Aerohive
Case study | Banking sector network infrastructure

Company overview
The organization is a leading one in the banking sector, having operated on the Croatian market since 1996. It offers financial products and services to legal persons, public institutions and citizens. Its Croatian network consists of 70 branch offices and over 1000 employees. The organization generates revenues of over HRK 445 million.
Challenge
The organization needed an efficient wireless solution that would allow smooth operation of all access points. One of the crucial needs was simple management of the entire infrastructure and guest traffic. Additionally, the solution was to be integrated in the central office and all other branch offices in Croatia.
Solution
The solution enabled Wi-Fi Internet access to all the branch offices, a stable Internet connection, management of the entire infrastructure from a single location, and smooth operation of all access points.
Result
A stable Internet connection was established in the branch offices and an acceptable signal strength was provided along with high-speed data transfer.
Challenge
The branch offices were equipped with structured cabling and PoE injectors, which were also used for IP telephones. The solution applied was physically separate from the production network and a separate Internet link was used. The system was configured by using multiple SSIDs to separate traffic types, while all users shared the same pre-shared key (PSK). Given the frequency of visits of banking service users to branch offices, it was concluded that the previous solution had not allowed simple management of the guests logging in to the network. On the other hand, the branch offices did not have a local Internet link, but they used a central one instead, being connected by a 10Mbps link.Solution
Maidea offered equipment made by Aerohive Networks, a regional partner. An optimal number of wireless network access points was determined by creating a 3D simulation of wireless signal distribution, while the positions and number of wireless network access points were determined for the provision of acceptable signal strength and data transfer speed. The project was implemented in two phases. The first phase included Wi-Fi coverage of central locations and installation of management and control components, while the rest of the branch offices in Croatia were covered in the second phase.Given that there is no single point of failure, which ensures smooth operation of access points, the staff can freely use the Internet network, while the traffic and clients are allocated within the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrum. Additionally, Aerohive was used to prioritize applications for the staff and guests.
Currently, each employee accesses the network upon authorization and authentication, while the guests and staff may connect to the Internet and use it within any of the branch offices. The management system enabled separate network connection for the guests and staff. Guests can easily sign in to a Wi-Fi network in a simple and controlled way. In addition to simple installation, security and firewall settings are easily managed.