Builing an IT infrastructure is an important process for supporting company efficiency. It has to be a well-planned system. If it works optimally the company can reduce costs and even help increase the productivity of the business.
However, the standard procedure may vary depending on the specific requirements, size of the building, and the complexity of the network.
Below are the general outline of the steps.
1.Need Assessment
This is the most important step. You have to know the client’s need. You have to determine the networks requirements and objectives for the building. How many users that will use the system, types of devices, bandwidth requirements, coverage areas dan future scalability because the company may have plans for expansion.
There are few criteria must be fulfilled when you setup an IT Infrastructure.
2.Network design
The next step is network design. You have to plan the placement of networking equipment, such as routers, switches, and wireless access points. There are few consider factors:
-limited space on the corner, you may have to use a mounted rack that provide access to devices both from the front and rear, cabling requirements, network segmentation
and location of the server rooms.
1.Zero Latency
Latency can be interpreted as the time needed to move data from one place to another. Each device can have different latency depending on the level of network quality it has. Inappropriate router or switches can cause latency.
2.Zero Downtime
Any downtime will interfere with the company’s operational activities.That’s why proper installation and infrastructure are very important.
3.Capacity storage
Storage system that can deliver superior performance.
4.Virtualization
Virtualization has benefits as follows:
-energy saving (no hardware)
-faster server provision (deployment is faster)
-improved disaster recovery (replication can be done easily)
5.Security
Security is one of the most important in having the ideal IT infrastructure. The main role of security system is to remove any vulnerable and put the system into optimized status.
3.Cabling Infrastructure
You have to make sure that you follow the industry standards for cable instalation and labeling. Well organized cabling will make your life easier for future troubleshooting. UTP cable maximum range is 100m, if the server location is far, Fiber-optic cable is a good solution.
4.Network Equipment Installation
Installation and configure the network equipments. Using Mikrotik or Cisco will make easier to remote the device. I give example for these 2 brands because I only familiar with it.
5.Network Configuration
Setting IP address, subnet masks, routing protocols, VLAN’s, security, DHCP (Dynami Host Configuration Protocol) servers, Firewall rules and network monitoring tools.
6.Wireless Network Configuration
Optimize the location to ensure reliable coverage and minimize interference. Use appropriate SSIDs (SErvice Set Identifiers) and latest security setting (WPA2/WPA3 Encryption).
7.Testing and Troubleshooting
In this step, you have to verify cable integrity, measure signal strength, and test network throughput. You have to ensure proper connectivity, data transmission, and performance.
8.Security Implementation
Configure access controls, user authentication, and network segmentation as needed. Implement security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols to protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
9.Documentation and Labeling
Network cabling infrastructure is the backbone of any network, connecting devices, servers, switches, routers, etc. Without proper documentation and lebeling, network cabling can become a mess. Proper documentation and labeling will save your time and help you maintain consistency and standards across your network, ensuring compatibility and performance.
10.Network monitoring and maintenance
Set up network monitoring tools to monitor the network performance, security incidents, and potential faults. Regular update firmware or security patches for network devices. Regular inspection for all equipments. Periodic cable testing.
Taufan Lubis - Ubuntu Linux 