Network installation case study

Chapman Taylor is a leading international practice of architects, designers and master planners with clients across the world.

In 2002, Chapman Taylor relocated their head office to a larger building in Kensington, London which was refurbished for the move. For Shan Tilakumara, Communications and Network Manager at Chapman Taylor, the fact that the prospective new head office building had been totally stripped of all communications equipment – right down to cabling – presented
an exciting challenge.

Given the opportunity of redesigning Chapman Taylor’s communications infrastructure from the ground up, Tilakumara chose to focus on designing a next-generation network that would feature only the most advanced technologies.

"Chapman Taylor relies on leading edge technology and, in particular, the network infrastructure to support the business at a fundamental level. As well as the usual business and accounting applications, most of our creative staff use heavy-duty applications, such as AutoCad and various graphics applications – all day, every day. There is also continual exchange of heavyweight graphic files between the London office, our associates, business partners and customers
worldwide," explained Tilakumara.

"Getting the infrastructure right is the key to the long-term effectiveness of any communications network. In our case it had to be robust, resilient and fast to support the daily use of bandwidth intensive programs and our ambitious development plans."

He continued: "Chapman Taylor has a reputation for creativity that is reflected in the company’s willingness to use the latest technologies. While starting with a clean slate gave us the opportunity to focus on finding the best products, we still had to ensure that a continuity of network service to our users. This meant we didn’t have the time to waste trouble-shooting temperamental technology, nor could the business tolerate any downtime during the installation process. We had to find networking products that would be as uncomplicated as possible to install and combine technical excellence with resilience."

After consulting 3Com channel partner Taalus, Chapman Taylor chose a 3com solution that combines 3Com XRN (eXpandable Resilient Networking) technology and ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet switches. The Chapman Taylor infrastructure is based on the following products:

3Com Switch 4050
3Com Superstack 3 Switch 3900
3Com XRN (eXpandable Resilient Networking) Interconnect Kit
3Com Superstack 3 Switch 4400
3Com Network Supervisor

Prior to making its final buying decision, Chapman Taylor subjected all products to an extensive trial process. Tilakumara recalled: "When 3com showed us what could be done with its new XRN technology, particularly its clustering capabilities, we knew that it suited our network requirements."

"Using XRN technology to create a distributed fabric between two 3Com Switch 4050s had given us a resilient, clustered network core. We’re guaranteed high performance at all times from a network that is also significantly more robust and reliable."

"XRN technology differs from many other new technologies in that it combines innovation with practicality and is an effective technology: put simply, it does what it’s supposed to do which, ultimately, is to ensure that the business meets its strategic objectives."

Tilakumara is convinced he made the right decision by choosing 3Com Gigabit switches: "3Com switching technology has a great reputation based on a track record of success. Our experience confirms that they’re robust and offer a great range of features, which, unlike those offered by other manufacturers, are actually of practical value. It’s an added bonus that 3Com switches are also very cost effective – attractively priced as well as simple and inexpensive to expand."

Tilakumara singled out the 3Com Superstack 3 Switch 4400’s Quality of Service (QoS) features for praise. He believes that this ‘excellent and useful’ feature will take on added importance as Chapman Taylor extends its use of networked telephony.

Amongst Tilakumara’s current tasks is a drive to replace many of the company’s existing Intel network cards with 3Com Network Interface Cards (NICs). The 3COM NICs will boost the power and speed available to users at the desktop.

Having now assessed the performance of the 3Com technologies in action for some months, Tilakumara summarised his opinion of the solution: "We are convinced that an infrastructure based on 3Com XRN technology and Gigabit Ethernet switches will enhance the company’s business efficiency. Equally important, we now have a stable yet flexible platform which can be developed easily – and cost effectively – in as inventive a way as makes sense to the business."

"Taking on a raft of new technologies is not the easiest decision for an organisation. Getting it wrong can set off a whole raft of long-term repercussions. However, we’ve shown that by choosing manufacturers with a proven reputation and then testing all products thoroughly, implementing the most advanced technologies can make a positive and long-term impact on any organisation," he concluded.

The Chapman Taylor implementation is notable for being the UK’s first successful beta trial of XRN technology. By investing in XRN technology, Chapman Taylor can expect to benefit from a consistently higher level of network availability; the improved investment protection that results from a flexible LAN infrastructure and the ability to grow the network over time as needed.

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