When a network switch repeatedly fails, replacing the equipment may solve the immediate problem, but it doesn’t necessarily solve what’s causing it.
At an agricultural facility, repeated failures of a network switch connecting two barns were disrupting downstream network connectivity and camera access. CatchMark Technologies was brought in to investigate the issue and develop a solution designed to improve the reliability of the connection.The Challenge
The PoE-powered Crosslink switch between Barn C and Barn D had experienced repeated failures that required the equipment to be rebooted or replaced.
Each failure affected more than the switch itself. Because a downstream security camera relied on the Crosslink switch for PoE power and connectivity, a switch failure could also mean losing camera access.
Troubleshooting showed that the surrounding network infrastructure remained operational, pointing toward another potential cause: unstable power.
Voltage fluctuations, brownouts, transient surges, or other power-quality issues could potentially disrupt PoE delivery and shorten the life of network equipment.
Instead of continuing to replace failed hardware, CatchMark developed a solution aimed at protecting the infrastructure and providing better visibility into what was happening.How We Solved It – Protecting the Network from Power Instability
The existing environment showed signs that power quality could be contributing to the repeated equipment failures.
Our Solution
CatchMark deployed network-monitored uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems at both switching locations.
The UPS systems provide conditioned power to help stabilize the environment, protect the switching equipment from power events, and maintain more consistent PoE delivery.
Network monitoring also provides greater visibility into UPS performance and power-quality events, giving the team more information if troubleshooting is needed in the future.Protecting the Connection Between Buildings
Copper Ethernet running between separate buildings can be vulnerable to induced voltage, electrical surges, lightning events, and differences in grounding potential.
Our Solution
CatchMark installed inline Ethernet surge protection at both ends of the network connection between the barns.
This added another layer of protection designed to reduce the risk of electrical surges traveling across the copper network cabling and damaging connected equipment.
Looking Beyond the Failed Equipment
Repeatedly replacing a failed switch would have addressed the symptom without addressing why the failures kept happening.
Our Solution
CatchMark evaluated the broader network path as part of the troubleshooting process.
Cabling continuity and the upstream and downstream switching infrastructure appeared stable outside of the Crosslink failures. Those findings supported the working hypothesis that power quality—not network configuration or a cabling defect—was contributing to the issue.
That allowed the solution to focus on protecting the infrastructure rather than simply replacing equipment again.The Results
The completed solution was designed to provide:
- Improved stability for the connection between the two barns
- Conditioned power for critical network equipment
- Surge protection on the inter-building network connection
- More reliable PoE delivery
- Reduced risk of unexpected network and camera outages
- Greater visibility into power-quality events and UPS performance
- Better protection for upstream and downstream network equipment
Experiencing Recurring Network Problems?
Repeated outages, equipment failures, or unreliable connections can be signs of a larger infrastructure issue.
Whether you need help troubleshooting an existing network, improving connectivity between buildings, or protecting critical network equipment, CatchMark Technologies can help identify the problem and build a solution around your environment.
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Related Services
- Managed IT Services
- Network Infrastructure
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- Commercial Security Cameras
- Network Monitoring
- IT Consulting