1. ABC Sporting Goods
Wireless Solution Recommendations
Keller Graduate School of Management
TM 563
August 23, 2009
Dawn Marshall
Vickram Rampersaud
Chris McCoy
Gwen Ross
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3. 1 Executive Summary
ABC is a chain of sporting goods store that specializes in providing soccer supplies to a
regional area served by 10 retail distribution stores. The company has had tremendous success
and expanded its business to 10 store operation. The management team at ABC has realized
that their success depends on exceptional customer service and operational efficiency. To
maintain a competitive advantage in the soccer supply market, ABC has decided to explore
cutting edge wireless technology as its corporate I.T. solution.
Wireless technology will play a central role in ABC’s supply chain growth and in helping to
maintain its competitive edge. By installing a wireless local area networks (WLAN’s) in each
store, the internal daily operations will be improved through a more efficient and less crowded
model of I.T. network deployment. Wireless Mobility technology will provide remote sales
employees with devices such as Personal Digital Assistants, (PDA’s). With this technology ABC
expects to improve customer service by enhancing the enterprise communications
infrastructure. Added technological benefits to remote sales employees will include: providing
real time sales pricing quotes, inventory product availability information and online transaction
processing. The integrated mobile phone service will allow these employees to communicate
quickly with their customers and managers, thus improving response time, productivity, and
revenue. In store operations will see additional business value through addition of wireless
tracking for inventory, merchandise receiving, item ordering and price checking. Finally, A
Wireless WAN solution will interconnect all 10 stores, providing an inter-store communication
that will allow cross checking of inventory between various locations. This added retail tracking
will allow stores to leverage supply chain capabilities by providing merchandise to other regions
where inventory is needed to meet a specific request that the local store might not otherwise be
able to provide. The Investment in wireless technology will not only enable ABC to experience
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4. the greater benefits today, but can also benefit from a flexible, scaleable design to move into the
future.
2 Project Plan
The team has established several stages that will be used to develop the wireless
technology chosen and implement the wireless network. One of the main steps for implementing
a wireless network for the ABC chain of stores is to fully analyze and understand the
environment of each individual store to see how the current network infrastructure operates.
This initial assessment will be used to determine what type of changes need to be made for
each of the locations and to ensure that there will be minimal downtime and no existing
information will be lost in the integration process.
The second phase would be scheduling the procurement of equipment. This stage can
be time consuming since not all locations will order the exact amount of equipment. Some
locations may need to buy equipment for the entire infrastructure due to possible compatible
issues and others may just need simple upgrade integrations. The wireless equipment
necessary for building the WAN, however, will be the same for all locations. In addition, after
approvals are granted from the management of ABC, we would then have to choose which
suppliers would be able to provide us with the type of equipment and services needed. The
team estimates that the procurement of all equipment should take about three to six weeks to
be completed, although eight weeks may be necessary to ensure timely deliveries.
The third stage includes scheduling the cable installation; this stage is relatively quite
simple and involves installing cable and even readjusting the current cable installation. The ideal
result would be to hire a local contracting vendor who specializes in this area rather than
performing the task ourselves.
Following this, the next step would be to begin the installation and configurations of all
equipment necessary for linking the locations to the WWAN.
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5. Upon completion of this stage the team will focus on running a series of tests, both at the
individual locations as well as at the designated headquarters or centralized location. The
purpose is to ensure that the installation process was performed to specifications and is
operational to eliminate any potential problems that may arise when the network goes live. This
stage is also important because problem areas can be easily detected, isolated and resolved
efficiently.
After all of the equipment and wiring is completed the next phase of the project is to
setup a single store as a pilot and resolve any issues rather than rolling out all stores
simultaneously and trying to deal with the same issues at ten different sites. The team will also
look over the feedback collected and determine how the system can be tweaked to be both
more efficient and user friendly. Once all issues and concerns have been addressed the
remainder of the stores will then be rolled out. The team will also use the feedback information
to establish and conduct a training program for all employees of the ABC chain of stores. The
goal here is to provide each location, and its employees, with the tools necessary for conducting
business in the new network environment.
