Common Threats to Router and Switch Physical & Mitigation

  Hardware threats refers involving threats of physical damage to the router or switch hardware. Mission-critical Cisco network equipment should be located in wiring closets or in computer or telecommunications rooms that meet these minimum requirements:

            The room must be locked with only authorized personnel allowed access.

The room should not be accessible via a dropped ceiling, raised floor, window, duct-work, or point of entry other than the secured access point.

If possible, use electronic access control with all entry attempts logged by security systems and monitored by security personnel.

If possible, security personnel should monitor activity via security cameras with automatic recording.

  Environmental threats refers to moisture being wet or dry or temperature being very high or low. Environmental threats such as extreme temperature or extreme humidity will require mitigation.

  Electrical threats refers to irregular fluctuations in voltage, such as brownouts and voltage spikes, Electrical threats, such as voltage spikes, insufficient supply voltage (brownouts), unconditioned power (noise), and total power loss.

  This can be solve by:

   Installing backup generator systems for mission-critical supplies.

   Install redundant power supplies on critical devices.

  Maintenance threats include not having backup parts or components for critical network components; not labeling components and their cabling correctly Maintenance threats include poor handling of key electronic components, electrostatic discharge (ESD), lack of critical spares, poor cabling, poor labeling, and so on.

  To solve this issue, we can Clearly label all equipment cabling and secure the cabling to equipment racks to prevent accidental damage, disconnection, or incorrect termination. Always follow ESD procedures when replacing or working with internal router and switch device components. Maintain a stock of critical spares for emergency use.