Routers and switches are the backbone of every office network. Most network problems we are called to fix trace back to settings that were never changed from the factory defaults or never written down.
Before the first cable is plugged in
- Document the network plan: addresses, VLANs and which device connects where
- Update firmware to a stable, supported version
- Replace every default name and password
- Disable services you do not use
During configuration
- Separate guests, staff and critical systems into their own VLANs
- Secure remote management with strong credentials and limited access
- Set up monitoring and logging so problems show up early
- Back up every configuration file
After go-live
Test failover, label every port and cable, and hand over clear documentation. A network that is documented is a network that anyone on your team can support.