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Hey Guys,

So we are looking to move buildings in the near future. The entire network and it’s infrastructure needs to move as well. I’ve contacted our ISP along with other vendors to be prepared for the move. I’m trying to make sure that no stone has been left unturned. I’m working directly with our cabling contractors to make sure we get the right fiber and ethernet installed. I’m also looking locate where all power outlets, patch panels, cabinets, racks, fiber panels, cooling, etc. will be located in the datacenter. I’m also really the only IT guy in the company, so maybe I’m in way over my head on this. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

@Microsoft @Cisco

15 Spice ups
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Dont forget enough space around the racks (front and back) so you can work comfortably and few kit in and out on the rails.
Also make sure the ac is orientation with the kit so cold is injested into the front of servers

Good time to replace entire UPS’s or at least Batteries, but make sure you have spare capacity if just batteries

Think about things that make your life difficult now and what you can design out in the new place

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You can read a few best practices in this regard in the following. Hope that could useful:

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If you can afford it: replace all patch cables. Every piece of network cable connected to computers and into switches in the rack should be replaced with shiny new ones. It saves you a lot of troubleshooting later when you get an unstable connection because of that one intermittent faulty cable.

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Make sure you are working with your phone company as well for any POTs lines you might have. If you have a building security system or fire system are the proper connects there for those systems in the new building?

If you lease your printers I would have the company move the printers. Most printer leasing places don’t like you moving their equipment.

For wiring, are there network drops for where the printers will be going? Do your printers need phone lines for faxing?

Is there network drops for all your wireless access points?

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I’ve done this twice before. So much fun!! /sarcasm.

Don’t forget even the most basic, but most important thing: Know where you have the change (if needed) your WAN address in every place you need to (in your firewall, or any other places that hit the outside).

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run a site to site vpn, or with same provider if possible to connect both networks old and new to minimize total downtime.

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This will probably be an unpopular opinion but I actually like doing this. It gives you a blank slate to work with. If anything has been grinding your gears now is the time to address it = )

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I second this! There’s nothing better than getting the opportunity to update your network if anything has been running slowly, inefficiently, etc. I know that your budget is probably going towards the actual move, but this would be a great time to make the case that you’re already making a transition, you might as well upgrade and update while you’re gutting the network and moving it somewhere else.

Something a bit random to consider - if you have a wireless network set up, try and set up a heat map ahead of time so that you know where the best spots for your APs will be. There are both free and paid options out there and most paid options have a free trial option.

Good luck with your move!

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Agreed this is opportunity to make those foundational changes to the network you know need to happen…
How big is this current setup?

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Don’t forget to think about security during and after the move. Who will have access, etc. Also what about fire suppression and new integrated systems?

Integrated systems with turnkey installed equipment can save time and money. SmartRow DCX and DCR are a must review solution if you go the upgrade route. Flip any room into a µDataCenter. for up to 10 racks.

TJ

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Cables are already being replaced with cat 6a. Thanks.

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Good points especially on AC orientation for front to back cooling. Thanks.

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Very good reminder on fire alarm and security system. Access points are already being accounted for along with phone company. Thanks.

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It’ll be fun when we are all moved in and we can look back on the whole chaotic event like well that was crazy. We are doing our best to keep all of the WAN stuff the same with IPs. I’m making that super clear with our ISP. Thanks!

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Great idea on the heat map for WAPs. Thanks!

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There’s not many employees but there’s a good amount of infrastructure to move. I would say small to midsize network.

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We’re getting new equipment for physical access although, most of our infrastructure is updated. Fire suppression is in place at the location already which is a bonus. Thanks for the pointers.

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I tried to do that too…didn’t happen for me. It wasn’t a long distance move. We went from the middle of Boston to the north end.