Client Information:
- Client Name: Istead Rise Community Centre
- Location: Istead Rise, Kent, UK
- Date of Installation: November 2023.
Introduction: The Local Community Centre, a vital hub for the community in Istead Rise, sought to enhance its connectivity infrastructure to serve its patrons better and support various activities and events hosted within its premises. The centre approached HelpFully IT, a trusted network solutions provider, to design and implement a comprehensive WiFi and LAN installation. The project aimed to provide reliable internet access to the community while also improving internal network connectivity for administrative purposes.
Challenges: The community centre faced several challenges that needed to be addressed during the installation:
- Outdated Infrastructure: The existing network infrastructure was obsolete and unable to meet the increasing demand for internet access and connectivity.
- Coverage Gaps: There were vast areas within the centre where WiFi signals were weak or nonexistent, causing connectivity issues for visitors and staff.
- Scalability: The community centre wanted a solution that could be easily expanded as their needs grew over time.
- Cost-Efficiency: The project needed to be completed within a reasonable budget to ensure affordability for the non-profit community centre.
Solution: To address the challenges, HelpFully IT proposed a comprehensive solution using TP-Link Omada networking equipment. The solution included the following components:
- Omada Access Points (APs): Multiple Omada APs were strategically installed throughout the community centre to ensure complete coverage and eliminate WiFi dead zones.
- Omada Cloud Controller: The Omada Cloud Controller was used to manage and monitor the entire network centrally. This allowed for easy configuration, maintenance, and scalability.
- Omada Switch: A single TP-Link Omada managed switch was installed to provide reliable wired connections to critical devices and administrative areas, such as offices and conference rooms.
- LAN Cabling: New Ethernet cabling was installed to connect the access points, switches, and other network components. This ensured fast and stable connections.
- Gateway Router: a new Omada Gateway was installed to allow two different internet connectivity options to be utilised in a live and backup scenario..
Installation Process: The installation process consisted of the following steps:
- Site Survey: HelpFully IT conducted a thorough site survey to identify coverage areas and potential sources of interference.
- Equipment Installation: Omada APs and switches were strategically placed based on the site survey findings.
- Configuration: The Omada Cloud Controller was set up and configured to manage the network. SSIDs, security settings, and access policies were customized to meet the centre’s requirements.
- Testing: Extensive testing was conducted to ensure seamless WiFi connectivity and reliable LAN connections.
- Training: Community centre staff members were provided with training on how to use and manage the new network.
Results: The TP-Link Omada-based WiFi and LAN installation provided the Local Community Centre with several benefits:
- Improved Coverage: Visitors and staff now enjoy reliable WiFi connectivity throughout the centre, eliminating coverage gaps.
- Scalability: The Omada solution can be easily expanded to accommodate future growth in users and devices.
- Centralized Management: The Omada Cloud Controller allows efficient network management and troubleshooting, reducing downtime.
- Cost-Effective: The solution was implemented within the budget constraints of the community centre, ensuring affordability.
- Data Capture: The new Public Wifi portal allowed the community centre to collect people’s email addresses to help with marketing efforts.
Conclusion: The WiFi and LAN installation at the Local Community Centre using TP-Link Omada equipment has significantly improved connectivity and network performance. The centre can now provide a seamless online experience to its patrons and efficiently manage its administrative operations. HelpFully IT is proud to have played a role in enhancing the community centre’s services and connectivity.
Client Feedback: “We are delighted with the WiFi and LAN installation provided by HelpFully IT. Our community centre now offers reliable internet access to our visitors, and the network is easier to manage than ever before. Thank you for your expertise and support.”
Istead Rise Community Centre.
