IT Documentation and Network Management

Importance of Documentation

• Necessary across all IT fields.
• Focus on network team documentation in this lecture.

Wiring Closet and Data Center Documentation

• Floor plans document wire locations, access points, and wireless coverage.
• Floor plans with desk numbers correlate to patch panel labels.
• Useful for understanding impact of changes/moves.

Physical Network Maps

• Show how equipment is connected physically (wires and devices).
• Useful for data flow visualization and troubleshooting.
• May include physical layout of racks (switch/router locations).

Distribution Frames

• Main Distribution Frame (MDF):
  • Central termination point for wires/cables.
  • Manages internal links and external lines (WAN/Internet).
  • Provides a good test point for network traffic analysis.
  • Often part of the data center.
• Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF):
  • Midpoint between user desks and data center (MDF).
  • Located on individual floors, connects to MDF.
  • Manages user links and server connections.

Logical Network Maps

• Overall view of connectivity without detailed wiring.
• Created using software (Visio, OmniGraffle, Gliffy.com).
• Shows wide area network connections, wireless connectivity, and application flows.

Documentation Standards

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 606:
  • Standard for telecommunications infrastructure documentation in commercial buildings.
  • Best practices for creating reports, drawings, work orders.
  • Guidelines for documenting pathways, space, grounding, and cable labeling.

Cable Labeling

• Critical for troubleshooting and managing network.
• Must include identifiers, labels, color coding, or barcoding.
• Example labeling: 0 CB0101 A D 0 8 8 (facility, floor, space, data port).

Wireless Network Management

• Perform site surveys to analyze wireless spectrum and optimize connections.
• Identify external access points and frequencies to avoid interference.
• Use heat maps for optimal access point placement and ongoing performance assessments.

Audits and Assessments

• Ensure security policies are followed and data remains secure.
• Can be conducted internally or by third parties (compliance purposes).
• Establish baselines for network throughput and application response time to understand performance trends.