Enhancing Navy Wi-Fi: Interstate Telecommunications Leverages EnGenius Cloud -
Nationwide
Interstate Telecommunications, Inc. is a managed service provider (MSP) known for its innovative and comprehensive approach to connectivity solutions, especially for U.S. government and military operations. Interstate stands out for its unmatched expertise in government and military network security and reliability, delivering solutions that meet the most stringent requirements.
The company’s expertise encompasses a wide range of technologies, including fiber optic networks, satellite communications, and cloud-based solutions. Interstate focuses on delivering mission-critical connectivity solutions in its engagements with the U.S. government and military. The company has successfully deployed secure networks across numerous military installations, providing essential services such as high-speed internet, secure communications, and network management to support the unique needs of military operations, including remote access, encrypted communications, and compliance with government regulations.
By leveraging EnGenius’ advanced cloud-managed networking equipment, Interstate enhanced its service delivery, ensuring robust and secure connectivity for its clients.
The Need
Interstate has many years of successfully winning and working government contracts, but it faced a challenging situation when the Department of Defense (DoD) introduced new regulations that limited the use of specific foreign-made networking equipment across military sites. This mandate directly impacted Interstate, which had previously used a competitor’s technology for its Wi-Fi and networking needs.
Jeff Jenkins
General Manager, Interstate Telecommunications, Inc.
The government contracts also required the new solution to support advanced features such as subscription-based Wi-Fi services across a distributed environment. Interstate implemented various solutions in their different environments and had issues overseeing the different sites. They hired technicians near hubs and contracted others around the country to cover their environments in case of problems and troubleshooting.
Jeff Jenkins
General Manager, Interstate Telecommunications, Inc.
The Solution
Interstate sought a suitable alternative to their previous provider that would meet DoD compliance and technical requirements. Streakwave, their trusted distributor, helped them identify EnGenius as a provider with a robust, cloud-based management platform and comprehensive hardware solutions, including point-to-point wireless equipment. Jeff Jenkins, General Manager of Interstate, told us that Interstate wanted a provider that offered all the necessary solutions, including point-to-point equipment, and that managing everything through a single pane of glass with the EnGenius Cloud was a meaningful change. The EnGenius Cloud platform provided Interstate with a multitude of benefits.
Security Compliance: Secure and DoD-compliant networking hardware suitable for sensitive government installations.
Seamless Connectivity: Interstate relies heavily on point-to-point and Wi-Fi equipment to deliver high-speed internet access in difficult-to-wire buildings, especially Navy facilities or bases with up to 40 locations requiring various internet services.
Simple Installation: Easy scanning and remote setup on hardware that can be programmed in the cloud for more efficient and quick setups.
Interstate has successfully implemented EnGenius solutions across various Navy facilities, catering to varied sizes and needs. Their work spans from small Navy Exchange (NEX) mini-marts, typically using two access points, to extensive building facilities covering hundreds of thousands of square feet and requiring robust, scalable network solutions. These implementations have ensured smooth operations and connectivity in these facilities, which are essential for daily military life and operations.
Interstate has installed EnGenius Indoor and Outdoor Access Points, VPN Routers, Switches, and Power Distribution Units (PDUs) in various facilities, including Navy Exchange stores and convenience stores on military bases. These stores, from small outlets to larger complexes, provide a reliable and secure public network for guests and workers to deliver excellent customer service. Reliable connectivity is crucial for Navy Exchange stores, which are essential for military personnel and their families. These stores provide a wide range of goods and services, and their smooth operation relies on a strong network infrastructure.
Interstate has addressed the challenge of providing comprehensive coverage across multiple buildings and vast areas in more extensive facilities. For example, some deployments span three multi-story buildings in one network, with over 300 access points to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the entire area. This extensive coverage is crucial for maintaining efficient operations and communication within these sprawling facilities.
A standout feature of this implementation is the ability to manage all EnGenius equipment via the EnGenius Cloud remotely. This capability has proven invaluable for Interstate, as it allows for real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization of the network without needing on-site visits. This reduces operational costs and ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, minimizing downtime, and maintaining high levels of service reliability.
By integrating EnGenius’ advanced cloud-managed networking equipment, Interstate has enhanced its service delivery, providing Navy Exchange stores and other facilities with reliable, high-performance connectivity that meets the stringent demands of military operations. This strategic implementation underscores the importance of innovative technology in supporting the critical infrastructure of military bases and ensuring the efficient operation of essential services.
Jeff Jenkins
General Manager, Interstate Telecommunications, Inc.
The Results
Interstate has witnessed a significant transformation in network performance and management at various Navy facilities following implementing EnGenius solutions. Through the deployment of EnGenius Indoor and Outdoor Access Points, VPN Routers, Switches, and PDUs, network connectivity for Navy Exchange stores and other military facilities has been elevated to ensure seamless and reliable operations.
2 Streamlined Management: Interstate has switched from its previous non-centralized solution to EnGenius. It now benefits from a centralized management dashboard that allows technicians to swiftly monitor and troubleshoot devices across multiple locations, minimizing downtime and expediting the resolution of technical issues.
3 Future-Ready Scalability: Interstate hopes to extend its services to naval bases overseas, including those in Japan and other countries. This expansion will be facilitated by creating an additional organizational level in the cloud with pre-configured network settings, followed by deploying the necessary hardware to the new locations.
4 Customer Satisfaction: The network’s reliability and efficient management have improved customer satisfaction, resulting in successful contract renewals and expansions.
The partnership between Interstate and EnGenius has been exceptional, characterized by EnGenius’ adaptability and responsiveness to Interstate’s specific needs. EnGenius took Interstate’s feature and product requirements to heart, resulting in tailored enhancements in services, user experiences, and product features to meet the unique demands of military operations. EnGenius has responded swiftly and provided comprehensive support when Interstate faced issues, leading to a significant reduction in downtime and ensuring network reliability. Furthermore, EnGenius has continually strived to improve its services based on feedback and requirements from Interstate.
The implementation of EnGenius solutions has dramatically improved the user experience by enabling the remote management of all network components via the EnGenius Cloud. This capability has streamlined operations, allowing for real-time monitoring and rapid issue resolution, resulting in heightened end-user satisfaction. Jenkins has shared that EnGenius has not only lived up to its promises but has also exceeded expectations with its exceptional customer service. EnGenius has demonstrated a willingness to address every concern, bolstering the network’s strength and fostering confidence in Interstate’s ability to scale further with EnGenius’ products, including the new Wi-Fi 7 line.
Jeff Jenkins
General Manager, Interstate Telecommunications, Inc.
Interstate and EnGenius’s collaboration is a testament to the profound impact of innovative technology and exceptional customer service on operational efficiency and user satisfaction. Leveraging EnGenius’ advanced cloud-managed networking solutions and its nimble responsiveness, Interstate has enhanced its existing operations and positioned itself for future growth and scalability. The ongoing collaboration promises further advancements in connectivity and network management, setting a high standard for managed service providers in the industry.
This partnership between Interstate and EnGenius exemplifies the power of cloud-managed networking and the tremendous value of a technology partner capable of meeting the most stringent requirements.
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