Comprehensive LAN switch replacement for 98 sites
Overview
Technology Powered Services (TPS) provided a complete end-to-end solution from initial infrastructure auditing through to consult, design install and wireless passive survey.
CNWL provides essential NHS services, including physical and mental health for GPs, hospitals and residential living.
The Trust was awarded Foundation Trust status in 2007 and has expanded its services and partnerships exponentially since. This continued growth has identified the need for greater operational efficiencies.
TPS was required to carry out all works within normal working hours without incurring any downtime. Not only was there pressure to complete the work within limited timescales but TPS also needed to meet the needs and adapt to 98 sites of varying sizes and access restrictions.
Clear communication with various parties was key to the smooth delivery of all aspects of the project. The TPS teams were required to liaise with DCS and CNWL site representatives to co-ordinate connectivity disruption and obtain device logs for switches.
Providing a complete end-to-end solution, TPS deployed multiple specialist teams to fulfil the CNWL project. From project managers through to experienced auditors, engineers and installation teams, TPS co-ordinated the entire process at all 98 sites. TPS’ specialist engineers carried out surveys on cabinets housing existing LAN and identified the need for LAN upgrades to replace switches and re patch to a significantly higher standard.
With vast experience in project co-ordination for complex infrastructures, TPS liaised with CNWL to advise on predicted downtime as well as DCS for individual switch and allocated port device logs. This was required to allow for the existing LAN switches to be taken offline and removed from the comms cabinets, whist being unpatched one switch at a time.
Once completed, TPS engineers installed the new switches and re patched the structured cabling as outlined in the patching log created at the initial audit stage. To ensure that all connectivity had been restored, TPS completed a floor walk inspection.
I did want to note that the professionalism of the site team and their flexibility in order to find the best route to complete these works has been excellent. They are fantastic ambassadors for your team and for the service more generally and I would welcome and recommend them highly.”
