Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Remote Control of Physical Connections
In some circumstances, you may have need for remote control of your physical net-
work connections. For example, you might want to disconnect or reconnect a work-
station from your network monitoring location. This can be effective in preventing
a single workstation from causing a global network problem.
Many intelligent hubs and similar devices can provide this remote control
capability. The most common method is to use in-band signaling via SNMP or a
proprietary protocol. However, this method does have one disadvantage. If your
network is being jammed by an offending workstation, it may be impossible to com-
municate over the LAN to command the hub.
Another remote control option is an out-of-band control system using a con-
trol port. This control port remains free of any network disruptions and can keep
you in the game. A control port can also be used to make a modem connection to a
remote system, regardless of the network connectivity.
Some remote-controlled equipment can perform other monitoring functions
such as environmental monitoring and access control. A remote temperature alarm
could alert you to a condition that might eventually cause the devices in an equip-
ment room to fail. Or, you could simply have a remote system start the coffee before
you arrive.
Good documentation is the key to controlling your LAN wiring environment.
Whether you are troubleshooting a LAN outage or simply adding a cable drop, hav-
ing well organized records will save you a great deal of time and trouble.
The systematic marking and identification of all of the components of your
LAN wiring system is an essential part of good documentation. Each item of the
LAN wiring should be clearly marked with an identifying number. This applies to
each cable, each termination, and all of the points in between. As a matter of fact,
many of the mounting structures and pathways that are used in support of LAN
wiring are best identified as well.
LAN Documentation Standard TIA/EIA-606-A
In an effort to standardize the administration of telecommunications cabling, the
TIA has published EIA/TIA-606-A,
Administration Standard for Commercial
Telecommunications Infrastructure
. This standard covers the identification, nomen-
clature, and documentation of wiring, pathways, and grounding/bonding in com-
