Title: Implement the Planned Network
Course: CIS 208: Linux/UNIX III: Intermediate System Administration, Networking, and Security ~ For IGNITE Review > Section: Learning Modules

Implement the Planned Network

After the plan has been created, the next step is to implement plans.  Here are some considerations for the implementation phase:

1. Ensure that the budget will cover all needed expenses.  This should be the first step, since it becomes more difficult to resolve budget issues after a project has begun.  Spec out exactly what equipment is needed and how it will installed and configured.  Consider that special licensing may be required for certain products, and specialists may be required to implement portions of the plan.
2. Coordinate a schedule for when each phase will be completed, especially if the plan is complex or if it is replacing an existing system.  For example, if local nameservers are to be used, ensure that they are functioning correctly before configuring devices to use them.  Also consider the impact of updating the routers, since there will be a network outage as these are configured.  Smaller installations are less likely to impose restrictions, but it is still important to plan a schedule to lessen the impact on the users.
3. If using new equipment, set it up and test it prior to moving existing equipment into the network.  If reconfiguring any existing equipment, be sure to make and test a backup of the existing configuration.  There are many reasons an implementation can go bad, and it is good to be able to "roll back" temporarily if needed.
4. After each phase is implemented, test to make sure all the required applications are working correctly.  If possible, seek one or more volunteers to test each application and keep a journal of what works and what needs updating.  On more complex implementations, have a team ready to evaluate which issues may require a "roll back" and which ones might not require an immediate resolution.