Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to describe the pre-installation process to be used by Network Services staff prior to placing a new switch or router into service on the UTPA network.

Scope

Installation of new switch of router in UTPA network.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of the device being tested including how to configure the device; general understanding of the UTPA network, and networking fundamentals

Responsibilities

Network Services staff trained in infrastructure device installation and maintenance

Procedure

1. Connect the device to power without connecting it to a live UTPA network connection for a burn-in test, preferably for at least a 48 hour period.
2. Connect the device to another isolated network device to ensure basic functionality of the device. This can be another switch or router being tested but should not be in any way connected to the live UTPA network. Create a console connection to the device and ensure that the following items are configured (this will vary by device):
   1. The device must have Network Services approved passwords assigned to all management accounts on the device including both operator and administrator accounts. The device should have any automatic stacking features disabled unless specifically requested by Network Services management. Ensure that any firmware on the device is up to date or to current networking department specifications.
   2. SNMP should be enabled for the “public” community with “READ-ONLY” access. Write access should be completely disabled on the device unless specifically required by Network Services management.
   3. The device should be configured with a management IP address and gateway and, if supported, automated network time management. After the completion of steps 1-3, the device can be connected to the live UTPA network if required for further testing.
   4. Configure any automatic console logout feature on the device for approximately 5 minutes.
   5. Configure any other special requirements or features for the device as specified by Network Services management. This may include QoS, Vlan information, IGMP snooping or other switch features.
   6. Test all configuration parameters that have been set, if practical, in a test environment.

References

Device configuration and management documentation as provided by the manufacturer

Definitions

IP Internet Protocol
QoS Quality of Service
Vlan Virtual local area network – as defined by the 802.1q specification
IGMP Internet Group Management Protocol; protocol used to control group registration such as Multicast groups (video etc.). Used to reduce broadcast type traffic on switches/routers where multicasting is being done.