OUR WORK / Infrastructure
Upgrading an inherited network to UniFi: tracing every cable, mapping ports, planning power-over-Ethernet and leaving a network that’s easy to support.
FIELD NOTES / NETWORKING
Follow the practical work behind the switch migration through Marcus Coulter’s published notes and video.
Project notes · LinkedIn
Marcus Coulter describes the switch migration, cable tracing, port mapping and PoE planning, plus access point and legacy-system troubleshooting. The update also covers preparation for VLAN segmentation.
Read the project notesVideo walkthrough · LinkedIn
The video follows part of the move from an inherited switch setup to a cleaner UniFi environment. Marcus explains the investigation and documentation behind a network that is easier to understand and support.
Watch the upgrade videoAn existing network node had around 80 cable runs returning to it, with 38 terminated and usable. Before changing the hardware, the work needed to establish which runs were active, which needed further attention and how the switching layout could be made easier to manage.
Marcus Coulter’s public account describes work on this node as part of a wider upgrade across four network nodes. The focus included identifying active and inactive runs, organising switching, improving visibility and supportability, and planning around the available port capacity.
It shows how we approach network work: investigate first, then configure and plan. This covers one stage of a bigger upgrade; we’re not claiming the whole programme is finished or measuring reliability gains.
A count of cable runs is not the same as a count of usable network connections. Checking the installed environment establishes what can be supported now and what needs to be addressed in a later stage.
Switch layout, port capacity and clearer visibility affect how someone can investigate an issue or plan an extension. The public project account centres on bringing these practical concerns into the upgrade.
Further terminations and segmentation were part of the planning described in the account. They are presented here as planned work, rather than completed deliverables. The organisation and site remain anonymous.
EXPLORE THE SOURCE
CAPABILITY IN PRACTICE
Investigate cable runs and usable connections before assuming the network inventory is complete.
Review the layout and capacity needed to support the environment.
Plan for future terminations and appropriate network segmentation.
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