How we have completely re-vamped our client’s networking infrastructure
Client: Wright and Lord
Wright & Lord is a firm of solicitors dedicated to helping the people and businesses of the Morecambe Bay area, the Furness Peninsula and the South Lakes with the very best legal representation and advice.
What was the challenge?
Following the continuous growth of the firm, and expansion into the building next door to accommodate more staff and resource areas, the networking infrastructure of our client had started to struggle to keep up. The WiFi system was also fairly dated and with reliance on Wifi for staff laptops, WiFi calling and even lighting systems, this was also in need of review.
What was the Q2Q solution?
Q2Q were able to survey the building, working with management at Wright & Lord to understand needs following their expansion, and understand future proofing requirements.
We investigated multiple options for hardware and connectivity through the buildings, finally deciding on the Enterprise grade Fortinet systems and equipment.
We were able to spec all of the hardware needed, and make use of existing connectivity where possible to minimise costs, while implementing a significantly improved computer network.
Wright and Lord now have a Fortigate Router, providing state of the art firewalling and defence alongside intelligent traffic routing. The network backbone also runs across matched Fortinet switches allowing for smart traffic shaping and loopback prevention.
The switches selected make use of SFP transceivers – in non-geek-speak, they allow for upwards of 10GB speeds, but allow the switches to talk to each other directly, meaning the full number of ports can be used for client devices – maximum bang for your buck!!
Finally, following careful site surveying and usage capture, a selection of Fortinet enterprise grade WiFi Access Points have been sited throughout the buildings, meaning all network equipment is manufacturer matched, and will talk to each other seamlessly.
What was the impact on the client?
Our client now has a superfast network backbone, allowing their fast internet connection to be fully exploited throughout the building. The switches and router can be programmed to separate data using VLAN technology where needed, and the WiFi points give all staff rock-solid connection through the building and into meeting rooms when not at their desks. Secure and segregated guest internet access is also now available in the public areas of the building.
Fun fact
The Fortinet switches have built-in power injection. This allows the WiFi access points to be powered directly from the same network cable that connects them to the internet, removing the need for power points to be run where they are sited, giving much more freedom for location and quality of service, and no electrician required!
