T 2.32 Inadequate line bandwidth

A common mistake when planning networks is to base the bandwidth of the network design only on the current requirements. This overlooks the fact that the networks are subject to ever-increasing bandwidth requirements, for example when new IT systems are integrated into the network or when the amount of data transmitted increases.

When the bandwidth of the network is no longer sufficient, the transmission rate in the network and eventually the availability in the network will be severely limited for the respective users. File access in remote IT systems is slowed down considerably, for example, when the network is heavily in use by other users at the same time.

Example:

Additional PC workstations were added to a building by converting several small offices to open-plan office spaces. The terminal devices are connected to simple hubs and switches in each office and using exposed cables. With the introduction of new system and application software constantly downloading updates from the internet or the organisation's management servers, normal operation is seriously disrupted, because the data volume in the updates exceeds the available line bandwidth.