Network / Server Infrastructure
Network Infrastructure Improvements
Global Manufacturing Lab
A Manufacturing Lab who sells their product on a global scale was in need of improved network infrastructure. They have utilized SWICKtech Professional Services IT Project Consultants for many projects in the past. Increasing stability and allowing room for growth as well as reducing risk and complexity of existing network were key areas of improvement.
With a mixture of Cisco, HP, and Vyatta network infrastructure, the previous infrastructure did not meet many design best practices for an environment of that size. SWICKtech deployed Cisco Catalyst switching with “layer 3” routing capabilities using industry standards and best practices replacing both HP and Vyatta. A single vendor approach ensures maximum performance, compatibility, and stability.
Cisco Catalyst switches are the industry’s standard access switches with high reliability, long service life, and provide the highest ROI. As a benefit to our clients, SWICKtech keeps identical spares of Cisco Catalyst switches in stock at all times providing specific clients with same day replacement without needing to purchase same day replacement from the manufacturer.
There were eight individual points of management in the switched infrastructure across five distribution frames. Many network changes needed to be made at each point. SWICKtechSWICKtech reduced from eight to four points of management and from five to four distribution frames halving the support requirements through the use of Cisco FlexStack+. Cisco Catalyst greatly simplifies the network while providing the requisite features to reliably support data, voice, and wireless services while reducing support costs.
The Cisco Catalyst switch has 48 next generation Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) ports supporting switch-powered phones, wireless access points, IP cameras, and other security devices. PoE+ was now available on all copper switch ports.
The multi-strand fiber passed between their buildings was not configured in a redundant manner. This resulted into several single points of failure. To build interconnect capacity and redundancy, SWICKtech built a “cross-stack Ether Channel” on both sides.
The Cisco Unified Wireless system was at capacity (25 access points maximum), with only a single controller presenting a single point of failure. SWICKtech capitalized on the existing investment keeping existing access points while installing replacement controllers with added capacity (up to 75 access points with licensing) and high availability while applying best practices.
Lastly, the set up for Remote Access VPN was creating significant problems. The PPTP VPN technology used to provide remote access VPN is known to have issues traversing firewalls commonly found in hotels, coffee shops, and homes making it undesirable. Additionally, the user database for VPN access was separate from the user database used to login to computers adding unneeded support overhead and confusion. SWICKtech deployed Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for easy to use, reliable VPN based on SSL with Active Directory integrated authentication.