CONVX Delivers Expert Wireless Assessment for Major Healthcare Provider

A major healthcare system with extensive operations across the southern United States needed a comprehensive assessment of their wireless network infrastructure at their corporate headquarters, a 15-floor office building encompassing approximately 462,000 square feet.

The healthcare organization faced several challenges with their existing Aruba wireless network:

• Performance issues affecting daily operations and staff productivity
• Need to validate wireless coverage across a large, multi-floor corporate facility
• Requirement to identify optimization opportunities for their network infrastructure
• Need for expert guidance on wireless design best practices in a healthcare corporate environment

CONVX was engaged through the client's IT services partner to conduct a comprehensive wireless assessment of the client's Aruba wireless network. The assessment included:

Professional Assessment Methodology

1. Wireless Site Survey Preparation

• Collection and evaluation of existing RF design documents and floor plans
• Analysis of WLAN configuration details specific to the Aruba Wireless Controllers and APs
• Assessment of high RF attenuation challenges including reinforced concrete floors, metallic structures, and reflective glass
• Evaluation of compliance with IEEE 802.11 standards and Aruba best practices

2. Ekahau Site Survey Execution

• Deployment of Ekahau Pro for both active and passive surveys throughout the facility
• Utilization of professional-grade equipment including Ekahau Sidekick
• Measurement of key performance indicators across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
• Documentation of access point locations and performance characteristics
• Simulation of client devices' performance across various scenarios

3. Wireless Network Design Optimization

• Optimization of WLAN design using Ekahau Auto-Planner
• Detailed recommendations for AP transmit power, channel selection, and load balancing
• Creation of a detailed RF propagation model specific to the building

4. Comprehensive Documentation and Reporting

• Generation of detailed signal coverage maps and interference analysis
• Network performance forecasts using advanced Ekahau reporting tools
• Specific RF tuning recommendations for Aruba Controllers

5. Stakeholder Review

• RF simulation walkthrough via Ekahau 3D Planner to visualize potential coverage improvements
• Incorporation of stakeholder feedback with real-time adjustments

CONVX brought several key advantages to this project:

• Deep Expertise in Aruba Wireless Technology: Specialized knowledge of Aruba wireless controllers and access points
• Healthcare-Specific Knowledge: Understanding of unique requirements for healthcare IT environments
• Advanced Assessment Tools: Utilization of industry-leading Ekahau Pro and Sidekick equipment
• Methodical Approach: Systematic process from preparation through stakeholder review
• Clear Communication: Detailed visual representations of findings and recommendations

The comprehensive wireless assessment provided the healthcare organization with:

• Clear Visibility into their current wireless performance and coverage gaps
• Actionable Recommendations for optimizing their existing Aruba network infrastructure
• Data-Driven Decision Support for future wireless infrastructure investments
• Enhanced Experience for staff and visitors across their corporate headquarters
• Strategic Roadmap for wireless network improvements aligned with business requirements

This project showcased CONVX's expertise in:

• Aruba wireless infrastructure
• Ekahau wireless site survey methodology and tools
• RF signal propagation analysis in complex environments
• Wireless network design optimization
• IEEE 802.11 standards and best practices

The successful completion of this wireless assessment reinforced CONVX's position as trusted experts in complex infrastructure assessment and optimization for mission-critical healthcare environments.