CI-Net builds WAN for South West builders

The 14-site WAN incorporates multiple ADSL connections at each of RGB’s branch locations

Managed service provider CI-Net has implemented a 14-site wide area network (WAN) for South West builders merchant, Rawle Gammon & Baker Holdings Ltd, (RGB).

The new WAN incorporates multiple ADSL connections at each of RGB’s branch locations, with automatic failover and load balancing to support business continuity.

It works in tandem with its existing BT IP Clear MPLS virtual private network.

Jeremy Webb, IT manager at RGB, which employs 240 staff, said: “CI-Net has helped us build in more capacity and resilience without increasing our overall networking costs.

“The solution involved replacing the high bandwidth leased lines that supported our MPLS VPN with smaller ADSL connections because we were not making use of the bigger links. This freed up budget to cover the multiple ADSL links which are part of CI-Net’s WAN.”

The CI-Net infrastructure includes StoneGate firewall devices for managing traffic on the multiple ADSL links at each site on the WAN.

All traffic related to the trading and distribution software is routed through the MPLS VPN. Everything else is load balanced on other connections to find the fastest route through the CI-Net WAN.

Webb added: “Our branch locations are now getting the reliable WAN connectivity they need to do business,”

“CI-Net’s key strength has been the way it took time out to really analyse and get to grips with our connectivity needs. This enabled them to come up with an intelligent, flexible solution that upgrades our WAN with more capacity and functionality while avoiding a huge hike in costs.”