Wired Survey and Structured Cabling Design, Washington, USA.

A well-designed wired network is the backbone of seamless connectivity in modern office and warehouse environments, ensuring reliable data transfer and minimizing disruptions.

After completion of wireless survey at a large-scale facility in Washington, USA, the network surveyor team conducted a detailed wired network survey to address persistent network issues, optimize cable infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency. Let us explore the challenges faced, survey findings, and the solutions provided to transform the network landscape.

Details of the Survey

 Issues Reported:

• The client reported network inconsistencies and coverage gaps.
• Facility size: 28,000 sq. ft.
• Includes: Office spaces and a warehouse.
• Warehouse ceiling height: Up to 35 feet.

Site Details:

•  Facility Type: Office and warehouse.
• Survey Dates: August 2024.
• Tools Used: Cisco Access Points and a electric scissor lift.

                                                                                            Site Map

Survey Type:

A wired network survey focusing on access point (AP) placement, signal mapping, and cable infrastructure.

Survey Findings

Cabling and Infrastructure:

 Copper Cabling:

• New Cat6A cables were added.
• Also, existing Cat6A cables were reused, demonstrating efficient use of resources.

Fiber Cabling:

• Existing single-mode (SM) fiber was reused to connect the MDF (Main Distribution Frame) and IDFs (Intermediate Distribution Frames), ensuring high-speed connectivity.

Access Point (AP) Deployment:

• New access points (APs) were installed.
• The deployment included Cisco 9120 series AP's, tailored for both office and warehouse environments.

Placement:

• Ceiling-mounted APs in offices.
• Beam/truss-mounted APs in warehouses, optimized for the facility’s high ceilings and wide spaces.
• Existing cables were reused for multiple APs, highlighting cost-efficiency.

Cable Diagram to each AP's

Cabinet and Power Utilization:

• IDF cabinets were retained with 1U of available rack space in each.
• All IDFs were equipped with existing power outlets, reducing the need for additional electrical work.
• A cable tray was installed between the server and switch racks in the MDF for better organization.

Network Equipment:

Switches:

• Cisco Catalyst C3650 switches were deployed, providing ample ports with room for future expansion.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies):

• APC Smart-UPS units ensured reliable power backup for critical network components.

Patch Panels:

• Commscope 24-port panels were utilized for structured cabling.

Environmental and Physical Considerations:

• Facility ceiling heights varied, with a maximum observed height of 35 feet in the warehouse. AP mounting heights were adjusted accordingly.
• A 26’ electric scissor lift was used for installations in high-ceiling areas.

Remediation Strategy 

The engineering team developed a comprehensive remediation strategy to address the challenges:

Strategic AP Placement:

• Deployed Cisco 9120 series access points across key locations.
• Adjusted AP height in the warehouse to 33 feet for optimal coverage.

Cable and Power Management:

• Installed new Cat6A cables and reused existing ones where feasible.
• Confirmed sufficient power outlets within IDF cabinets, avoiding the need for additional electrical upgrades.

Infrastructure Enhancements:

• Utilized existing single-mode fiber connections for robust MDF-IDF integration.
• Ensured compatibility with current network switches, reducing deployment complexity.

So, at last a well-executed wired network survey is crucial for resolving connectivity issues and ensuring reliable performance in large-scale facilities. The site, we addressed network inconsistencies by optimizing cable infrastructure, improving signal coverage. Strategic AP placement, efficient cable management, and integration with existing systems allowed us to deliver a robust, future-ready network solution.

Please get in touch with the experts at Orion US today.

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