3 Needs Assessment
For the wireless wide area network (WWAN), we assessed ABC’s need and determined
that the best and most secured network solution would be a wireless wide area network
(WWAN) provided by a service provider (Verizon Wireless). With the wireless wide area
network (WWAN) being provided by a service provider, ABC will get a cost-effective and
reliable connection. We assess that from the service provider, we will need a maximum
monthly allowance bandwidth of 1,800 MB per store. This will give ABC plenty of bandwidth
to have a seamless wireless connection between the 10 stores. By going with a service
provider, this will also free up ABC from any concerns of managing a wireless wide area
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6. network (WWAN) because the service provider (Verizon Wireless) will have that
responsibility, because it is their network.
4 Cost Analysis
The recommended products were chosen based on several criteria. The criteria used
included price, feature set, manageability, support options, the manufacturer’s reputation in
the market place, and ease of use. All pricing was pulled from either the manufacturer’s
site or an authorized distributor while eliminating non-authorized distributors, which may
advertise an initial lower price but are unable to provide the proper Return Manufacturer
Acceptance (RMA) process for out of box failures. In addition the support services will be
provided as follows: Hardware will be covered with extended manufacturers warranty from
Cisco which has a turn around time of onsite replacement of four hours. For each region we
will contract local support for software, troubleshooting and maintenance.
4.1 WAN Services
Cisco 2800 series integrated services router that will be equipped with a Cisco 3G WWAN
HWIC aircard interface card. Verizon Wireless will be the provider.
Wireless Wide Area Router:
In each of the ABC stores, there will be a Cisco 2800 series integrated services router
that will be equipped with an Cisco 3G WWAN HWIC aircard interface card. The Cisco 2800
router and 3G WWAN HWIC wireless interface aircard will provide ABC with a wireless wide
area network (WWAN) when coupled with a service provider wireless data plan. The Cisco 2800
router will provide ABC with a cost-effective, rapid, and reliable wireless wide area network
WWAN deployment that will link all of its stores with the distribution center. The Cisco 2800
wireless router along with an Cisco 3G WWAN HWIC aircard, which supports Code division
multiple access (CDMA) and Global System for mobile communications (GSM) standards and is
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7. backward compatible with 1 x RTT & GPRS / EDGE, provides an flexible alternative to landline
connections, shall provide ABC with a data connection that will change as the business
changes, and provide a less costly solution to running a traditional wireline data connection
(ISDN), particularly where installation timelines and costs may be an issue for wired solutions.
Our team has decided to use the Verizon Wireless PCS network to link the WWAN to
other stores using the Cisco WWAN HWIC-3G-CDMA-V interface. The high-speed wireless
interface card provides connectivity with the Verizon Wireless CDMA network at speeds of
approximately 3.1 Mbps on the forward link and 1.8 Mbps on the reverse link. Activation for the
WWAN HWIC-3G-CDMA-V is performed over-the-air from Verizon Wireless. Once activation
has been completed, the 3G Wireless WAN HWIC can be configured and monitored from the
router using Cisco IOS Software commands. During regular operation, ABC will be able to
monitor the receive signal strength, network transmission, along with service and data
connections. All of Cisco IP Security (IPSec) is supported on the Verizon Wireless network
using VPN.
In order to prevent poor signal strength, fading, shadowing, and interference ABC will
have external antennas affixed to all of the stores exteriors. Using the Antel’s MPA-1700 indoor/
outdoor antenna that has a frequency range of 1710-2000 MHz is appropriate for ABC’s store
usage. This compact antenna will provide an Omni, elliptical, 90° and 180° horizontal radiation
patterns with just a change in pin configuration. Therefore, this type of flexibility will allow ABC
the ability to gain exceptional coverage at a minimal cost.
