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Chapter 3: The 3 Phases of LAN Installation
3. The Three Phases of LAN Installation
The LPV is designed for the network installer, the network repair
person, and the IT manager. The tests used during the three
phases of LAN installation can also be used to troubleshoot
LANs that have operational problems.
The installation of a LAN is generally handled in phases. The
cabling is installed; then the switches and PCs are installed; and
then everything is connected. The LPV plays a role during all
three phases, saving countless hours of troubleshooting.
Phase I.
Use the LPV during cable installation (before the
switches and PCs are installed). After the LAN cable has been
pulled through the building and terminated, it is good practice
to verify LAN performance. Verify that the cabling is terminated
properly and test that the cable is proper for the intended use
(for example, CAT5e for Gigabit networks).
Phase II.
Use the LPV after the switches and PCs are installed.
Before connecting the cables to the switches and PCs, verify that
each switch port and PC are operational. This provides a wealth
of information:
It verifies that the device is ON (that is, it is transmitting); the
speed of the device (10, 100, 1000 Mbps) ; duplex; and other
features.
Phase III.
Use the LPV when connecting the cabling to the
switches and PCs. With the cabling verified and LAN
Performance Verified (Phase I) and the switch and PCs checked
out (Phase II), all that remains is 1) getting the equipment com-
municating and 2) verifying each LAN link is performing at the
speed expected. To do this, use LAN Performance Verification
Level 2 to test the cable and port combinations. And use the
network tests inline capability to connect the LPV between 2
LAN devices to verify the negotiated speed of the link.
