Customer Snapshot
A Washington state agency with 1200 employees spread through six locations needed to replace its aging wireless infrastructure with a future-forward platform that could improve end-user experiences and drive better service outcomes.
The Challenge
Modern connectivity demands and rising maintenance costs were taking a toll. The agency needed a cost-effective, sustainable and more secure way to promote employee productivity and better citizen services.
The Solution
After carefully vetting the options, the agency planted its stake with HPE Aruba Networking and Structured, cultivating a wireless network that delivers simplicity, resilience and intelligence across every branch of operations.
Propagating Possibilities
In Washington, unofficially nicknamed “The Evergreen State,” growth isn’t just about trees. For this future-forward state, growth is also deeply rooted in technology and the possibilities it can propagate.
As citizen services expanded and the need for remote access multiplied, one Washington state agency realized its aging legacy wireless network was holding back progress.
Its goal was clear: Nurture smart growth with a modern, secure, and scalable wireless infrastructure. As a result, the agency embarked on an endeavor to methodically and intentionally transform its wireless network into one that would support and sustain long-term growth, keep costs in check, and improve security along the way.
The Challenge:
A Time for Regeneration
Several factors contributed to the agency’s realization that they were no longer on a sustainable path and needed to forge a new one. First, the existing infrastructure was clearly outdated, creating limitations to performance, device compatibility and reliability. Second, supporting 1200 employees across six statewide locations, the old APs had topped their ability to scale and couldn’t keep up with the real-time communication demands of a mobile workforce. Third, the wireless infrastructure lacked advanced security features like automated patching, modern encryption and proactive threat detection, which made the agency more vulnerable to potential breaches. Finally, retaining the old infrastructure also came with rising renewal costs for the licenses and service subscriptions with little concrete benefit.
The Solution:
An Evergreen Evaluation Cycle
To ensure the Washington state agency utilized the most effective technology for its wireless networking needs, the decision-making approach incorporated testing, feedback, and evaluation. A thoughtful 6-step evaluation process that included testing and end-user feedback ensured this platform from HPE Aruba Networking would be the right long-term technology for the agency.
Aruba AP-635 Campus APs
The test project launched with the deployment of demo gear from HPE Aruba Networking at select remote sites, including Aruba AP-635 Campus APs and an enterprise controller licensing bundle. At this stage of the project, agency IT experts closely collaborated with Structured Solutions Architect Troy Portillos and HPE Aruba Networking System Engineer Jeremy Bradrick. Onsite visits and regular meetings were invaluable throughout the process to ensure there was a seamless integration of the demo gear with the existing infrastructure.
A Dramatic Improvement
These APs are a powerful choice for any organization seeking robust, future-proof wireless connectivity with enhanced capacity, interference resistance, high availability and advanced management capabilities.
“A True Enabler”
“Technology becomes a true enabler when implementations are built on a foundation of well-defined processes, strong collaboration, and shared vision.”- Troy Portillos, Solutions Architect, Structured
Conclusion:
Stable, Sustainable and More Secure Growth
The new Aruba AP-635 Campus APs and centralized management tools delivered a dramatic improvement in reliability, reducing disruptions and creating a more stable environment for daily operations.
Field personnel reported faster, more consistent connections, which translated into higher productivity and greater confidence in the network. This enhanced user experience was a key qualitative outcome, ensuring staff could focus on mission-critical tasks without connectivity concerns.
Beyond performance, the upgraded infrastructure introduced advanced security features that strengthened overall protection and compliance for the agency. These enhancements reduced risk exposure while meeting regulatory requirements.
Equally important, the network’s scalable and user-friendly design allows for seamless expansion as DNR’s needs grow. This flexibility positions the agency for future technology initiatives without major reinvestment.Collectively, these results demonstrate that modernizing wireless infrastructure not only improves day-to-day performance but also delivers strategic value for the agency’s future growth.
The wireless technology needs of modern government agencies are the same as private enterprises: Secure, reliable, budget-friendly connectivity that reaches every corner of the organization is imperative.
For a large Washington state agency managing numerous remote locations, HPE Aruba Networking stands out for its cost-effectiveness, centralized control, and built-in security. With simplicity, budget, security and reliability as top priorities, HPE Aruba Networking’s wireless technology provides a robust, intelligent platform designed to support the agency’s mission and sustainable growth well into the future.
Ready to experience the end-user satisfaction and productivity boost that comes with a reliable wireless networking platform?
Take Action Today
If your organization faces similar challenges, contact Structured, today. Our team of experts is here to guide you toward the right solution. Let’s build a secure future together!