Installing the Components

Installing the Components
The installation of network components should follow a bottoms-up approach. When
installing, first construct and configure individual components, such as servers, user workstations,
and cabling, then connect the components together, implement communications software,
and install and link the applications. Consider installing the network from the ground up
as follows:
1. Install NICs in the computers.
2. Install cabling from ethernet repeaters/switches to the access point installation locations.
3. Install access points using applicable mounting brackets,
4. Establish wide area network connections if necessary.
5. Assemble server hardware.
6. Install and configure the network operating system.
7. Install client software on the user appliances.
In most cases, the team can install some components in parallel to decrease installation time.
There’s nothing wrong, for example, with installing network interface cards, cabling, and
access points at the same time. Just be sure to test each component properly, as described later
in this chapter in the section “Performing Unit Testing,” before connecting the pieces together.
You can’t fully access or operate the network operating system and applications until after
lower-level components such as cabling, network installation cards, and access points have
been installed.