An industry-leading environmental services company headquartered near Pittsburgh transforms waste into renewable natural gas to power vehicles. In 2024, the company began a major expansion, acquiring over 10 disposal sites from other operators. However, these newly acquired sites were burdened with outdated, unsecured technology, creating operational inefficiencies, security risks, and barriers to growth.
For a company whose mission revolves around environmental stewardship and operational excellence, a network modernization strategy was essential for streamlining operations and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
By upgrading to modern, secure infrastructure, their company could improve real-time monitoring, optimize resource utilization, and ensure resilient, scalable operations. In industries where efficiency and reliability directly impact environmental outcomes, a modernized network isn’t just an IT improvement—it’s a strategic investment in a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Project Drivers: Outdated Sites Hindering Network Modernization
In 2024, a leader of the company’s information technology team was referred to solutions4networks by an existing client of ours. They approached solutions4networks with the challenge of conducting an enterprise refresh to gain more connectivity and visibility for their network.
After reviewing the company’s sites, looking at the existing technology, and collaborating with team members, s4nets determined that their largest business challenges and corresponding parameters were:
- Disparate, Outdated Technology: Legacy equipment blocked site-to-site communication, leading to inconsistent services and operational friction. It was difficult to operate because of the inconsistent services across the company.
- Security Liabilities: Acquired devices lacked modern safeguards, exposing the organization to potential breaches, underscoring the need for strong cyber security solutions across all acquired infrastructure.
- Lack of Standardization: No unified management or protocols, forcing each facility to operate under its ad-hoc configurations.
- Short- And Long-Term Planning Gap: Immediate project needs compete with the necessity for a future-proof strategy to support ongoing growth.
- Reactive Vs. Proactive Balance: Unforeseen issues risked derailing progress without a framework that accommodated both urgent fixes and strategic objectives.
- Accelerated Timeline Pressure: Rapid expansion demanded a swift, robust network build-out to prevent vulnerabilities and support scalability.
Our Network Modernization Strategy
During the client’s expansion, they were left managing disparate, insecure networks across 10+ disposal sites, resulting in communication gaps, security risks, and stalled growth. s4nets stepped in with turnkey enterprise network solutions designed to unify infrastructure and eliminate the barriers hindering their progress.
By deploying Cisco Meraki’s cloud-managed hardware, we delivered a unified, resilient infrastructure supporting operational efficiency and long-term sustainability goals. Here’s how we brought the strategy to life:
Asset Inventory & Standardization
- Consolidate Assets: Merge disparate device lists into one central inventory.
- Standardize Configurations: Apply uniform naming, firmware, and baseline VLAN/subnet templates.
Deploying Cisco Meraki for Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi
- MX Security Backbone: Install MX75/MX65 for unified firewall, VPN, and SD-WAN control.
- Unified Switching & Wi-Fi: Roll out MS switches and MR36 APs for consistent PoE, firmware, and cloud-monitored Wi-Fi 6.
Solution Implementation: Cisco Meraki Cloud-Managed Infrastructure
To overcome fragmented legacy systems and stringent security requirements, s4nets designed a unified, cloud-managed infrastructure that streamlines deployment and centralizes control. By choosing Cisco Meraki’s end-to-end portfolio, we ensured consistent policy enforcement, real-time network visibility, and rapid scalability to support the client’s growth and sustainability objectives.
As far as technology, s4nets used Cisco Meraki hardware to successfully execute the network implementation for our client, including:
- Security Devices: Meraki MX appliances, primarily the MX75 and MX65 models, were deployed to serve as wide-area network (WAN) interfaces and provide robust firewall security services.
- Switches: Meraki Managed Network (MS) switches, specifically the MS210 and MS130 Gigabit Ethernet models, enabled end-user connectivity and connected access points (APs).
- Access Points: Meraki MR36 wireless APs were implemented to deliver Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, ensuring reliable access for users and their devices.
Network Modernization Impact & Outcomes
In just nine months, s4nets’ network modernization strategy delivered measurable gains in security, visibility, and operational scale:
- Comprehensive Architecture Delivered: Designed and implemented an end-to-end network blueprint across 10+ sites.
- Strategic Hardware Roll-out: Recommended and deployed Cisco Meraki MX75/65, MS210/130, and MR36 devices.
- Multi-Site Implementation: Executed standardized network builds at headquarters, disposal locations, and remote sites.
- Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi Expansion: Added Wi-Fi 6 coverage with Meraki MR36 access points for seamless, high-density connectivity.
- Enhanced Network Visibility: Enabled real-time monitoring and automated alerts through the Meraki Dashboard, significantly improving visibility across disposal and remote sites.
- True Network Modernization: Replaced legacy gear — establishing a resilient, scalable infrastructure.
From Deployment to Partnership
As a result of a successful rollout and quick turnaround, the initial collaboration between s4nets and our client has grown into a partnership. To date, we have successfully deployed hardware updates across multiple sites, including remote locations and the site headquarters.
Ready to Build Your Network Modernization Strategy?
This project is just one example of how a well-executed network modernization strategy can transform outdated infrastructure into a foundation for growth. At s4nets, we combine technical depth with a practical, client-first approach to deliver secure, scalable, and purpose-built solutions for your business.
If you’re facing similar challenges or preparing for expansion, get in touch to learn how we can help build a secure, scalable network that supports your goals.
