Network Switch Replacement & Enterprise Ethernet Refresh

Modernization of End-of-Support Switching Infrastructure Across Multiple Sites for Maryland Health Department

This Maryland-based county health department was operating on an aging network switching infrastructure that had reached end-of-support from the manufacturer. This created increasing operational risk, including limited vendor support, potential security vulnerabilities, and reduced network reliability across critical public health systems. The organization required a full replacement of its core and access switching environment, along with assistance in migrating configurations, maintaining uptime, and modernizing its network management capabilities.

To address these challenges, the organization engaged Data Networks to execute a comprehensive network switch infrastructure upgrade project, focused on replacing legacy switching hardware across its main facility and multiple remote sites interconnected via multi-mode fiber. The environment included a main distribution frame (MDF), multiple intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), and distributed network endpoints supporting daily clinical, administrative, and public health operations.

Data Networks began the engagement with structured project initiation and planning. A dedicated Project Manager coordinated a kickoff session with the assigned Senior Network Engineer and the customer’s IT stakeholders to establish timelines, responsibilities, and technical requirements. During this phase, a detailed design document was developed, documenting existing network topology, VLAN structures, and IP addressing schemes. Any potential enhancements or adjustments required by the customer or state IT governance requirements were incorporated into the final design to ensure alignment with operational and compliance standards.

As part of the network switch replacement and modernization effort, Data Networks engineered and staged twelve (12) Juniper Networks EX4100-48P Ethernet switches in a controlled configuration environment. This included pre-deployment configuration within the Juniper Mist platform, ensuring that each switch was properly aligned with the approved design. The team validated configurations, tested base functionality, and confirmed readiness prior to deployment. A cold spare switch was also staged to provide rapid failover capability in the event of hardware failure.

Once staging was complete, Data Networks coordinated on-site delivery and installation of the new switching infrastructure. The new switches were installed in existing customer-provided racks across the MDF and IDF locations, replacing the legacy equipment on a one-to-one basis. Engineers reconnected all existing Ethernet cabling and fiber interconnects according to the documented design, ensuring minimal disruption to active services during the transition.

Following installation, Data Networks performed comprehensive validation testing, including LAN connectivity, WAN reachability, and internet access verification across all sites. This ensured that all network segments were fully operational and performing as expected under the new switching architecture.

To further enhance long-term manageability and visibility, the solution incorporated Juniper Mist Wired Assurance and Virtual Network Assistant capabilities, along with five-year core support coverage. This provided the organization with AI-driven network insights, proactive monitoring, and improved operational efficiency for ongoing network management.

The engagement concluded with final documentation, knowledge transfer sessions, and operational guidance for internal IT staff. As a result, the health department now benefits from a modern, fully supported, and highly reliable enterprise network switch infrastructure, significantly improving resilience, security, and scalability across all connected facilities.

Tags: SLG, local, government, healthcare, networking