Enhancing Network Infrastructure for a Leading Transportation Company: A Success Story
In the rapidly evolving transportation industry, a renowned company sought to expand its operations in South Carolina by constructing a new terminal. This development aimed to bolster the company’s capacity to handle the increasing volume of shipments. A pivotal aspect of this expansion was the implementation of a robust, scalable, and cost-effective network infrastructure. This infrastructure was designed to connect multiple surveillance cameras and access points situated across various locations within the terminal.
Challenges Faced by the Client
The transportation company encountered several interconnected challenges during the construction of the new terminal. Firstly, the installation of remote cameras and access points on light poles posed a significant risk of signal dropouts due to the lengthy fiber runs. These runs included three from the shop building and one from the admin building, making the reliability of the connection a pressing concern. Secondly, each light pole required Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power the cameras and access points, thereby eliminating the need for additional power supplies. This necessitated a solution that could efficiently deliver power while maintaining data transmission integrity. Thirdly, the equipment had to be resilient enough to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, which could otherwise compromise its reliability and lifespan. Fourthly, all components had to be compatible with the existing systems from Extreme Networks or Fortinet FortiSwitch to ensure seamless integration. Lastly, the timely delivery of every component was crucial to keeping the terminal project on schedule, as any delays could have significant repercussions on the overall operational timeline.
Solution Provided by Dragon Well
To address the client’s multifaceted challenges, Dragon Well devised a daisy-chain network utilizing industrial media converters, specifically the PIMC-2F2T model, in conjunction with optical modules SFP1G-LX-31-I. This innovative approach involved passing fiber "in" to "out" through each converter, thereby adopting a daisy-chain topology. This design removed the necessity for extra switches, simplified the wiring process, and significantly reduced equipment costs. The converter’s Auto-Negotiation feature for Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex transfer mode ensured automatic adjustment for optimal data transmission, making the network more efficient without requiring manual configuration. This not only enhanced the network’s performance but also simplified its management.
Key Benefits of the Solution
Each PIMC-2F2T converter was capable of injecting up to 190W of PoE++ across two Ethernet ports. This feature enabled the powering of 16 cameras and 3 access points without the need for separate power supplies, thereby minimizing cabling complexity and reducing the overall cost of the installation. The industrial media converters were housed in IP30-rated metal enclosures and were rated for operation in temperatures ranging from –40°C to +75°C. This made them highly resilient to harsh outdoor conditions. Additionally, their ease of mounting on DIN rails or walls provided flexibility in installation, catering to any deployment constraint.
Compatibility and Delivery
The Dragon Well solution ensured full compatibility with Extreme Networks and Fortinet FortiSwitch. This compatibility, combined with front-panel LEDs for Ethernet and fiber link status, facilitated seamless integration and expedited troubleshooting. Leveraging Dragon Well’s global warehousing network, the equipment was delivered on time, meeting the client’s stringent deadline. This timely delivery was crucial in ensuring that the terminal’s network infrastructure was fully functional and operational as scheduled, supporting the launch of the new terminal without any delays.
Outcome and Benefits
By adopting the Dragon Well industrial media converter, the client achieved a significant 25% reduction in installation costs. This cost savings was primarily attributed to the elimination of the need for additional switches and power supplies. The Dragon Well solution seamlessly integrated with the client’s existing network infrastructure, minimizing configuration efforts and ensuring stable communication across all devices. Furthermore, the support provided through Dragon Well’s global warehousing ensured that all equipment was delivered on time, meeting the tight deadline and ensuring the terminal’s network was fully operational as scheduled. This successful implementation not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, setting a new standard for network infrastructure solutions in the transportation sector.
Conclusion
The successful collaboration between Dragon Well and the leading transportation company underscores the importance of innovative network infrastructure solutions in supporting business expansion and operational efficiency. By addressing the complex challenges posed by the client’s new terminal project, Dragon Well demonstrated its capabilities in designing and delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. This project serves as a testament to the power of tailored network infrastructure in enhancing operational capabilities and supporting the growth of businesses in the transportation industry. As the demand for robust and scalable network solutions continues to grow, Dragon Well remains at the forefront, providing innovative technologies and unparalleled support to its clients.
