Prepare to Install a Router

 As an IT professional, you will be working on IT equipment, and setting it up for users  You want to protect: ◦ your safety ◦ the safety of your users/customers/clients ◦ and keep the equipment working properly!

 Safe work practices include: 1. Selection of appropriate tools for the task 2. Correct use, maintenance and storage of tools, equipment and machinery 3. Correct handling, application, transport and storage of materials. 4. Safe posture (sitting, standing, bending and lifting) 5. Correct manual handling (lifting and transferring)

 Don’t twist cables, bend cables too tightly  Watch for frayed ends, worn cabling, damaged connectors: report and/or replace  Don’t run cables past sharp corners/objects  Don’t stretch cables, should be slack in cable run  Don’t let chairs etc. roll over cables.  Avoid water  Keep power cabling and data cabling separate (5cm)

 Ensure no tripping, or accidental snagging  Disconnect power cables when working on h’ware  Use an earthing strap when working on hardware  Power boards, extension cables: don’t exceed the power/amperage rating. Unwind extension cables

 Get orientation right, line pins up, don’t force a plug into a socket. Watch for bent pins  Tighten connector screws by hand  Don’t remove connectors by the cable!

 Before you lift, ensure a clear space to put down your load  When lifting: ◦ Keep your back straight ◦ Bend your knees ◦ Hold the load close to your body ◦ Ask for help if you need it, or get a trolley

 Switch off and disconnect the power  Wait for any charge to dissipate: ◦ Old monitors, laser printers  Earthing strap if handling internal components  Find and read the users or maintenance manual for the equipment  Avoid cleaning liquids. Damp cloth only on outside. Get antistatic vacuum cleaner or hand dust blower

 Cool room, low humidity, dust free  In original packing if possible  Read manufacturer’s manuals for details ◦ e.g. remove ink cartridges from printers

 Unless you are creating a new network from scratch, there will be an existing network infrastructure  It should be documented in two ways: ◦ A Physical design which describes the physical location of devices and wiring ◦ A Logical design which describes how the devices are interconnected, their IP addresses, ports in use and other essential configuration

 Logical design: this is the sort of thing you see in Packet Tracer

 Wiring between components

 Location of equipment in racks

 Location of runs of data cabling

 When you complete any work, you need to produce an updated: ◦ Logical network design document ◦ Physical network design document  There should be a procedure to submit this to the organisation so it can be kept safely and other workers, contractors etc. can refer to it

 This unit is about installing a router, so you need to decide what sort of router to choose  Your main choices would be: ◦ A home router for home use or a small business which will use Cable, 3G or ADSL to get Internet ◦ An access router to suit a small business which will use a real WAN service such as IDSN, PPP or Frame Relay ◦ An enterprise core router to interconnect several subnets (LANs) in a large organisation

 Home routers: ◦ Linksys routers Linksys routers  Access routers: ◦ 800 series from Cisco800 series ◦ 2900 series from Cisco 2900 series  Enterprise routers: ◦ Catalyst 6500 series from Cisco Catalyst 6500 series ◦ ASR 9000 series from Cisco ASR 9000 series

 Once you have chosen the most suitable router to solve your problem, you need to purchase the router  There are router manufacturers apart from Cisco: ◦ Alcatel-Lucent, D-Link, HP, Juniper Networks, Netgear, Linksys  Can you justify the expense of Cisco equipment?

 You can buy directly from most manufacturers, or you can buy from resellers ◦ Especially for the low-end equipment  Look for well-known vendors, good reputation, good support, good response to warranty issues  On-site support, fast support, 24/7 phone support, bring replacement equipment

 It is most likely that there is an existing network infrastructure  You need to install the router to change this infrastructure  There is a chance that this may negatively affect the client ◦ During the installation: network downtime ◦ After the installation: misconfiguration, network failure

 You will need to develop an installation plan  What equipment will I need?  What other resources will I need? ◦ Power, cables, tools (screwdrivers) ◦ Consumables (nuts, bolts, electrical tape, mounting brackets)  When can I get access to the site and for how long ◦ During business hours, after business hours?

 How long will the installation take place?  What can I do to minimise disruption to the client? ◦ e.g. preconfigure the router as much as I can before I bring it to the site  What can go wrong? Does my plan have the ability to return the network to the state it was when I arrived (rollback plan)

 Write your plan down on paper, so you can refer to it during the installation  As detailed as possible, i.e. every step ◦ Even such things as unpacking equipment, cleaning up after the installation  Include contingency plans: what to do when something goes wrong

 Throughout the design and planning phase, you should be communicating with your client ◦ Determine their networking needs ◦ Advise them of your choice of router ◦ Liaise with the client on the procurement and delivery of the router and associated components ◦ Liaise with the client on the date and time for the installation of the router and testing of the completed configuration

 All of this requires suitable avenues of communication: ◦ Written letters, s, phone calls, SMS  When you are on-site, you will need authorisation to: ◦ Enter the premises, bring equipment in ◦ Access network equipment cupboards  You will need to obtain security clearance from your client if you don’t work for them