Objective: Upgrade and modernize the network infrastructure for a Ponderosa restaurant location to improve overall connectivity, support new point-of-sale (POS) systems, and enhance customer Wi-Fi services.
Challenges Overcome: The main challenge was upgrading the network without disrupting daily operations, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, ensuring the network could handle increased traffic from both POS systems and guest Wi-Fi without compromising security was critical.
- Assessment and Planning: Conducted a thorough assessment of the existing network infrastructure, identifying bottlenecks and outdated equipment. Designed a new network topology that improved performance and scalability.
- Hardware Installation and Configuration: Installed Cisco Meraki switches and access points to provide reliable, high-speed connectivity. Configured VLANs to segregate traffic between the POS systems, guest Wi-Fi, and back-office operations, ensuring optimal performance and security.
- Wi-Fi Network Setup: Implemented a secure, user-friendly guest Wi-Fi network with bandwidth controls to prevent it from impacting critical restaurant operations. Set up the network to allow for easy guest access while maintaining robust security protocols.
- Firewall and Security Measures: Configured a firewall to protect the network from external threats, and implemented security measures such as WPA3 encryption and network monitoring tools to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
- Testing and Optimization: Performed extensive testing to ensure all systems, including the new POS setup, were functioning smoothly and that the network could handle peak loads without issues. Optimized the configuration based on real-time performance data.
Results: The network upgrade resulted in a significant improvement in connectivity and system reliability, reducing downtime and enhancing the overall dining experience with faster POS transactions and a more reliable guest Wi-Fi service. The restaurant reported a smoother operation, especially during busy hours, with fewer network-related disruptions.