Network Infrastructure Deployment for Health Department Facility Expansion

Secure Network, Wireless, and VPN Connectivity for a New Health Department Location

Building a Reliable Network Foundation for a Growing Healthcare Organization

This Maryland health department was preparing to expand operations into a new facility and required a secure, scalable, and reliable network infrastructure to support staff, applications, and daily operations. The new location needed to accommodate approximately 25 to 30 users but lacked the network equipment, connectivity, and supporting infrastructure necessary to deliver enterprise-grade performance and security.

In addition to establishing reliable connectivity, the health department faced concerns regarding network equipment power protection, cooling, wireless coverage, and secure communication with existing facilities. Integrating existing network hardware while creating a future-ready environment was critical to ensuring operational continuity and supporting future growth.

To address these challenges, the health department partnered with Data Networks to design and deploy a comprehensive network infrastructure deployment that would provide secure connectivity, resilient wireless access, and seamless integration with existing healthcare operations.

Designing and Deploying a Secure Network Infrastructure

Data Networks began the engagement with a thorough network discovery process, documenting the existing environment, network topology, VLAN configurations, wireless requirements, and remote connectivity needs. This information was used to develop a strategic network architecture that aligned with the department’s operational objectives while supporting future expansion.

As part of the network infrastructure deployment, Data Networks designed a scalable network architecture incorporating secure segmentation, optimized IP addressing, wireless connectivity planning, and resilient infrastructure components. The solution leveraged existing Juniper EX4100 switches while introducing new technologies to enhance security and reliability.

To support user devices and wireless connectivity throughout the facility, Data Networks installed 47 new CAT6 cable runs in accordance with industry standards. The cabling infrastructure provides connectivity for user workstations, network devices, and six Juniper AP33 wireless access points strategically positioned to deliver consistent wireless coverage across the facility.

The project also included the installation of a new network rack, patch panel, and UPS system to improve equipment organization, protect against power interruptions, and ensure reliable operation of critical network services. Existing network equipment was integrated into the new environment, maximizing previous technology investments while creating a modernized infrastructure platform.

Enhancing Security, Connectivity, and Operational Resilience

Security and connectivity were key priorities throughout the project. Data Networks deployed and configured a Juniper SRX firewall to provide advanced edge security, secure access controls, and site-to-site VPN connectivity between the new location and the department’s headquarters. The route-based IPSec VPN configuration enables secure communication between facilities while supporting efficient access to shared resources and applications.

To simplify network management and improve operational visibility, Data Networks onboarded the department’s switching, wireless, and firewall infrastructure into the Juniper Mist cloud management platform. Wireless networks, RF profiles, security settings, and device configurations were staged and optimized prior to deployment, reducing implementation time and ensuring a smooth rollout.

The completed network infrastructure deployment provides the health department with a secure, scalable, and highly available network environment capable of supporting current operations and future growth. Reliable wireless coverage, secure VPN connectivity, resilient power protection, and cloud-managed networking create a strong foundation for delivering healthcare services from the new location.

Following deployment, Data Networks performed testing, validation, and documentation activities to verify performance and reliability while providing updated as-built documentation to support ongoing operations. The result is a modern network environment that improves connectivity, strengthens security, and enables the health department to confidently support staff and patients at its new facility.

Tags: SLG, local government, healthcare, networking