Before Installing New Hardware or Software
Before you add a new hardware component to a network, upgrade the operating system, install a new application, or make any other such change, you need a clear picture of the current condition
of the network. Additionally, you need to have an understanding of how a network behaves when it is functioning normally so that you will be able to tell when the network is malfunctioning.
This includes an understanding of standard operating procedures and how they are being implemented and an awareness of any environmental issues that affect the way the network is set up. You also need to take a close look at error messages and log files, which will give you a lot of information about the health of the network, and be sure you are familiar with the current configuration and baselines. In addition, don’t forget to review the manufacturers’ documentation that you should have at hand. A 15-minute perusal of the documentation beforehand could save you hours of work later.
