Evaluating Security and Access Control
Consolidating multiple networks typically raises new security considerations. Some sites may have sophisticated access control for server rooms and locked comms cabinets, while others operate with less stringent protocols. A thorough data cabling audit addresses security from both a physical and a digital perspective. On the physical side, engineers look at how cables enter and leave shared spaces, ensuring no one can tamper with or piggyback on a sensitive connection. A mismatch in security levels across sites could result in vulnerabilities. Where possible, the audit recommends aligning best practices so that all offices maintain equivalent standards. This alignment might involve adding locked racks, installing monitoring cameras, or controlling who can access risers and patch panels. Centralising security guidelines avoids the risk that an outdated practice in one acquired office could compromise the entire merged network.
Creating a Unified Documentation Framework
Data cabling documentation in separate organisations can be inconsistent or incomplete. Engineers from one company might have used a specific system of labels, cable colours, or floor plans, while their counterparts in another organisation followed a different convention or neglected documentation altogether. When everything merges, missing or outdated schematics make troubleshooting and upgrades far more difficult. Auditors collect any existing floor plans, cable schedules, or network diagrams, then verify their accuracy by comparing them with on-site observations. They reconcile inconsistencies and create a cohesive set of documentation that forms the basis of future network modifications. Good documentation includes digital and physical records specifying each cable’s route and purpose, patch panel locations, and equipment rack layouts. Stakeholders in the merged entity can refer to a single source of truth, reducing the risk of errors when reassigning cables or moving workstations.
Prioritising Upgrades and Decommissioning
Complete data cabling audits often conclude with a set of recommendations that outline which sites or cable segments need immediate attention. Some of these improvements may be critical, such as replacing cables that fail compliance or performance tests. Others might be strategic upgrades, for example, introducing higher-grade cables or additional fibre backbones in key locations that anticipate future growth. There can also be opportunities to decommission large quantities of abandoned cables, releasing space in risers or under floors, improving fire safety, and streamlining maintenance. This selective approach ensures that the merged organisation invests in upgrades where they have the biggest impact rather than spreading budget and effort across all sites arbitrarily.
