Ripping and Replacing – The Insanity of Network Design
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of network upgrades? You know, the kind where you find yourself constantly ripping out old cables and installing the latest and greatest category cables, only to repeat the process a few years down the line? Well, my friends, I’m here to tell you that there’s a better way – a way to break free from the insanity of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
As our buildings become smarter and more connected, the demand for data and power at the edge of the network is growing exponentially. [1] Traditionally, we’ve solved this problem by simply upgrading our cabling, moving from Cat1 to Cat3, then Cat5/5e, Cat6/6A, and now Cat7/7A. But let’s be honest, this approach is about as effective as trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
It’s time to take a step back and rethink our approach to network design. Instead of continuing down the path of rip and replace, let’s explore some forward-thinking strategies that can help us future-proof our networks and keep up with the ever-evolving technology demands.
Choosing Future-Ready Infrastructure
The first and most crucial step in designing a smarter network for the future is to choose the right infrastructure. [1] We can no longer rely on traditional Category cable, which is limited in both distance and bandwidth. Instead, we need to consider infrastructure that can scale and adapt to support our changing needs.
One such solution is Corning’s ActiFi composite cable, which combines the power of fiber optics and the convenience of copper conductors in a single cable. [1] This innovative approach allows us to transmit both data and power over distances of more than 2,000 feet, far exceeding the 300-foot limitation of Category cable.
Just imagine the possibilities! A parking garage that can install security cameras and access controls without worrying about the distance constraints. [1] A hotel that can provide triple-play services (phone, TV, and Wi-Fi) to every guest room using a single cable. [1] Or a company that can upgrade its Wi-Fi access points without having to rip and replace the underlying infrastructure. [1] The future-ready nature of ActiFi composite cable opens up a world of opportunities.
Cost-Effective Switching Gear
Once we have our future-ready infrastructure in place, the next consideration is the active LAN equipment, or the switching gear, that will power our networks. [1] As technology continues to evolve, we need to ensure that our switching gear can keep up with the increasing demands for speed and bandwidth.
Traditionally, network upgrades have been costly affairs, as we’ve had to replace our existing switches with the latest models to support faster speeds. [1] But what if there was a way to separate the hardware (the data plane) from the software (the control plane)? Enter Software-Defined LAN (SD-LAN), an alternative approach that can help us recoup some of those upgrade expenses.
With SD-LAN, we can replace our existing switches with higher-speed models while keeping our software investment in place. [1] This means we don’t have to re-purchase the same software over and over again, making network upgrades much more cost-effective.
Imagine a world where you can future-proof your network without breaking the bank. It’s time to apply Einstein’s wisdom and start thinking about in-building network design in a whole new way.
Network Flexibility and Intuitive Management
But our journey towards a smarter network design doesn’t end there. We also need to consider the flexibility and manageability of our networks. [1]
As our buildings become smarter and more connected, the complexity of our networks is only going to increase. We need to ensure that our networks can adapt to these changes without becoming a nightmare to manage.
One solution is to embrace a more intuitive approach to network management, such as the one offered by Corning’s SD-LAN platform. [1] This software-defined solution allows us to manage our entire network from a single pane of glass, making it easier to monitor, troubleshoot, and make changes as needed.
But flexibility is just as important as manageability. [1] We need networks that can easily accommodate new technologies and devices, without requiring us to rip and replace the underlying infrastructure. By choosing future-ready cabling and software-defined solutions, we can create networks that are truly adaptable and scalable.
Imagine a world where you can add a new smart device or security camera to your network with just a few clicks, without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure. [1] That’s the kind of flexibility and simplicity we should strive for in our network design.
Embracing the Future of Network Design
As we continue to bring more technology into our buildings, the need for smarter, more adaptable networks is only going to grow. [1] But by embracing forward-thinking strategies and technologies, we can break free from the insanity of rip and replace and create networks that are truly future-proof.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to say goodbye to the endless cycle of network upgrades and hello to a new era of smart, cost-effective, and flexible network design. [1] The future is ours to shape, so let’s get started!
