Networking

Enabling Training in Remote Locations

Iron Bow implemented a plug-and-play operations environment to allow network communications for training in remote locations. The Iron Bow team configured IP address information, VBrick’s Enterprise Media System for video streaming and remote management to the network equipment all within a Hardigg Case. Iron Bow verified successful power-up, network connectivity, functional web access to server management interface, connectivity to end-points as well as applied the latest vendor supplied patches and updates. Additionally, the Iron Bow team provided on-site training of VMware vSphere, VMware View and AX4 to personnel. Now the client can provide on-the-go training including streaming media wherever the Hardigg cases are deployed.

Deploying Self-Healing Technology

Iron Bow and the CENTECH Group were contracted to upgrade the Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) transport network from two existing OC-3 and OC-12 SONET rings to one consolidated OC-48 SONET ring. One of SONET’s most interesting characteristics is its support for a ring topology. Normally, one piece of fiber – the working ring – handles all data traffic, but a second piece of fiber – the protection ring remains on standby. Should the working ring fail, SONET includes the capability to automatically detect the failure and transfer control to the protection ring in a very short period of time, often in a fraction of a second. For this reason, SONET can be described as a self-healing network technology.

Resolving Audit-Impacting Issues

A University Applied Physics Laboratory needed to resolve network issues. The University’s SIPR network had been having issues with two applications not working. Facing an audit of the SIPR network, the University partnered with Iron Bow to avoid a SIPR connection shut down that would cause significant issues for the research department.

Iron Bow worked to ensure CAT 1 and 2 STIG and ACAC findings were addressed and that the network was stabilized and prepared for the upcoming audit. The team also reviewed configuration of Checkpoint firewalls with Cisco routers and switches specifically looking for configurations that were blocking the client’s application from connecting back to the servers. Finally, Iron Bow provided a list of recommended changes. Upon project completion the University passed the DISA CCRI audit with an “excellent” score.

Improving Wireless Access

Iron Bow provided full lifecycle professional services to design and implement a large scale Software Defined Networking (SDN) solution for a DoD resort facility. The SDN solution was introduced as a way to provide better guest access to wireless service. Our team successfully delivered a centrally managed and orchestrated solution that encompassed both wired and wireless network services leveraging Meraki’s cloud-based networking solution. This included installing over 15,000 feet of new Single Mode Fiber (SMF) and 191 Cat5e plenum voice/data cable runs in support of the new guest networking infrastructure. Our experts planned and supported the migration from both the existing multi-mode fiber backbone and the legacy Ruckus wireless implementation to the new SDN solution. This approach introduced a software-driven, centrally managed solution to maximize the use of automation and streamline operations including single click provisioning.

Enabling Trusted and Untrusted Access

In partnership with Century Link, Iron Bow was engaged to design, implement and test a Cisco Unified 802.11n capable wireless network across four buildings. This network provided wireless Internet access for internal (trusted) and external (untrusted) users. The implementation of the wireless solution enabled  the client to monitor and track user web usage, as well as provide web filtering, and enforce content management policy. The deployed solution also enabled wireless LAN utilization planning, configuration and management. Examples of this include radio frequency prediction, policy provisioning, network optimization, troubleshooting, reporting, asset tracking, location-based services, security monitoring and overall wireless LAN systems management.