During a recession, end users may be more inclined to upgrade their existing networks rather than install a new infrastructure. Network upgrades can be very simple or very complex, depending on the type of upgrade projects you take on.

Here are some useful things to keep in mind as you perform a network upgrade:

• Many IT managers perceive that switching from copper to fiber must be done all at once. Explain that it can be done in stages, as budgets allow, using media converters.
• When possible, choose “auto-negotiation” media converters that will automatically negotiate speed and compatibility.
• When looking for system bottlenecks in a legacy system, good places to begin are those areas where many cections converge at servers or routers.
• Sometimes an existing infrastructure has adequate speed and capacity but there aren’t enough ports to connect new users or equipment. A simple upgrade is to replace existing Ethernet wall outlets with 4-port Fast Ethernet switched outlets.
• PC’s in older legacy systems may negate some of the performance improvements of an upgraded system. Ask your client to consider new computers as part of the upgrade.
• Rule of thumb – Increasing network bandwidth also increases speed. A network that is running Ethernet 10-Mbps will operate 10 times faster when upgraded to Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps).

Tags: copper, fiber, network, optic, tips, upgrade

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 at 3:50 pm and is filed under Technical Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.