A Field Services Partner Provides the Hands your Network Needs

Business networks are an essential component of any organization's infrastructure, providing connectivity, communication, and data sharing capabilities. However, in order to ensure optimal performance and security, these networks require regular maintenance and updates as technology continues to evolve. Often times this means having an individual physically on site to address specific needs or concerns. Most businesses do not have local staff who are qualified to handle such things. This is where a field services partner comes in very handy. The following outlines a variety of common network needs a field services partner can take care of for your business.

Low Voltage Cabling

The most common types of low voltage wires include Category 5 (Cat5), Category 6 (Cat6), fiber optic, and RG-6. Cat5 and Cat6 are the standard cables for data transmission and are the primary wires for ethernet networks. When it comes to network infrastructure needs, DMARC extensions and upgrades to existing cabling are fairly regular considerations.

For some business locations, there is a significant distance between the building DMARC and the customer's network room. When the Internet Service Provider (ISP) delivers new service, they bring it to the DMARC but may not agree to run the necessary cabling to the network room. And if they do offer to extend the line, the cost may be exorbitant. In this case, an alternative option is to dispatch a qualified technician to run the cabling from the DMARC to the network room.

Further, as technology advances it is important to consider the age of existing cable. Existing cabling may not be able to handle the increased demands of data transmission. Upgrading to the latest standards ensures faster and more reliable data transfer, keeping up with the needs of today's digital age. A field service technician (FST) will survey what you have, provide recommendations, and handle any necessary replacements.

Equipment Refresh

While existing network equipment may be up and running fine, it is important to determine if there is opportunity to optimize performance and security. This involves evaluating your current network infrastructure and identifying areas that are ripe for improvement or replacement. Deploying a field service technician will help you do so.

Security is a primary consideration for all businesses. With the onslaught of threats to your network -- spam, phishing, malware, etc. -- it is imperative to have network equipment in place that protects your business from these threats. If you are unsure what you have in place today, a field service technician will survey the network and document the current inventory.

Connectivity is another important component of your network. Without it, the business simply can't function. In larger spaces with a lot of connected devices, adequate coverage is a must. Deciding between WiFi and private cellular is where a field service technician can help. The FST will survey the space and gather the necessary information to help you decide which option is best for your environment.

Related, in large manufacturing or warehouse environments, equipment refresh may include the replacement of time clocks and/or paging systems. Upgrading to modern time clocks with advanced features such as biometric authentication or cloud-based integration can streamline time and attendance management processes. Upgrading to a more reliable and centralized paging system can improve communication and response times.

POTS Inventory & Replacement

Considering the decommission and rising costs of copper POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, it is imperative to assess the existing POTS lines in your facilities, particularly those used for vital systems such as alarm/security and elevators. For the reasons stated, many businesses are opting to convert these lines to alternative technologies.

The first step is capturing a comprehensive inventory of existing copper POTS lines to understand the extent of the reliance on this outdated infrastructure. This helps identify the specific systems and devices that require POTS connectivity and facilitate the decision-making process regarding conversion.

Once the inventory is complete, the next step is evaluating the replacement options, such as:

• Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA): The adapter converts the analog to IP allowing you to utilize your existing internet connection. Inexpensive solution but subject to the stability of your internet service.
• POTS over Cellular: Requires an ATA connected to a cellular router, with the adapter converting the analog to cellular. As with any cellular solution, signal strength in your location is a factor to consider.
• Pots in a Box: All-in-one solution with two SIM slots for redundant cellular connectivity, a port for connecting to your wired internet service, and a battery backup. The box provides intelligent prioritization, selecting the best connection to transmit the data. A robust solution due to the redundancy and protection against power outages on site.

Your field services partner can help you compare the options to determine what is the best fit for the lines needing replacement. Once a solution is selected, they will work with you and the providers to deploy the solution.

Site Readiness

To ensure the successful opening of a new site, thorough site readiness preparations are essential. These preparations encompass various components such as conduits, electrical infrastructure, network racks, and equipment.

Firstly, conduits play a vital role in providing the necessary pathways for electrical and network cabling. These conduits are responsible for safeguarding the cables and preventing any potential damage or interference. Careful planning and installation of conduits are critical to ensure efficient and organized cable management throughout the site.

Next, the electrical infrastructure needs to be set up to power the various equipment and systems required for the site's operation. This includes installing power distribution units, transformers, and wiring connections. Proper electrical configurations and compliance with safety regulations are paramount to avoid any potential hazards or interruptions.

Additionally, network racks are crucial for housing and organizing networking equipment such as firewalls, switches, routers, and servers. These racks facilitate efficient management, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the network infrastructure. Proper installation and labeling of network equipment within the racks are essential for ease of access and troubleshooting.

Site Decommission

Site decommissioning is a crucial process when it comes to moving or closing a site. Before undertaking this task, it is essential to conduct a thorough inventory of the existing infrastructure to determine if any components can be repurposed at another location. This inventory ensures that nothing of value is overlooked and enables cost-effective solutions for site relocations or closures.

Once the inventory is complete, the next step is the removal of the infrastructure. This process involves the systematic dismantling and disconnection of all equipment, taking care to label and document each piece for proper reassembly if necessary. It is crucial to follow established protocols and safety guidelines during this phase to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the protection of individuals involved.

Responsibility for the disposed infrastructure is equally important. Items that cannot be repurposed or reused need to be disposed of properly, adhering to any relevant environmental regulations. This may involve recycling materials or employing certified waste management services to minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion

If you do not already have a partner for field services, you can probably see from the examples shared in this article how one would be valuable to your business. From simple DMARC extensions to network refresh projects, a field services partner will make sure your network is in excellent condition. They will also make sure you never miss a grand opening and that any closed locations are responsibly decommissioned. s2s is a Gartner recognized MSP with years of experience providing field services support for our customers. Let us know how we can help you!