Troubleshooting Network Problems During Office Moves

Moving offices can be a chaotic time, especially when it comes to dealing with potential network issues. As the IT manager, I know that network downtime can bring productivity to a grinding halt. By planning ahead and being ready to troubleshoot problems, I can help ensure a smooth technical transition to our new office space.

Preparing the Network for an Office Move

To minimize network disruptions during an office relocation, there are several preparatory steps I take:

Document the Existing Network

• I create a detailed diagram of our current network infrastructure. This includes mapping out connections between routers, switches, servers, access points, and other hardware.

• I label all cables and document IP addresses, VLANs, subnets, and any other network configuration info. This makes it easy to replicate the setup in the new space.

Upgrade Equipment

• If any hardware like routers or switches is outdated, I upgrade it prior to the move. Newer equipment tends to have better reliability and performance.

• I make sure all devices have the latest firmware installed as well. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause issues.

Purchase Necessary Equipment

• Based on the layout and size of the new office, I calculate how many additional access points are needed for full Wi-Fi coverage. I order these ahead of time.

• I also purchase any additional cabling, switches, routers, racks, or other hardware that will be required.

Label Cabling

• I print out cable labels and assign unique IDs to all network cables. This simplifies reconnecting devices in the new office.

• Color coding cables by type (server, access point, workstation etc.) also helps identify their purpose.

Common Network Issues During an Office Move

Despite best efforts, some network problems inevitably crop up on moving day. Here are some of the most common issues I encounter:

Connectivity Loss

• When relocating hardware like routers and switches, there are bound to be periods of downtime when devices are unplugged.

• I minimize this by pre-staging critical infrastructure in the new office in advance. I also reconnect devices in a careful order.

• For short downtimes, I make users aware ahead of time to avoid panic. For longer outages, tethering to cell phones can provide temporary connectivity.

Cabling Problems

• When re-cabling the new office, cables can get plugged into incorrect ports or not work properly due to damage.

• My cable labels prevent most issues. I also test cable connectivity thoroughly before deploying live equipment.

• I bring extra cabling supplies like crimpers, cable testers, and connectors in case repairs are needed.

Network Congestion

• Inadequate bandwidth to the new office can cause slow speeds and congestion.

• I prevent this by working with our ISP to provision additional capacity well before moving day.

• QoS policies prioritizing voice and critical apps also help. As a last resort, I can throttle bandwidth-hogging activities like video streaming.

Wi-Fi Coverage Problems

• Based on the floorplan, I calculate in advance how many APs we need. But there are often still dead zones or weak signal areas after setting up.

• I bring extra APs to the new office in case more are required. Small range extenders can also fill in weak coverage gaps.

• Post-move wireless site surveys help pinpoint any remaining issues needing correction.

DNS Issues

• When switching offices, we migrate to an entirely new subnet and IP addressing scheme. Missed DNS entries can lead to connectivity problems.

• I ensure our IP address management (IPAM) system is updated ahead of time with all required DNS changes.

• As an extra precaution, I create a checklist of every device that relies on DNS and validate entries individually.

Troubleshooting Equipment to Bring for Office Moves

When troubleshooting network issues during an office relocation, having the right equipment on hand is critical for rapid problem resolution. Here are some of my must-have items:

• Cable tester – Confirms cable connectivity and identifies faults like shorts or breaks.

• Tone and probe kit – Tones out individual cables to trace them in messy wiring closets.

• Cable crimper – For repairing damaged cable ends or re-terminating cables.

• Punchdown tool – Needed for working with patch panels or keystone jacks.

• Ethernet switch – A small “crash cart” switch helps reconnect devices temporarily.

• Wi-Fi analyzer – For mapping signal coverage and finding dead zones or interference.

• Managed switch console cable – Essential for accessing the CLI to check switch port configs, VLANs, etc.

• Spare cables, connectors, patches – My “cable survival kit” for fixing wiring problems on the fly.

• Laptop with networking tools – For everything from DNS lookups to ping tests and port scanning.

Key Takeaways for Trouble-free Office Moves

Based on past office relocations, following several best practices helps minimize network disruptions:

• Thoroughly document the existing network environment before moving.

• Order necessary hardware weeks in advance to allow time for shipping and setup.

• Label every cable in the office for quick and easy reconnection.

• Develop a detailed cutover plan for orderly shutdown and reconnection.

• Brief users on timeframes for network outages and provide status updates.

• Have spare equipment available for rapid troubleshooting and repairs.

• Conduct site surveys and performance testing before go-live in the new space.

With adequate planning and preparation, I’ve found that even major office moves only result in minimal downtime. And having the right tools and documentation allows me to quickly diagnose and resolve any issues that do pop up.