The Challenge
Mitigating downtime during network upgrades and addressing diverse network architectural needs
The major challenges highlighted by the client were:
- Downtime risk presented by its centralized controllers (5520, 8540 series), especially for remote sites.
- Disruptions across different operational environments due to diverse architectural needs. Larger sites, such as factories or locations with over 100 APs, typically employed local controllers on-site, and smaller sites with less than 50 APs utilized flex connect mode to optimize network performance.
The Objective
Network optimization and upgrade
The objective was to optimize and upgrade the automotive giant's network infrastructure while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations. This included:
- Replacing EOS APs
- Upgrading centralized controllers
- Implementing a flexible network architecture for diverse site sizes
The Solution
Implementation of lifecycle management (LCM) processes and strategic upgrades for streamlined operations
We partnered with the client to enhance their network efficiency, deploying a skilled team to design and execute the solutions strategically. Our team of dedicated experts:
- Identified 567 access points reaching end-of-support (EOS) status and implemented lifecycle management (LCM) processes to ensure continued network efficiency despite approaching EOS
- Scheduled replacements for 2018 access points nearing EOS in 2024, mitigating potential security vulnerabilities associated with outdated hardware
- Strategized a plan to replace or migrate 49% of existing wireless LAN controllers (WLs) or access points (APs) to flex mode to enhance network performance and consistency across the infrastructure
- Successfully procured and delivered new WLAN controller hardware, marking the beginning of a global migration process for improved network management
- Established centralized WLAN controllers in each region to streamline management and support for smaller sites, leading to increased network stability and management efficiency
The Impact
Optimized network architecture and global migration
The upgraded network infrastructure delivered significant benefits for the business, including:
- Reduced downtime through controlled strategies during centralized controller upgrades, effectively minimizing disruptions for remote sites
- Ensured business continuity by addressing downtime challenges for local WLCs through meticulous planning and scheduling of upgrades during non-peak hours, ensuring minimal impact on operations
- Optimized architecture by tailoring solutions for varying site sizes, facilitating efficient network management for both larger factories and smaller sites
- Developed advanced global migration process by successfully procuring and delivering hardware for new WLCs
