Chapter 3: The 3 Phases of LAN Installation
3. The Three Phases of LAN Installation
The LPV is designed for the network installer, the network repair person, and the IT manager. The tests used during the three phases of LAN installation can also be used to troubleshoot LANs that have operational problems.
The installation of a LAN is generally handled in phases. The cabling is installed; then the switches and PCs are installed; and then everything is connected. The LPV plays a role during all three phases, saving countless hours of troubleshooting.
Phase I. Use the LPV during cable installation (before the switches and PCs are installed). After the LAN cable has been pulled through the building and terminated, it is good practice to verify LAN performance. Verify that the cabling is terminated properly and test that the cable is proper for the intended use (for example, CAT5e for Gigabit networks).
Phase II. Use the LPV after the switches and PCs are installed. Before connecting the cables to the switches and PCs, verify that each switch port and PC are operational. This provides a wealth of information:
It verifies that the device is ON (that is, it is transmitting); the speed of the device (10, 100, 1000 Mbps) ; duplex; and other features.
Phase III. Use the LPV when connecting the cabling to the switches and PCs. With the cabling verified and LAN Performance Verified (Phase I) and the switch and PCs checked out (Phase II), all that remains is 1) getting the equipment com- municating and 2) verifying each LAN link is performing at the speed expected. To do this, use LAN Performance Verification Level 2 to test the cable and port combinations. And use the network tests inline capability to connect the LPV between 2 LAN devices to verify the negotiated speed of the link.
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