Network Wiring Project
Late in 1999, we decided to upgrade the network wiring at the Central Kansas Library System, and the Great Bend Public Library. This decision was based on problems with our Athena circulation software, and general poor network performance.
Much of the original wiring was done by my-self, Steve Thomas, based on the orignal setup done for GBPL and what I could learn at that time. Unfortunately, not all that I tried to copy was correct to begin with, and there were some inherent problems with the way the network was designed. These problems grew as we added more Athena workstations and more Internet access on the same network.
In November of 1999, Doug Ewert of Technology Consulting, Inc. inspected our network and made a proposal to bring it up to the standards setup by the IEEE. for category 5 or 100Mbps wiring. Early in February 2000, Doug returned and spent two days upgrading our connections and documenting our wiring plan. This first set of photos will cover the network before the upgrade. I'll describe the setup and try to point out some sources for actual and potential problems.
Before
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Description:
Automation Office After: Patch Panel D Location
Center for most CKLS networked computers and printers in basement. Originally, one 16 port and one 8 port 10Mbps Boca hubs. In 1999 upgraded the 8 port Boca to 3Com 10/100 - 8 port hub.
Problems:
Wires hanging from celing unsightly. Destination of each wire incompletely documented. Weight of wire hanging down focused on connectors. Frequent results, loose connections and unreliable network performance.
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Description:
Talking Books Vault After: Patch Panel C Location
Talking Books Novell network for the READS talking book circulation system. Originally, 10-base2, and DOS based, in 1998 the entire system was upgraded to 100-baset and Windows95 for an upgrade of the READS software. The conversion to twisted pair topology allowed for Internet Access via the main network.
Problems:
Wires hanging from celing unsightly. Destination of each wire incompletely documented. Weight of wire hanging down focused on connectors. Frequent results, loose connections and unreliable network performance problems with print ques.
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Description:
Central Office After: Patch Panel B Location
Network Center for CKLS upstairs computers, wireless bridge, and one GBPL workstation. Originally, one 16 port Boca 10Mbps hub, in 1999 upgraded to 3Com 10/100 hub. Also in 1999 a cable was run directly to the SMC switch in location of panel A in the air handling room in basement.
Problems:
Wires hanging from celing unsightly. Destination of each wire incompletely documented. Weight of wire hanging down focused on connectors. Frequent results, loose connections and unreliable network performance.
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No
Before Photo
Available.
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Description:
Air Handling Room After: Patch Panel A Location
Network Center for CKLS. Originally, one 16 port Boca 10Mbps hub, in 1998 upgraded to SMC 10Mbps switch. Also in 1999 upgraded to a 24 port 3Com 10/100 Switch. Originally, had router for ISDN connection, changed to wireless bridge in late 1998.
Problems:
Wires hanging from celing unsightly. Destination of each wire incompletely documented. Weight of wire hanging down focused on connectors. Frequent results, loose connections and unreliable network performance.
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After
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Description:
Automation Office After: Patch Panel D Location
Center for most CKLS networked computers and printers in basement. Currently one 24 port 3Com 10/100 baseline switch.
Results:
Wires bundled neatly together and terminated at punchdown block. Weight of wire hanging relieved and jumpers threaded through wire loom. Switch provides higher bandwidth and faster connections for this high traffic area.
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Description:
Talking Books Vault After: Patch Panel C Location
Talking Books Novell network for the READS talking book circulation system. SMC 10Mbps switch with two 100Mbps ports. Network connection is 100Mbps and the other is connected to a 12 port 100Mbps 3Com hub for other high speed connections. Low speed machines connect directly to the switch.
Results:
Hanging wires eliminated. Each wire completely documented. Reliable network performance and fewer problems with print ques.
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Description:
Central Office After: Patch Panel B Location
Network Center for CKLS upstairs computers, wireless bridge, and one GBPL workstation. Currently one 16 port 10/100Mbps 3Com switch
Results:
Hanging wires eliminated. Destination of each wire completely documented. Wires bundled to reduce load on connectors. Reliable connections and increased network performance.
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Description:
Air Handling Room After: Patch Panel A Location
Network Center for CKLS/GBPL. One 24 port 3Com 10/100 Mbps Switch.
Results:
Wires hanging from celing bundled. Destination of each wire completely documented. Weight of wire hanging down eliminated. Better connections and reliable network performance.
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Send me any comments, problems at: sthomas@ckls.org
Last Modified 08/01/2002
