Dealing with EMI

One issue you can run into when managing a large network is that some network segments can lose performance due to EMI (electromagnetic interference).

I deal with intermittent EMI issues with the network segments that run adjacent to one of the research labs we have. The problem is that the guys in the lab are so paranoid that I never know when they will be generating huge amounts of EMI nor what they do that causes it.

Me: "So, any idea why I would be getting serious EMI in this area two hours ago?"

Spook With a Shit-Eating Grin: "I can't tell you."

Me: "Right."

It gets really tempting to 'accidentally' invalidate ID cards when you have to deal with this garbage...

Anyway, time to upgrade a segment to fibre.