Question : network Extension

Experts,
Please provide a best solution for my server room moving project as describe below.

We are moving our server room from first floor to second floor.  All server hardware includes racks will be transfer to the second floor about 20 feet up.  All network cable through out entire company are connecting into the first floor.  We need to extent all network cables (about 60 CAT5) from first floor to the second floor where the new server room will be located.  I understand that creating another connecting points on a network cable is not a best idea, however, we do not want to remove the entire network cables through out entire company and re-pull them to the new server room due to labor, cost and time concern.  We have about 3 days of production down time to complete this project.

My question is that what would be the best solution to extend 60 CAT 5 cables for another 40 fee along the wall to reach the second floor where the new server room will be?  I am thinking about setting up a few 110 blocks in old server room and punch down excising cable to one end on the block, and punch down extension cable to the other end to reach the second floor.  Is this a good idea?  What would be your suggestion?  Please advice.  Thank you in advance.            

Answer : network Extension

I am thinking about setting up a few 110 blocks in old server room and punch down excising cable to one end on the block, and punch down extension cable to the other end to reach the second floor.  Is this a good idea?  

There are a few things to consider:

1. The additional length (is the additional length going to exceed 100 Meters?), if so, I would not recommend the path you are taking.

2. The additional connections (patches could cause you issues later on down the road); if the work is completed by professionals (Contractors that pull and test cable on a daily basis), then I would say that
if path  #1 is not a concern, then go for it. You will want the contractors to test the cables; I am not talking about using cable mappers to ensure that the conductors are matching and making connection end to end, but to qualify the cable for Ethernet operation; does it pass NEXT cross talk, attenuation, etc.


3. Also the time and cost associated with the project. Would it be cheaper to just install 2 48 port switches and run 2 fibers upstairs to your equipment? I know the time that it would take would be quick just to install 2 new switches and run new fiber; of course your existing equipment would need to be compatible with GBIC or SPF modules or some fiber connectivity should be existing.

Server Room (2nd floor)
switches
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switches
Old Server Room (1st floor)

Billy