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8. Costs Breakdown
Budget
WWAN
Number of
Item Cost Units Total Comments
Cisco WWAN HWIC-3G-CDMA-V $800.00 10 $8,000.00
Cisco 2811 Routers $2,000.00 4 $8,000.00
Installation Personnel $200.00 100 $20,000.00 all stores
External Antenna $ 650.00 10 $ 6,500.00
Mounting kit with cable $ 450.00 10 $ 4,500.00
Total W W A N Costs $47,000.00
WLAN
Catalyst 4506 6-Slot Chassis $ 4,995 10 $49,950.00
Catalyst 4000 Supervisor V Module w/2 GE $ 16,495 10 $164,950.00
Cisco I OS Enhanced L3 Cat4500 SUP4/5 $ 9,995 10 $99,950.00
Catalyst 4500 2800W AC Power Supply $ 1,995 10 $19,950.00
Catalyst 4500 2800W AC Power Supply 2nd $ 1,995 10 $19,950.00
AC Power Cord L6-20 $ - 20 $0.00
Catalyst 4500 PoE 802.3af 10/100/1000, 48-Ports (RJ45) $ 7,495 20 $149,900.00
GE SFP, LC connector SX transceiver $ 300 20 $6,000.00
Catalyst 4506 8x5xNBD Off-Site SMARTnet $ 1,760 10 $17,600.00
Cisco 4402 Series controller $9,995 10 $99,950.00
Cisco Aironet 1240 AG series $899 60 $53,940.00
Cisco PI X 506 E series $1,395 10 $13,950
SMARTnet Onsite Maintenance 8x5x4 $1,000 10 $10,000.00
Total W LA N Costs $706,090.00
MOBILITY and DEVICES
Other Costs TCP/IP
Computers $1,500.00 14 $21,000.00 desktops/laptops
PDAs $160.00 20 $3,200.00
Digital Cash Registers $200.00 10 $2,000.00
Local Support $50,000.00 1 $50,000.00
Sub-Total Installation Cost $76,200.00
annual charge for all
V erizon Broadband Connec tion $30,000.00 1 $30,000.00 stores
Total Operational Cost for A BC W ireless Netw ork $859,290.00
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9. 5 Technical Discussion
The wireless project will consist of three major areas of implementation: WLAN, WWAN,
and Mobility. WLAN will consist of a centralized core L3 network switch with capability to provide
Power over Ethernet to a given number of access points suitable to provide network LAN
coverage throughout the entire store area. The core should provide gigabit speed connectivity
with the ability to upgrade, should the store expand occupancy into a larger retail area (such as
a side by side increase, takeover of a second retail space, etc.) The WLAN will tie into the core
infrastructure and thus expand the capabilities of a wired WAN. Store # 10 in the chain also
contains a small data center where the inventory database is centrally updated and managed.
Digital Cash register data updates the database from each terminal in the store, and this
information can be tracked on a wireless laptop by any sales rep in the store at any sales
station. The interconnection of all 10 stores will be achieved by a Wireless Wan (WWAN)
solution. This solution will provide the technological business benefit of inventory cross-
checking. For example, if a store in Region 4 requires a special type of soccer shoe, but lacks
the inventory, its manager may cross check Region 5. If the store in Region 5 has the needed
shoe, it may be shipped overnight to Region 4 to meet the customer request. To further expand
the business capability, a Wireless Mobility solution will tie into this enterprise. This will allow
sales reps to remotely leverage the power of the WWAN and WLAN solutions in place, by
creating the ability for them to use a smart-phone to check inventory, place orders and cross
ship items to other locations where a need exists. This three-fold solution will be completed in
phases, and rolled out to the over a period of 10 to 12 weeks from the day of budget approval.
The stores will be wired with Category 6 cable to support high speed connectivity between
wireless access points and the LAN switch. The core of the LAN will be a modular Cisco 4503
switch with PoE (Power over Ethernet) capable gigabit Ethernet 48-port blades and dual power
supplies for redundancy and protection from power spikes and outages.
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10. Firewall The Cisco PIX 506E Series was selected as the Firewall solution for the ABC project,
each store location will have a single PIX installed to provide the security and protection of the
company’s data and integrated services communications. The Cisco PIX 506E is a security
appliance that delivers both user and application policy enforcement, in addition it also provides
multiple integrated security and networking services such as:
• Advanced application-aware firewall services
• Voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia security
• Robust site-to-site and remote-access IPSec VPN connectivity
• Flexible management solutions
This model Firewall provides enterprise-class security for remote and branch office
environments which we believe that fits the needs of the ABC Corporation. It is standard
equipped with two auto-sensing Fast Ethernet (10/100) interfaces, ideal for securing high-speed
Internet connections and delivers up to 100 Mbps of firewall throughput, 16 Mbps of Triple Data
Encryption Standard (3DES) VPN throughput, and 30 Mbps of Advanced Encryption
Standard-128 (AES) VPN throughput in a cost-effective, high-performance solution.
Access Points Each ABC store location will have at least six Cisco Aironet Series access
points that would be either scaled up or down to support the physical dimensions of each store
and the demands its users. As with all Cisco Aironet 1200 Series platforms, the Cisco Aironet
1240AG Series IEEE 802.11a/b/g access points deliver the versatility, high capacity, security,
and enterprise-class features required in more challenging RF environments like factories,
warehouses, and retailers, and when installing above suspended ceilings.
