Network Implementation
- Network equipment: The network equipment and devices comprising the core network infrastructure to provide connectivity and security features shall among others include a rack, minimum routers, switches, and access points, as well as a firewall.
- Network cabling, labeling and physical layout: Any network structure shall consider latest cabling and labeling standards.
- Network room: Institutions shall have network rooms at their premises. Modular racks/containerized racks are recommended to be used. Note that this room will not serve as a data center for the institution.
They shall comply with the following minimum requirements for a modular rack:
| Location |
The network room at the institutional premises shall be in an isolated secure place away from mechanical shocks and/or excessive vibrations, clean and shall not be used for other purposes. |
| Size | Minimum depending on the number of network equipment |
| Room Temperature |
The network equipment shall be put in a place where there is an environmental control installed i.e. air condition/cooling system that allows devices to remain in good condition. |
| Structural consideration (floor, ceiling, and walls) |
Doors shall be metallic and no other materials that are fire prone. The network room shall not have exterior windows. In case of existing windows, frosting has to be implemented. Ceiling shall be fully closed and with a minimum height of 2.7 meters. Floor shall have a rack raiser. The walls shall not have water pipes that could burst and drench the system. |
| Environmental Control |
Environmental control includes ventilation (natural and mechanical), filtration, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and other methods of air cleaning. A network room shall have sensors throughout the area that measure both temperature and humidity. In case of modular racks, environmental monitoring shall be inbuilt. Airflow Planning: A good airflow plan helps to avoid ‘hot spots’ and eliminates heat from the area so it doesn’t cause damage. |
| Cable Management Solutions |
Cabling shall be properly routed, organized, and supported. This involves organizing your cabling and connectivity hardware in a way that makes it easy to identify components and troubleshoot problems. This makes future upgrades and repairs easier while keeping your IT spaces professional (Cable management and labeling). |
| Electrical system |
The network room shall have two different power sources dedicated non-switched, power redundancy, supplies connected to UPSs on separate power circuits, a clear- labeled emergency power-off switch and monitor system. Shall have an automatic voltage regulator with circuit drawing and main switch board for all services, equipment grounding system and lighting rod. A regular maintenance and testing shall be performed. For proper load monitoring, Power Distribution Unit (PDU) installed in racks shall be smart PDUs. |
| Access control and safety |
Physical access to the network room shall be limited to only authorized individuals. Such access control systems (access card or biometric keyboard or locking door) shall be used at all entry points 24/7, and clear procedure to ensure access is removed when an individual no longer has entry permission, and access list shall be reviewed periodically. Communication rooms shall have fire prevention system, electric all type fire extinguishers and dry pipe fire suppression. Alarm system and CCTV cameras shall be installed to monitor and record all events. |
| Network room cabinet systems |
Racks enclosures shall have at least adjustable 19U, 24U with mounting rails and other sizes depending on the need. They shall also have terminals that allow cables for power and data pathways at the top and bottom. All cabinets shall be lockable. |
| Personal Protective measures |
In order to safeguard Engineers’ lives during the line of duty, protecting them from hazards and other injuries that they may sustain, adopting the use of personal protective equipment is recommended. These are key PPE to consider per personnel involved: Safety footwear Evolution 6121 Hard Hat Safety glasses Safety gloves
|
|
Noise protection Earplug Class 3 high visibility vest Anti-static wrist strap. |