the existing network:

Network equipment Type of cable in use Make/model/serial number Cable testing Software/firmware levels Length Memory Errors paring Interconnect ports (to other networking equipment) Crosstalk Configuration information Noise VLANs Specification rating IF address Type of patch cords Name Wire management Protocols Recommendations Patch panels Best practices Type/CAT# rating/port count Upgrades Fiber connectors/fiber type Single points of failure Location/name Basic security information Interconnect information to otherpatch panels Power/environmental considerations Cable plant Racking

We provide our reports in standard Microsoft formats so that they can be updated and maintained by your managers. In the event that your existing environment is not up to industry standards, we can recommend customized, best-in-class solutions, certified installation and superior client service.

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