Meraki Network Upgrade for Community Services Organization

Cloud-Managed Switching, Wi-Fi 6 Deployment, and UPS Modernization for Improved Connectivity and Reliability

The Challenge: Aging Network Infrastructure and Limited Wireless Performance

This Maryland-based community services organization needed to modernize its network infrastructure to improve wireless connectivity, increase reliability, and support future operational growth. The existing environment relied on outdated switching hardware and aging wireless infrastructure that limited performance, scalability, and management efficiency. In addition, the organization’s existing UPS platform no longer provided the level of power protection necessary to support critical network systems during outages.

The organization required a comprehensive network refresh capable of improving wireless coverage, enhancing network performance, and delivering more reliable backup power protection. At the same time, the solution needed to simplify administration, strengthen security, and provide scalable cloud-based management for long-term operational efficiency.

To address these challenges, the organization partnered with Data Networks to execute a full Cisco Meraki network upgrade that modernized wireless access, switching infrastructure, and power continuity systems at its primary office location.

The Solution: Meraki Network Upgrade with Wi-Fi 6, Cloud Switching, and UPS Protection

Data Networks delivered a complete Meraki network upgrade centered around the deployment of new Cisco Meraki wireless access points, cloud-managed switches, and APC backup power infrastructure.

The wireless portion of the project included the installation of four (4) Cisco Meraki MR36 Wi-Fi 6 access points to provide secure, high-performance wireless connectivity throughout the facility. Data Networks conducted wireless planning activities to determine optimal access point placement, validate VLAN and IP addressing requirements, and configure separate SSIDs for both a secure corporate network and an isolated guest wireless environment.

Each Meraki access point was mounted, powered, connected to the network, and onboarded into the Meraki cloud management platform. The deployment included static IP addressing, VLAN configuration, device tagging, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) validation to ensure seamless integration and simplified management through the Meraki Dashboard. Following installation, Data Networks performed a post-deployment wireless survey to validate coverage, connectivity, and overall WLAN performance.

As part of the broader Meraki network upgrade, Data Networks also replaced the organization’s legacy switching infrastructure with two (2) Cisco Meraki MS130-24P switches and one (1) Cisco Meraki MS130-48P switch. Four outdated 24-port switches were removed and replaced with the new cloud-managed Meraki switching environment.

The new switches were rack-mounted, cabled, powered, and configured to support optimized network traffic flow, VLAN segmentation, and improved security. Data Networks configured the Meraki virtual stack and applied global network policies to ensure consistent management, high availability, and operational performance across the environment.

To improve power reliability, the project also included the installation of one (1) APC Smart-UPS 1500VA system. During a scheduled maintenance window, Data Networks gracefully shut down critical systems, removed the legacy UPS hardware, and installed the new 2RU APC UPS unit within the rack infrastructure. The upgraded UPS system was connected to the facility’s 20-amp circuit and integrated with the new network devices to provide reliable backup power for switches, wireless infrastructure, and communications systems.

At project completion, Data Networks delivered updated documentation, operational details, and a formal project handoff to the client.

Ongoing Value: Scalable Cloud Management and Reliable Network Operations

Through this Meraki network upgrade, the organization now benefits from a modern, cloud-managed infrastructure that delivers improved wireless performance, simplified administration, and enhanced operational reliability.

The deployment of Wi-Fi 6 access points improves wireless coverage and user experience for both staff and guests, while the new Meraki switching environment provides centralized visibility, streamlined management, and scalable performance for future growth. The addition of APC backup power protection further strengthens operational continuity by helping maintain uptime during power disruptions.

Integrated with the organization’s existing Data Networks Managed IT Services subscription, the upgraded environment now supports proactive monitoring, maintenance, and ongoing optimization, ensuring long-term stability and performance for the organization’s mission-critical network operations.

Tags: non-profit, nonprofit, networking