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SD-WAN Deployment for Ambulance Fleet Connectivity Using Peplink Solutions

Hooman Houtaham's avatar

Author

Hooman Houtaham

Network and Security Engineer

Overview:

In 2018, NETSSA undertook a project to deploy a Peplink SD-WAN solution for a health center that required reliable and efficient communication for its fleet of 50 ambulances. The existing mobile network infrastructure faced challenges related to connectivity reliability, bandwidth limitations, and high operational costs. To address these issues, NETSSA implemented a Peplink SD-WAN solution using MAX BR1 routers in the ambulances and Balance 1350 routers at the health center’s main facility. This deployment leveraged SpeedFusion technology to create secure, high-performance connections between the ambulances and the central health center, resulting in a 60% increase in network efficiency and a 40% reduction in operational costs.

Objective:

  • Enhance Network Efficiency: Improve the reliability and performance of the mobile network for the health center’s ambulance fleet, targeting a 60% increase in network efficiency.
  • Reduce Operational Costs: Lower the overall costs associated with maintaining the mobile communication infrastructure by 40%.
  • Ensure Reliable Connectivity: Provide continuous, secure, and high-speed connectivity between ambulances and the central health center, even in areas with poor network coverage.
  • Improve Service Delivery: Enable better communication and data transfer between ambulances and the health center to enhance emergency response and patient care.

Technologies Used:

  • Peplink MAX BR1: Deployed in each of the 50 ambulances, providing versatile WAN connectivity options including 4G LTE and Wi-Fi.
  • Peplink Balance 1350: Installed at the health center’s main facility to manage multiple WAN connections and facilitate secure, high-capacity links to the ambulance fleet.
  • SpeedFusion Technology: Utilized to bond multiple WAN connections, ensuring reliable and fast communication between ambulances and the health center.
  • InControl2: Used for centralized management, monitoring, and configuration of the SD-WAN network across all ambulances and the main facility.

Detailed Networking and Configuration

  1. SD-WAN Architecture and Device Deployment
    • Ambulance Configuration (MAX BR1):
      • Each ambulance was equipped with a Peplink MAX BR1 router, providing 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity options to maintain constant communication with the health center.
      • Configured SpeedFusion to bond the available WAN connections, ensuring reliable and high-speed data transfer even in areas with limited network coverage.
      • Set up automatic failover to switch between different WAN connections seamlessly, minimizing the risk of communication loss during transit.
    • Health Center Configuration (Balance 1350):
      • Deployed a Peplink Balance 1350 router at the health center, connected to multiple WAN links to manage and optimize communication with the ambulance fleet.
      • Integrated SpeedFusion bonding at the health center, aggregating bandwidth from multiple WAN connections to provide a robust and high-capacity link to the ambulances.
      • Configured load balancing to distribute traffic efficiently across all WAN links, optimizing performance and ensuring consistent connectivity.
  2. Implementation and Integration
    • Network Assessment and Planning:
      • Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the existing mobile network infrastructure, identifying areas with weak connectivity and high operational costs.
      • Developed a detailed implementation plan to deploy the Peplink SD-WAN solution across all ambulances and integrate it with the health center’s network.
    • Deployment and Configuration:
      • Installed MAX BR1 routers in all 50 ambulances, ensuring that each unit was configured for optimal performance with SpeedFusion bonding and automatic failover capabilities.
      • Configured the Balance 1350 router at the health center to manage the fleet’s connectivity, providing a secure and high-performance communication link.
    • Testing and Validation:
      • Performed extensive testing to validate the performance of the SD-WAN solution, including SpeedFusion bonding, failover mechanisms, and load balancing.
      • Ensured that all communication channels between the ambulances and the health center were secure, reliable, and capable of supporting real-time data transfer.
  3. Performance Optimization and Cost Reduction
    • Efficiency Improvement:
      • Achieved a 60% increase in network efficiency by optimizing the use of available bandwidth through SpeedFusion bonding and intelligent load balancing.
      • Improved data transfer rates and reduced latency, enhancing the overall effectiveness of communication between the ambulances and the health center.
    • Cost Savings:
      • Realized a 40% reduction in operational costs by replacing expensive satellite communication links with more cost-effective 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connections.
      • Reduced the need for manual intervention and troubleshooting, leading to lower maintenance and support costs.
  4. Centralized Management and Monitoring
    • InControl2 Deployment:
      • Configured Peplink InControl2 for centralized management and real-time monitoring of all SD-WAN devices, including the ability to push updates and configurations remotely.
      • Set up alerts and reports to proactively manage network performance and address potential issues before they impacted service delivery.
    • Security and Compliance:
      • Integrated existing security measures with the SD-WAN infrastructure to ensure that all communication was encrypted and compliant with healthcare data protection regulations.
      • Regularly reviewed and updated security settings to maintain the integrity of the network and protect sensitive patient data.

Skills Gained:

  • Proficiency in deploying and managing Peplink SD-WAN solutions across a large fleet of mobile units.
  • Advanced skills in WAN link bonding, load balancing, and failover configuration to ensure reliable and efficient network performance.
  • Expertise in centralized network management using InControl2, including real-time monitoring and remote configuration.

Results and Impact:

  • 60% Increase in Network Efficiency: Optimized communication between ambulances and the health center, significantly improving the speed and reliability of data transfer.
  • 40% Reduction in Operational Costs: Transitioned from expensive satellite communication to more affordable 4G LTE and Wi-Fi options, leading to substantial cost savings.
  • Enhanced Connectivity and Reliability: The deployment of SpeedFusion bonding and automatic failover mechanisms ensured continuous and stable communication, even in challenging environments.
  • Improved Emergency Response: The reliable and high-speed communication enabled by the SD-WAN solution improved the health center’s ability to respond to emergencies effectively, enhancing patient care.

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