Routing, Switching and Advanced Wireless Solutions

To get an idea of what to expect when working with the GSS team, please see the list below that maps to, and briefly describes the steps involved in our process of creating a custom networking solution for a client:

1. Investigative Phase

To determine the client’s specific business requirements, goals and establish a scope of work. This can be time consuming and often involves Step 2, team member(s) visiting the project’s physical location. This phase can include:

• Determining and detailing the full scope of the of the project
• Requisite project research
• Equipment analysis
• Initial site survey and inspection

2. Site Survey Phase

When necessary, we will conduct an initial visit to the actual site or area that the network is to be installed. This is a requirement for wireless solutions.

3. Data Compilation Phase

All data amassed from the investigative phase and/or site survey is systematically compiled and evaluated.

For all installations:

• Collection and organization of all site survey data and classification of all equipment
• Verification of the correct placement for equipment
• Confirm specific business requirements met by equipment and network
• Specific For Wireless Installations:
• Establishing an RF footprint of existing infrastructures involved with site
• Verification of interference points
• Determine methods to avoid blind spots
• Antenna modeling to ascertain distance and time values

4. Initial Reporting Phase

Provides a thoroughly complete analysis of the project and all equipment needed. This phase includes:

• All project details
• Accomplishments regarding project to date
• Delivery of full engineering report (includes the following)

For all installations:

• Site Survey
• Full list of equipment required to complete the network pre-pilot and pilot
• Full list of equipment required to complete the finished project
• Specific For Wireless Installations:
• Description of interference challenges
• Coverage details

Only after the report has been received, and approval given by client to proceed with the project, will the equipment for the Pilot Phase be ordered.

5. Pilot Phase

Using all compiled information and the equipment obtained for the Pre-Pilot, The GSS team now pre-configures the equipment/devices for a small scale test to be performed within a controlled environment. This remote—clean field testing phase will be not be executed within or at the actual installation site and includes:

• Location an appropriate location for clean field testing
• Running the actual test with all pre-configured equipment and devices
• Team Analysis of results and the implications of discovery including any probable and necessary additional equipment requirements
• Connecting and troubleshooting any issues
• Testing data through trial network to verify low latency to spec
• If relevant to project, testing video and other media through trial network to verify low latency and spec equipment configuration for both pilot and the final installation

The Pilot Phase will continue until any unforeseen bugs and other issues are revealed and resolved. This phase is a highly worthwhile and cost-effective way to ensure that any design and/or configuration flaws encountered during the next Full Prototype Phase will be drastically minimized.

6. Full Prototype Phase

After a successful Pilot, The Full Prototype Phase can be scheduled. This phase can take up to a week, is executed on-site, and includes:

• Any additionally acquired equipment implicated as required during the Pilot Phase is integrated either into the existing network or into the pilot network, configured and tested.
• A thorough testing of the prototypical network’s bandwidth, throughput, and fault tolerance is performed.
• A thorough or partially assisted priming process of the final network’s proposed site is completed in preparation for its installation
• Specific For Wireless and/or MESH Installations:
• The MESH infrastructure is installed
• Any additionally acquired equipment implicated as required during the Pilot Phase is integrated into the MESH infrastructure
• Additional testing, including interference, signal strength and durability is performed
• If any Cisco or other devices have been added to the client’s existing network, all outside radios will be disabled, and a site survey is performed, employing only the new equipment after it’s been installed, and while it’s running
• All outside radios are re-enabled and a second site survey is performed
• All APs and controller(s) are primed prior to the network’s final installation

7. Second Report Phase

This Phase equips the client with vital network data that includes:

• A complete, highly detailed analysis of Pilot
• A complete, highly detailed analysis of Prototype
• A full disclosure report detailing any problems that were discovered and their solutions

Only after the final report has been provided to the client and fully approved can the Final Network Implementation begin

8. Final Network Implementation Phase

The thoroughly tested and functional network is installed and implemented.

• Onsite installation and implementation of the entire network
• Verify network connectivity
• Troubleshoot network design
• Collaborate with peers on solid network design - make changes if necessary
• Document entire process

9. Post Site Survey

After the entire network is installed, tested and the design verified, a post site survey is needed to solidify the network

• Onsite survey of network using the latest in technology to document the current network
• Benchmark of all equipment installed
• Complete reading of bandwidth usage during a 24 hour process
• RF readings, interference, and benchmark of signals
• Final assessment and optimization measurements

10. Troubleshooting and Corrections

After the post site survey is complete, any corrections to the network can be made

• Senior staff members verify findings of post site survey and decide on any network changes
• Work orders are created, if necessary, to justify any network changes
• Corrections are made and completely documented
• Final network designs are updates

11. Maintenance and Monitoring

Once the network is up and running, and the documentation is complete, daily/weekly/monthly maintenance and monitoring is available.

GlobalNet Training & Consulting provides complete end-to-end monitoring of systems

• 24x7 maintenance and monitoring
• On-site staff engineers are available
• Hourly or block hours available for purchase

12. Training Staff for Post Project Network Management

One of the most important pieces of the network design and implementation is training

• GSS shines at network training
• Over 20 years of network training experience
• Over 60 study guides published
• Training from beginning to end on network installation available
• Continuous training and certification updates available
• New product and upgrade training available

13. Final Project Report

This is a report that includes every detail from all phases in one document

• Final document prepared
• Delivered to management
• Final meeting scheduled and final report discussed in detail
• Discussion of next projects started and scope of works discussed, if necessary