Future-proof your network

If you've ever done a tricky remodeling project at home, you might be familiar with the urge to just level the place and start over. But on your corporate network, no one wants to have to explain the need for a forklift upgrade where large parts of the infrastructure must be overhauled. How can you maximize the longevity of your IT investments in a world of ever-changing protocols and constantly evolving security dangers? Beyond thinking carefully about scalability and capacity, here's a look at some key tasks for your future-proofing to-do list. Keep these considerations in mind as you evaluate and purchase new gear.

1. Stick to modular equipment, centralized management.

To avoid rip-out upgrades later, follow this advice whether you're planning your wireless or wired LAN. On the wireless side, this usually means buying a centralized wireless LAN (WLAN) switch that will let you upgrade access points easily "Stand-alone fat [access points] exclusive architectures are out, but some companies are deploying a mix of thin and thick," for example, using thick access points to support branch-office locations, says Ellen Daley, principal analyst at Forrester Research. On the wired side, this means selecting equipment that is as modular as possible in the wiring closets and the core data center. Even then, consider keeping about 20% of the expansion room open.