CASE STUDY 1: TNET Broadband

TNET Broadband pre-existing network consisted of several network segments all in a Layer 2 bridge. Several events, including broadcast storms, rouge DHCP Servers, and other network events affected network customers, and forced a review of the overall network design.

Client Needs: Update, upgrade, and expand the existing network to provide better connectivity, faster access and reduce network redundancy for administration and clients.

Objective:       1. Provide more redundancy and resiliency to the entire network

2.    Locate design weaknesses in the existing network deployment

3.    Minimize downtime and negative events on the entire network

4.    Increase overall network stability to minimize negative events

Solution:         Link Technologies, Inc. realized the existing Layer 2 network would not continue growing in size with TNET Broadband expansion plans. A new Layer 3, dynamic routed network would have to be adapted in order to resolve the effects of Layer 2 network issues.

A 3-phase

process:         Utilizing a layer 3 routed network, TNET could reduce the broadcast domain between their clients, minimizing the effect of a layer 2 network events. Furthermore, MikroTik Router OS bridge filters would be used as well as other network options on their existing access points, to further restrict the broadcast domain for each user down to as few devices as possible.

Phase 1:

Link Technologies, Inc. recommended the proper sized MikroTik based systems for all tower sites, as well as their core site, these pre-programmed routers were immediately delivered. TNET then deployed these in a bridge (Layer 2) mode quickly, due to the programming that was completed prior to shipment; these deployments minimized the impact of their installation.  (In many cases, the clients only had a brief outage of 1-5 minutes, as a network switch was removed and a MikroTik Router was then connected.)

Phase 2:

Upon each tower site receiving a MikroTik unit, Link Technologies, Inc., then deployed a layer 3 routed network running on top of the existing backhauls and access points, giving new subnets and backhaul IP information to TNET. This network was deployed in a bridged mode, allowing both the existing IP infrastructure to function while the new IP plan was already running via dynamic OSPF routing. The new IP information was passed to TNET and TNET elected to slowly deploy the new IP information to its management and infrastructure devices internally.

Phase 3:

Upon completion of the renumbering process, each tower site was then converted from a bridged network by Link Technologies, Inc., to a routed subnet, as well as implementation of bridge filters and other Layer 2 filtering options in their access points. In many cases, the only Layer 2 device each client would have connectivity with, would be the router on the tower they were connected to. This eliminates several network issues, such as rouge DHCP servers and severely limited broadcast storm effects on the overall network.

Evaluation:     Currently, TNET is expanding by adding more towers routing subnets. Thus far, TNET has not occurred further layer 2 style network issues. Overall backhauls are less loaded and TNET is delivering faster and more reliable service -- due to the usage of Layer 3, dynamic routing.

CASE STUDY 2: Exclusive Private Marina  - San Diego

Boats and craft can change their mooring position, from one side of the cove to the other, creating a need to change to the closest transmitter for the best and quickest connectivity. An exclusive, private marina in San Diego was dealing with the issues of network connectivity to crafts in the water.

Client Needs: The San Diego Marina needed a MESH network which allows boats to move without a dedicated fixed antenna aiming towards the shore, giving customers constant connectivity not only wired but also wirelessly on their craft.

Objective:       1.    Provide wireless data connectivity to moored boats and craft that owners live and work in the bay.

2.    Eliminate the need of craft to maintain a constant fixed position to receive signal.

3.    Increase the wireless connectivity speed and reliability.

Solution:         Link Technologies, Inc., provides and sets up a multi-transmitter network that runs the MikroTik HWMP+ Mesh protocol. This network allows for MikroTik client radios to connect via multiple frequencies at the same time to multiple transmitter sites, stabilizing the network for seamless connectivity.

Link Technologies, Inc. installed transmitter sites to be connected by a dedicated, ultra-high speed point-to-point wireless links. All crafts inside the coverage area will connect to several transmitters simultaneously, based on the HWMP+ protocol, and will dynamically choose the best connection as the crafts move about.

To gain connectivity to the network, the MikroTik system is used on each craft to not only receive the signal from multiple base stations located around the marina, but also to re-transmit a standard 802.11b/g/n signal for usage of wireless devices such as laptops, iPADs and cell phones while on the craft.

Evaluation:     Currently the private marina has seamless connectivity from the help of Link Technologies, Inc. mesh protocol network. The need for craft to be stabilized has been eliminated, and the operation is stable against other natural variable that previously caused issues.

CASE STUDY 3: National History Landmark of Colorado Chautauqua

Located at the base of Boulder's Flatirons and one of only 25 National Historic Landmarks in the state of Colorado, the Colorado Chautauqua is one of only a few remaining Chautauquas (Adult Educational Movement) in the U.S. and it is the only site west of the Mississippi that has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1898, with its original structures intact -- and used for their original purposes.

Client Needs: The Colorado Chautauqua Association wished to update its aging wireless network. Over the years, several new structures were installed since the original network was completed, giving gaps in coverage and/or areas that simply were under-served.

Objectives:     1.    Complete an entire network upgrade, to increase the overall    network capacity

2.    Extend the range and coverage of the wireless network to cover the entire complex

3.    Establish a centralized management of visitor hotspots to give control and stable access to the internet bandwidth of devices that connect to the facility

Solution:         Previously the facility utilized a MikroTik 2.4 GHz only network. This network; while working as installed a number of years prior by Link Technologies, Inc. and Kiva Networks; used older backhaul technologies, as well as slower 802.11b/g access points Applying newer technologies, the association could not only deliver faster access, but also deliver better quality internet access with more signal and access points around the facility for even better connectivity.

Link Technologies, Inc. installed a and upgrade the network, which now consists of over 50 wireless radios in both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands The 5 GHz distribution network allows high capacity links too many areas of the facility, delivering bandwidth and connectivity to 802.11b/g/n access points for client connectivity.