49 remote off-site locations . The network is changing . There are fewer wired workspaces throughout the typical building and more wireless access points . While this makes it easier for the typical user to have access to the network , it creates an entirely new dynamic for the network itself . And we can ' t forget about the effect on the physical layer of the network either . Traditionally , the physical support of the local network consisted of the data centre and / or data room , where most of the computing and storage occupied , then moved out to multiple distribution locations , both main and intermediate distribution , but this is changing . The local networks are getting smaller , while at the same time becoming more compacted and crowded . The typical local building network infrastructure is closer to the end user than ever before , and contains more than the distribution of cabling out to the workspace . This change is included in the advent of ' edge computing '. This is moving some of the required computing power in the local building networks closer to the end user . Locations that were dedicated to distribution of cabling in the old network are now a hybrid of distribution and computing .
OPINION
49 remote off-site locations . The network is changing . There are fewer wired workspaces throughout the typical building and more wireless access points . While this makes it easier for the typical user to have access to the network , it creates an entirely new dynamic for the network itself . And we can ' t forget about the effect on the physical layer of the network either . Traditionally , the physical support of the local network consisted of the data centre and / or data room , where most of the computing and storage occupied , then moved out to multiple distribution locations , both main and intermediate distribution , but this is changing . The local networks are getting smaller , while at the same time becoming more compacted and crowded . The typical local building network infrastructure is closer to the end user than ever before , and contains more than the distribution of cabling out to the workspace . This change is included in the advent of ' edge computing '. This is moving some of the required computing power in the local building networks closer to the end user . Locations that were dedicated to distribution of cabling in the old network are now a hybrid of distribution and computing .
Overcoming challenges Network designers are challenged with smaller areas , with more equipment , and less budget . The tech refresh of the past is now more of a tech rebuild . Smaller network locations can ' t rely on existing physical infrastructure designed to support less weight , fewer heat loads , and less critical applications . Traditionally , within the distribution rooms of the network , the physical infrastructure would consist of EIA 2 post racks and some type of cable management to accommodate a high quantity of patch panels and distribution cables out to the work space . There was little concern regarding the possibility of any network downtime or failure originating from this area , except for a technician accidentally pulling a cable . This type of equipment simply can ' t support the technology and mix of equipment that ' s moving into this area in the new network .
Condensing hardware When trying to engineer the new building network , considerations in these edge computing applications are critical . The use of switches , servers , routers in addition to the traditional cable patch panels all combined in a single or several racks can be a challenge . What used to be
supported in a 2 post rack can no longer be supported . Weight loads are more concentrated because of the value of floor space in the smaller edge locations , resulting in racks being more densely populated with equipment . More computing power is moving into these racks , making terminations and the routing of cables , out to the building , and internally to the room more critical . There is going to be more access into these areas making proper cable routing critical . Even the process of adds and drops in the area differ . Active equipment may be involved , and the functionality of the equipment can ' t be compromised .
Functionality is at the core of any equipment selection , and the physical infrastructure should be no exception to this . Routing cables in the old distribution racks out to the network was relatively clean and linear , but with the inclusion of network equipment in the same rack , cable routing and management becomes more critical .
Ease of installation and time savings also play a big part in this new building network . The adage that time is money is never more accurate than it is during installation of a new network . Everyone is usually aware of the capitol cost of equipment , and this is negotiated at length . But the same attention is not always given to the time to deploy and how it affects the budget .
Evolving networks The fact is , building networks are changing and the entire work environment is changing with it . Edge computing is here . Physical infrastructure to support that new network is going to need to be more advanced , more robust , and well thought out . The combination of equipment in the smaller computing rooms demand physical support that can change and grow with the inevitable tech refreshes and additions . It also requires equipment that will provide the proper support , but also for the cabling the new network is supporting . n
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