How to Migrate to a Single-Platform IP Network

Step 4: Keep Careful Documentation

Documentation plays a key role in this entire process. After a network has been deployed, it's the only way you can truly support it. We complete an installation using generic settings but then begin to pull reports on a weekly basis to track modifications.

Documentation is crucial not only for the install but for ongoing support. We actually take photos of the switch settings to provide to our maintenance staff. These photos increase time efficiencies and provide a roadmap for subcontractors going out to sites—so we can walk them through it if they have questions.

Careful documentation is also a benefit because it drops the necessary education level of the people you send out to maintain the equipment which, in turn, saves costs.

Step 5: Monitor and Manage

Once your network has been standardized, it's important to have the right tools in place to monitor and manage every single network switch and device. This is usually best achieved by conducting network supervision from a central network operations center or company headquarters. As you accumulate usage data, you can expect to see measurable support costs savings.

  Michael O'Linc is senior director of Network Operations for Pavlov Media, a nationwide triple-play communications and technology provider that delivers customized offerings of high-speed Internet services, digital video entertainment and telephone services to MDUs (Multi-Dwelling Units). Such units include student housing, luxury apartments and exclusive homeowner's associations. 

O'Linc is responsible for the operational support of all Pavlov-supported networks throughout the United States. He ensures consistent network-monitoring practices, and provides leadership and guidance to direct reports. He can be reached at molinc@pavlovmedia.com.