WIRELESS INTERNET THAT SENDS A GREEN SIGNAL

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation makes grants to address the most serious social and environmental problems facing society, and it walks the talk. The foundation's building is first in California to earn the a Gold-level certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. The building's unique materials created serious challenges for wireless internet access, but Advoco was ready.

Eco logical

Our first task - as always - was to understand the customer's needs. In this case, the customer was looking for upgraded wireless coverage throughout its building that would give staff secure, simplified, and authenticated access, as well as provide basic Internet services for visitors, without placing internal systems at risk.

We then assessed the wireless solution in place at the time, which was hampered by the non-standard building materials it had to contend with. These materials -- consisting of 64% recycled content -- presented specific challenges for wireless connectivity.

Armed with specific information about the Foundation's needs and current capabilities, we rolled up our sleeves and engineered a solution. Step one was to develop coverage and power maps of the Foundation's building and exterior. From there, we developed a wireless access point location and channel plan, advising on the most effective location points, including how to manage wireless access for limited external areas. With this approach, Advoco's professionals were able to develop a secure network integration design and implementation support, all tightly aligned with the Foundation's requirements for both internal system security and visitor access.

Clearly better

Following the engagement with Advoco, the Hewlett Foundation now has secure wireless network coverage throughout its buildings. The secure network functions within the non-standard materials, provides single sign-on for staff users, and enables visitors to have Internet access without compromising internal security.

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