| Features |
| Network
Documentation |
| |
| Benefits |
| Improved
uptime |
| Lower
consultant costs |
| Smoother
project implementations |
| More
accurate budgeting |
| Identification
of potential security issues |
| More
effective network managers/designers |

|
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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