Common Threats to Router and Switch Physical & Mitigation

Besides network threats and security threats to a network, there are also physical threats and they are equally important to take care off.

1. Hardware threats -- All threats that are associated with physical damage to the routers and switches are classified as hardware threats. You can mitigate hardware threats by providing controlled access to the facilities. You limit access to only network-related personnel into the main distribution facility (MDF), intermediate distribution facility (IDF), and network operations center (NOC). You can provide security by ensuring that there is no access to the facility via the ceiling, raised floors, AC ducts, or windows. You can also mitigate hardware threats by using security cameras and by logging entry attempts.

2. Environmental threats -- Threats associated with climatic conditions are environmental threats. To mitigate environmental threats, you need to ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the facility and that the temperature and humidity levels are maintained in accordance with the specifications defined in the equipment documentation. Once these parameters are in place, ensure that you have the ability to remotely manage and monitor temperature and humidity controls. Also make sure that the facility is free from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and magnetic interference.

3. Electrical threats -- Brown-outs, spikes, inadequate power supply, noise and power loss are typical examples of electrical threats. We highly recommend that your mission-critical devices are hooked up to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS). A UPS provides line conditioning and protects your network devices against irregularities in your power distribution system. Ensure that you have redundant power supplies in your network devices (if they support them) or some hot spares at the facility. This measure reduces the amount of downtime on your network. A generator can be an alternate source for power in case of a power outage if your environment is mission critical.

4. Maintenance threats -- Poor cabling, faulty labeling and electronic devices without adequate ESD deterrents are classified as maintenance threats. Make sure that the equipment cabling is labeled properly and that a proper labeling convention is followed. This measure helps in tracing cables in the facility and aids in quick troubleshooting as well. Ensure that cables have smooth bends when you go around the corner. You want no kinks on the cable, so you can guarantee the smooth flow of data.