Fluke Networks White Paper Sample

LAN validation is an element of the LAN and WLAN installation and maintenance workflow, and it is the final task associated with installation and upgrade projects. A network installation or upgrade project consists of three broad tasks: measuring current performance (for upgrade projects), installing and configuring the LAN infrastructure, and validating success.

For upgrade projects where a network is already in place, measuring the current network’s performance prior to the upgrade is useful for assessing whether the existing infrastructure can support a new technology rollout or the additional load of new users. It also serves as a pre-installation performance baseline for before-and-after analysis.

Installing and configuring the network infrastructure is typically the most time consuming task of an installation or upgrade project. It generally includes installing and terminating new data cabling between equipment closets and from closets to work areas. It includes installing new switches and access points, and using patch cables to connect these devices to the LAN cable plant. Next is the configuration of these devices to ensure correct Ethernet signaling, PoE delivery, subnet masking, VLAN membership, QoS traffic prioritization and more.