Initial Configuration:
The
Multi-Purpose Building will initially be configured to run at 100 Mbps via
Gigabit capable fiber with 10/100 media converters on each end. It will be
connected to the MDF at the Cisco 2948-GL3 in an Ethernet port running at 100
Mbps. It will connect in the IDF side at the Cisco 2948-L2 in an Ethernet port
also running at 100 Mbps.
All
PCs will run initially at 10 Mbps. (Bear in mind that the servers are in the
MDF and will be directly connected to the Cisco 2948-GL3 in that closet at 100
Mbps.) All circuits will terminate in a lockable
cabinet which will contain one 8-port hub per circuit. All circuits will be
Category 6 certified using an Agilent Wirescope 350 test unit.
The
data terminations at the remote ends will be configured utilizing dual RJ45
data jack modules. As the faceplate can hold as many as three dual data
modules, most terminations will consist of a faceplate, 2 dual data modules and
1 blank filler plate, allowing for another data module to be added later, if
necessary.
To Upgrade the Network
Configuration:
To increase the speed of the PCs and the backbone is a simple matter. The PCs can be reconfigured for 100 Mbps because the cabling is Category 6. (True, this can be done with Cat 5e, but at a later point in time, this cabling scheme will support Gigabit Ethernet over the same copper/terminating hardware with no additional expense incurred.)
To
increase the backbone speed, install a GBIC in the 2980G-A, replacing the media
converter connecting to the MDF. Once a GBIC has been installed in the
2948-GL3, the backbone connection can be reconfigured to run at Gigabit
Ethernet speed. As the GBICs are included in the Parts list, this involves no
additional expense.
Intent:
Yes,
the TCS required Cat 5, which is less expensive (and already obsolete).
However, I have been involved in installing cabling infrastructures for 15
years and in that time I have dealt with Categories 3, 4 (briefly), 5 and 5e (
4 in 15 years). Each time a new technology has evolved, a major investment has
had to be made to replace the cabling, closet and remote terminating hardware.
The TCS calls for a 10-year life span for the infrastructure. Although using Category 6 components is
approximately 1/3 more costly, it is the only way I can foresee this
installation having a 10 year life span.