Buildings network hardware refresh

The project’s primary objective is to perform a comprehensive network update by replacing a wide range of network equipment with updated hardware suitable for SLAC’s ever-increasing network requirements. This project includes replacing switches and WiFi access points in various buildings across the Lab. 
 

The project team notifies building managers about the change dates and impact. The building managers share this information with the building occupants.

• Switch replacement: Wi-Fi connectivity, including SLAC, SLAC-VISITOR, and eduroam, will experience downtime for approximately 15 minutes during this maintenance. Each wired connection downtime will be brief and should be less than 5 minutes.
• Access point (AP) replacement: During the replacement period, all Wi-Fi networks, including SLAC, SLAC-VISITOR, and eduroam within the building, might experience brief downtime for approximately 15-20 minutes. This change will not affect an ethernet (wired) network connection.
   

• Assess and map idle ports: Identify and plan the transition of unused ports to the replacement switch.
• Select equipment: Choose the appropriate switch or Access Point (AP) model based on specific requirements.
• Prepare replacement switch: Configure and ready the new switch for deployment.
• Secure approvals and permissions: Obtain Pre-Job Briefing (PJB) and Job Safety Assessment (JSA) approvals, along with building manager clearance.
• Address special requirements: Manage unique challenges such as corner-case scenarios, ordering custom brackets or Power Distribution Units (PDUs).
• Schedule notification: Determine and announce the timing for the switch replacement.
• Engage building managers: Inform building managers of the changes and potential impacts, who will then notify the occupants.
• Pre-stage new switch: Advance placement of the replacement switch in the designated building.
• Network transition: Minimally disruptively transfer network connections to the new switch, including updating jumper cables in network closets. 
• Testing and troubleshooting: Perform comprehensive testing and troubleshoot any emerging issues.