In order for a network to last as long as possible, it needs to be properly designed and installed, in such a way that it takes into account both current and future needs. The best materials that can be afforded should be used where possible, and careful installation and documentation of the network as designed will help to ensure that the up-front investment is worthwhile in the long term. This means adhering to networking standards both for materials and installation, right from the outset. Below are suggested steps for planning the design.

TIP: Do it right the first time, from design to build. Don't do anything "just for now"... it will likely become permanent. It may take a bit more time and energy at the outset to do it right, but it's WORTH it down the road!

• Determine needs - Deciding what to install and where requires some planning, and a crystal ball. A good way to plan is to imagine how many users could reasonably fit in the area that you are installing the ethernet, and plan to install double that number of jacks. Ethernet jacks are something like computer RAM in that it is never possible to have an overabundance.
  
  
• Spacing - The use of Patch cables for connecting devices to ethernet wall jacks will allow some flexibility for the final installation. This allows for, when designing, leaving a reasonable amount of space between jacks - an office desk-width for example.
  
  
• Layout - Once spacing and number of jacks are determined, draw out your layout as a floorplan. For existing structures, mark locations of any in-wall or in-ceiling fluorescent fixtures, speakers, as well as any obstacles such as beams, duct-work, or chimneys.
  
  
  • Many of these structures will need to be avoided.
    
    
  • The layout must ensure that ethernet cables do not exceed their maximum bend radius of four times their diametre (as a rule of thumb).
    
    
  • While ductwork may be a handy location for running cable, only plenum rated cable should be run here.
    
    
  • Try to ensure that ethernet cable is not run parallel or close to AC wiring as electrical interference may result otherwise.
    
    
  • Do NOT run data lines near speakers as speakers contain large magnets which could destroy the data signal.
    
    
    
• Termination/Aggregation - Once the layout of the walljacks and building features have been noted, determine the MOST APPROPRIATE location for terminating the network. Here, a wiring closet will be created that will aggregate all of the wiring and the hardware which will drive your network.
  
  
  • Ideally, the wiring closet where your network aggregates should be:
    
    
    • near the area where the "backbone" connection is going to enter the building.
      
      
    • away from any electrical panels to eliminate the possibility of electrical interference.
      
      
    • physically secure to ensure that your network is SAFE from vandals or people who may otherwise mess with it. Determine how it will be secured, and who gets the key, or the code to the keypad to open it.
      
      
    • away from plumbing
      
      
    • away from, and on a separate circuit from HVAC systems (Airconditioning/Heating)
      
      
    • air conditioned so that the expensive hardware that is to be protected does not fry from overheating.
      
      
    • up to code, which means also that it will not block any existing electrical panels.
      
      
    • not in a janitor's closet, although people sometimes think that this may be an ideal location. Does your server want to live where it will be hit with broom ends, mops, and cleaning fluid? Does the UPS that you mount in your server rack want to have the janitors bucket slosh on it? Probably not.
  
  

TIP: Choose a location for your wiring/network aggregation closet that reflects the importance of, and investment in the materials and equipment required to run your network. Protecting the information, not to mention the equipment investment, is worth spending a bit of time and money. This alone could increase the lifespan of your network.