Premium Network, Four Ways: Page 10 of 13

CradletoGrave, C2G to its friends, is thinking growth. It wants to replace its core switch/router as well as the wiring closet switches, and it sees a VoIP (voice over IP) network in its future, so it must ensure that the upgrade can handle VoIP. For example, it wants to have an infrastructure in place that will support QoS (Quality of Service) at Layer 2 and Layer 3, and will allow the company to power the phones from the wiring closets via Power over Ethernet. C2G wants to build a vendor-neutral network. The insurer is considering deploying a wireless LAN, which would also benefit from Power over Ethernet.

In addition, the company is looking for 802.1x support in its switches, not just for possible authentication of access points but for employees who use their laptops in conference rooms. C2G also wants to be in a position to support video via multicast streaming. And it is very interested in high-availability features because ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications and the future VoIP system will require that the network be up and running 24x7. The company's data center needs to be connected to the network. The 12 servers there run ERP and file-sharing applications, and may run video and voice applications in the future. And the company wants room to add 12 more servers to its data center.

C2G wants a Gigabit Ethernet connection to each building as well as two 10 Gigabit ports on the backbone switch/router to be prepared for possible growth in one of the external buildings.

RFI Specs

General Specifications and Instructions: