TechExpress

Case Study: Best Practices for Wired and Wireless Network Expansion

Case Study: Best Practices for Wired and Wireless Network Expansion

As businesses evolve, their network infrastructure must adapt to accommodate growing demands. Recently, we conducted an in-depth survey for a client seeking to expand both their wired and wireless network to support increased business operations. This expansion project required upgrading existing hardware and implementing industry best practices to ensure a seamless, reliable, and scalable network solution. In this case study, we outline the key factors involved in the network expansion, share expert insights, and provide practical dos and don’ts to guarantee successful network growth.

Current Network Design Overview

The client’s existing network infrastructure relied on Ubiquiti UniFi hardware for both wired and wireless connectivity. Network management was handled through a FortiGate 200F firewall integrated with the FortiGuard Unified Threat Protection (UTP) Bundle, while device management was facilitated by the UniFi CloudKey Gen2 Plus. Their LAN setup consisted of a combination of UniFi-managed and unmanaged switches, with all devices operating on a single VLAN network.

Current layout

Proposed Layout

Key Considerations for Network Expansion

When planning a network expansion, it's essential to factor in both wired and wireless needs to ensure the new architecture is scalable, secure, and future-ready. Below, we discuss the primary considerations addressed during this project.

1. Assessing LAN Port Availability on Switches

One of the first steps in our network survey was to evaluate the availability of LAN ports on the client's switches. A common oversight in network planning is underestimating the number of ports required for future growth, leading to performance issues or costly switch upgrades later. After analyzing the client’s floor layout and current port utilization, we determined that approximately 26 additional LAN ports were necessary to accommodate their expanding LAN devices.

Recommendation:
To future-proof the network and prevent bottlenecks, we recommended the installation of a 48-port switch for wired LAN devices and a 24-port PoE switch to power wireless access points. These switches were equipped with SFP uplink ports to ensure high-performance data transfers across the network

Best Practice:
Do ensure your switches have enough ports to accommodate both current and future needs. If you're expanding your workforce or adding new equipment, plan for at least 20% more ports than your current requirement.
Don't ignore potential future needs. Plan for scalability, as adding new switches can disrupt network performance and increase costs down the road.

2. Upgrading the Firewall to Support a Growing Workforce

With the expansion of the network, the client needed to accommodate a larger workforce, which places additional strain on the firewall. In our assessment, the client was already using a FortiGate 200F firewall integrated with the FortiGuard Unified Threat Protection Bundle, a solution that was robust enough to handle the increased user load and future growth without requiring immediate upgrades.

Best Practice:
Do upgrade your firewall to handle increased traffic and users, ensuring it can manage multiple VLANs, advanced security features, and higher throughput. Ensure the firewall is future-proof and capable of handling potential increases in remote work or VPN traffic.
Don't assume your existing firewall will automatically scale. Failing to upgrade could leave your network vulnerable to attacks or cause performance issues.

3. Implementing VLANs for Better Segmentation

As networks expand, VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) play a critical role in segmenting different departments or functions for better security, performance, and manageability. For this client, we recommended implementing VLANs to separate the guest network from internal users and to organize critical services like printers and VoIP.

Best Practice:
Do implement VLANs to segment network traffic, reduce broadcast traffic, and enhance security. This is especially helpful in environments with multiple departments or IoT devices.
Don't overlook the importance of proper VLAN configuration. Misconfiguration can lead to security risks, such as unauthorized access to critical resources.

4. Wireless Heat Mapping for Coverage Optimization

Wireless heat mapping is a critical part of network planning, especially when expanding coverage to ensure that every area within your office or facility receives optimal signal strength. During our survey, we used Ubiquiti WiFiman for heat mapping to pinpoint areas with weak Wi-Fi signals and adjust the placement of access points.

Best Practice:
Do perform a wireless heat map survey to visualize coverage and identify potential dead zones or areas with signal interference. This allows you to strategically place access points (APs) to ensure full coverage and optimal signal strength across the office or workspace.
Don't skip this step. Failure to use heat mapping can result in weak or uneven wireless signals, frustrating users and leading to costly troubleshooting down the road.

5. Wireless Channel Optimization

In wireless networks, especially in dense environments, proper channel optimization is essential to prevent interference and ensure stable connections. During the survey, we identified overlapping wireless channels that were causing interference and recommended a new wireless channel configuration.

Best Practice:
Do perform a wireless site survey to identify potential sources of interference and optimize wireless channels accordingly. This ensures minimal overlap and stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi coverage.
Don't leave your wireless settings at their default configuration. This can lead to signal interference, poor performance, and dissatisfied users.

6. Ensuring IP Availability

One of the most common issues during network expansion is the lack of available IP addresses. Our client had a limited DHCP pool, which would not accommodate the additional devices planned for the expansion.

Best Practice:
Do ensure your DHCP scope is properly configured to support the new devices and users. Plan ahead for IPv6 adoption or consider subnetting to maximize IP availability.
Don't let IP conflicts disrupt your operations. Always plan for future growth by assessing your current IP allocation and expanding your network accordingly.

7. Installing Additional LAN Sockets and Cabling

Physical infrastructure is just as important as the devices themselves. In this case, the client needed additional LAN sockets and cabling to support new employees and devices after the expansion.

Best Practice:
Do plan for additional LAN sockets in locations where you anticipate growth. Install high-quality cabling that supports your network’s speed and bandwidth needs (Cat6 or higher).
Don't compromise on cabling quality. Poor cabling or inadequate socket placement can result in slow network speeds, interference, and costly rework.

General Tips for Network Expansion Success

• Perform a Comprehensive Site Survey: Always start with a detailed survey of your existing infrastructure, identifying potential weaknesses or limitations. This will give you a clear picture of where upgrades or changes are needed.
• Plan for Future Growth: Expansion isn’t just about current needs; it’s about anticipating future ones. Consider how your business might grow in terms of employees, devices, and data traffic.
• Use Scalable Solutions: Invest in scalable hardware like modular switches, firewalls that can handle increased traffic, and wireless access points that can be easily expanded.
• Prioritize Security: As your network grows, so do potential security risks. Ensure that new devices are securely configured and that your firewall and other security measures are robust enough to protect your expanding network.

Conclusion

Expanding a network whether wired or wireless is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. In this client case study, we emphasized the importance of considering every element, from the availability of LAN ports to proper firewall upgrades, VLAN segmentation, and wireless heat mapping. By following the best practices outlined above, businesses can ensure a seamless network expansion that supports their growth while maintaining high performance and security.

by TechExpress