Project: Wireless Bridge to Connect Two Sites

Our client, a global automobile manufacturer, needed to link its main service center in Manhattan with the body shop, which is located two blocks away, to give the client the ability to forward inventory and invoice data between the two sites.

 

A pilot demo was first created, utilizing a Cisco Wireless 802.11b solution, on the client's New Jersey campus to provide proof of concept. A wireless site survey was then performed using a range finder and land survey tools to detect signal propagation and establish a line-of-sight between the two buildings and also determine any signal interference issues. Once precise transmitter positions were ascertained, the actual installation work was begun.

 

A seamless integration was tailored into the existing infrastructure and 3DES Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity was accomplished through the incorporation of Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnels within the existing Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP).

 

Network management and landline costs were simplified and reduced, while substantially augmenting the functionality and flexibility of the network, as well as providing robust security for data exchange, through the use of 168-bit encryption. Available bandwidth was ultimately increased and the resulting performance figures exceeded the expectations of the client. The project was completed on time and within budget.