The Challenge
GoCardless Ltd aimed to enhance their network infrastructure at the Sutton Yard site in London. The primary objectives of this upgrade were to replace aged and legacy firewall devices, network switches, and wireless solutions, and to implement cloud management for these new systems.
The top-level requirements to achieve these objectives included:
- Replacement/Upgrade of Firewall Devices: The existing firewall devices were outdated and needed to be replaced with modern, more efficient ones.
- Replacement/Upgrade of Network Switch Stacks: This involved upgrading the network switch stacks on all floors (Ground, 1st, and 2nd) to ensure better performance and reliability.
- Replacement/Upgrade of WAN Switches: The WAN switches on the 1st floor required upgrading to support the new network infrastructure.
- Replacement/Upgrade of Wireless Environment: The wireless infrastructure needed to be updated to provide better coverage and performance throughout the site
Additionally, several pre-requisite requirements were identified to ensure a smooth implementation process. These included ensuring that all relevant patch cabling was neat, identifiable, fit-for-purpose, and that network switches were easily accessible.
The Solution
Following initial discussions and a desktop wireless survey, the solution Signal IT Solutions proposed for the network upgrade at Sutton Yard involved a comprehensive approach to replace and upgrade the existing infrastructure. The key components of the solution included:
- New Firewall Devices: The implementation plan specified the installation of new SonicWall NSa 5700 firewall devices to replace the legacy firewalls
- New Network Switches: The plan included the deployment of Ruckus ICX8200 series network switches across all floors. This included both 48-port and 24-port models, as well as compact 8-port models for specific locations
- New Wireless Access Points: The wireless environment was to be upgraded with Ruckus R770 wireless access points, ensuring better coverage and performance
- Cloud Management: The new switch and wireless solutions were to be managed through a cloud-based system, providing better control and monitoring capabilities
The solution also involved a detailed plan for the configuration and commissioning of the new devices, including the creation of rack and pin-out diagrams, VLAN configurations, IP ranges, and port mappings.
The Outcome
The implementation of the network upgrade at Sutton Yard was meticulously planned and executed by Signal IT Solutions in conjunction with GoCardless over a specified timeline. The key steps in the implementation process included:
- Pre-Implementation Tasks: This phase involved several preparatory tasks such as the identification and procurement of the bill of materials, formal sign-off, and provision of purchase orders, and the review of up-to-date pictures of cabinets to determine their condition
- Commissioning Tasks: The commissioning phase included the configuration of new firewall devices, switch stacks, and WAN switches. This also involved the installation of wireless access points and the enablement of alerting and monitoring systems
- Critical Path Activities: The critical path activities were scheduled to ensure minimal disruption to the business operations. This included tasks such as the power down of existing network infrastructure, de-racking of legacy switch infrastructure, installation and power-up of new devices, and testing and stabilization of the new network
- Post-Implementation Tasks: After the main implementation activities, additional tasks were carried out to ensure the new network was fully operational. This included the provision of internal communications within GoCardless, validation of up-to-date backups of existing configurations, and the update of the knowledge base with new network diagrams
The implementation plan also included a detailed appendix with network diagrams, cabinet layouts, and an inventory of the new devices installed.
Marc Littlefair, GoCardless Ltd said…
“The network upgrade undertaken by Signal IT Solutions at Sutton Yard has significantly enhanced our infrastructure, providing us with modern, efficient, and reliable systems. The new firewall devices, network switches, and wireless access points have greatly improved our network performance and coverage.
The implementation by Signal was seamless, with no unplanned disruption to our operations, thanks to their meticulous planning and execution. We are extremely pleased with the service provided by Signal IT Solutions and the results and the positive impact it has had on our business.”