Enhancing Network Infrastructure For Deeper Customer Insight
TECHNOLOGIES USED
The project involved managing and troubleshooting a diverse set of technologies, including Meraki Switches, Velocloud, WLC, Palo Alto Firewalls, and Cisco Nexus. Components of SD-WAN technologies, particularly Velocloud and Meraki, were emphasized. Additionally, Cisco Prime, Palo Alto, and Cisco Nexus were integral to the network infrastructure.
GOALS
The overarching project goal was to showcase the customer network experience as a pivotal enabler for deeper customer insights. Specific goals included setting up WLC High Availability (SSO), managing the design and implementation of retail sites, ensuring proper site diagrams, addressing frequent Jump Server login credential changes, and resolving High Virtual Desktop (HVD) login and connectivity issues.
CHALLENGE
The project faced multifaceted challenges encompassing network failures in Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC), Access Points (APs), Cisco Prime, LAN, and WAN networks. Activations of Velocloud Edge Devices posed additional hurdles, and creating DHCP scopes in Infoblox demanded precision. The replacement of Catalyst Switches with Meraki Switches introduced complexities.
SOLUTION
To overcome the challenges and achieve project goals, a comprehensive set of solutions was implemented. This included the setup of WLC High Availability (SSO), meticulous design and implementation of retail sites, ensuring proper site diagrams, managing dynamic Jump Server login credentials, and addressing HVD login and connectivity issues. Troubleshooting and co-ordination were crucial in identifying and resolving failures in Cisco APs, WLC, Prime, and ISE. The handling of Velocloud Edge Device activation tickets, L1 & L2 support post-implementation, WLC software upgrades, and DHCP scope creation for AP management were key components of the solution.
RESULT
The implemented solutions yielded positive outcomes. The network infrastructure’s reliability and resilience were enhanced, ensuring seamless operations across various technologies. Troubleshooting efforts resulted in the identification and resolution of failures, contributing to a more stable network environment. The deployment of Velocloud and Meraki technologies improved SD-WAN capabilities, and the migration of APs between WLCs facilitated a more efficient and flexible network configuration. This case study exemplifies how strategic planning, comprehensive solutions, and adept technology management successfully addressed challenges, leading to an optimized and resilient network infrastructure, ultimately showcasing the value of customer network experience for deeper insights.