Wireless Access Point Deployment & Network Refresh

Juniper Mist Wireless Upgrade with Access Point Replacement and Network Switch Implementation for Local Health Department

This Maryland-based health department required a modernization of its wireless network infrastructure to improve performance, reliability, and manageability. The existing wireless environment relied on aging access points that no longer met current connectivity demands, impacting user experience and limiting visibility into network performance. To address these challenges, the health department sought a streamlined wireless network refresh and access point deployment that would maintain existing configurations while introducing modern management capabilities and improved performance.

To achieve these objectives, the health department partnered with Data Networks to execute a comprehensive enterprise wireless network upgrade, including the replacement of 24 existing access points and the deployment of a new network switch. The project was designed as a one-for-one replacement to minimize disruption while enhancing the underlying infrastructure with cloud-based management and improved scalability.

Data Networks initiated the engagement with a structured project kickoff, led by a dedicated Project Manager and Senior Network Engineer. During this phase, project timelines, roles, and technical requirements were established in collaboration with the customer. The engineering team then developed a detailed design document outlining both wired and wireless configurations, including IP addressing schemes, VLAN structures, SSIDs, security settings, and subnet configurations. This ensured the new deployment would align seamlessly with the organization’s existing network architecture.

As part of the Juniper Mist wireless access point deployment, Data Networks staged and pre-configured the new network switch and wireless environment within the Mist cloud management platform. All configurations were validated in advance to ensure readiness and reduce on-site deployment time. The team conducted functionality testing to confirm proper operation prior to installation.

Following staging, Data Networks coordinated the on-site installation of the new infrastructure. The network switch was installed in an existing rack and connected to power and network uplinks. The 24 new wireless access points were mounted to existing drop ceiling locations using provided mounting hardware, maintaining established coverage patterns while upgrading performance capabilities. Each access point was connected to the existing Ethernet cabling infrastructure and integrated into the network.

Post-installation, Data Networks performed comprehensive validation testing, confirming LAN, WAN, and internet connectivity across the wireless network. This ensured all devices were functioning correctly and delivering expected performance levels.

To support long-term success, Data Networks provided a walkthrough of the Mist management portal, offering knowledge transfer on configuration, monitoring, and management capabilities. This empowered the health department’s IT team to effectively manage and optimize their new wireless environment.

As a result, the health department now benefits from a modern, cloud-managed enterprise wireless network infrastructure, delivering improved performance, enhanced visibility, and a scalable foundation for future growth.

Tags: SLG, local, government, healthcare, networking