The design of this access point will definitely be a fit for the ABC chain of stores since
they are warehouse type structures. Each access point is also equipped with dual-antenna
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11. connectors that would allow the users to choose from several high-gain and directional
antennas to extend range and shape of the coverage areas.
From a security perspective, the Cisco Aironet 1240AG Series is WPA2-compliant which
is the second generation of WPA specified by the Wi-Fi Alliance industry organization, and is
based on the IEEE 802.11i standard for wireless LAN security. It is also backward-compatible
with clients certified for the first-generation WPA as well as with clients certified for the original
WEP security.
WPA2 is the Enterprise version of the IEEE 802.1X standard and uses the extensible
authentication protocol (EAP) for authentication. It also provides encryption support via AES-
CCMP and is compatible with the Cisco 4400 Series wireless LAN controllers as well as the
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Module (WLCM) for Integrated Services Routers that support
WPA and TKIP.
Wireless LAN Controller There will be a Cisco 4402 Series Wireless LAN Controller installed
at each one of ABC store locations. This appliance was selected based on the fact that they are
designed for medium-to-large enterprise facilities. The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller will be
responsible for system wide wireless LAN functions, such as security policies, intrusion
prevention, RF management, quality of service (QoS), and mobility. By managing all access of
the access points as a complete wireless LAN system in each location the IT staff can create
and enforce consistent security policies across an entire wireless network, providing maximum
scalability, performance, and wireless LAN control.
The Cisco wireless LAN controller will smoothly integrate into existing networks and also
plays a prominent role in rogue access point detection and containment, as well as wireless
intrusion prevention. The Cisco 4402 is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports and comes in
configurations that support up to 12, 25, and 50 lightweight access points. It also provides one
expansion slot that can be used to add enhanced functionality, such as VPN termination and
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12. other capabilities, in the future. In addition it also provides multiple layers of wireless LAN
security for complete enterprise protection. This includes support for industry standards, such
as:
• 802.11i, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), WPA, and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
• 802.1X with multiple Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types, including Protected
EAP (PEAP), EAP with Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS), EAP with Tunneled TLS
(EAP-TTLS), and Cisco LEAP
• VPN termination (IP Security [IPSec])
For security purposes, all of the WLAN networking equipment and end nodes will be
configured with WiFi Protected Access -2 (WPA-2). The WPA encryption model works by
frequently generating and distributing new keys so that any potential hackers don't have the
chance to decipher them. WPA-2 resolves WEP vulnerabilities and serves to additionally
strengthen security. Similar to that of the 802.11i standardization, WPA-2 uses Robust Security
Network (RSN) by default, and RSN in turn uses AES, (Advanced Encryption Standard) the
equivalent of the RC4 algorithm in WPA and CCMP (Counter Mode CBC MAC Protocol) which
is the equivalent of TKIP in WPA. We believe that with the proper configuration and security
features enabled, these network equipment selected will allow the ABC stores to operate with
the confidence of a safe and secure network.
Wireless Wide Area Interface Card: In each of the ABC stores, there will be a Cisco 3G
WWAN HWIC-CDMA-V wireless interface card placed in the Cisco routers. The 3G WWAN
HWIC-CDMA-V wireless interface card will provide ABC with a wireless wide area network
(WWAN) when it is coupled with a service provider wireless data plan. The Cisco 3G WWAN
HWIC-CDMA-V wireless interface card will provide ABC with a cost-effective, rapid and reliable
wireless wide area network WWAN deployment.
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13. The 3G WWAN HWIC-CDMA-V wireless interface card supports Code division multiple
access (CDMA) and Global System for mobile communications (GSM) standards and is
backward compatible with 1 x RTT & GPRS / EDGE. The 3G WWAN HWIC-CDMA-V wireless
interface card supports speeds of approximately 1.544 MHz. The 3G WWAN HWIC-CDMA-V
wireless interface card can be configured and monitored for the router CLI using Cisco IOS
software commands. ABC will also be able to monitor the signal strength available, network,
service and data connection statistics from the CLI. All of Cisco IP Security (IPsec) is supported
on the 3G WWAN HWIC-CDMA-V wireless interface card. If any one of ABC sites to the
wireless wide area network (WWAN) experience poor signals, external antennas can be used.
Wireless LAN Core Network Implementation
The Cisco 4503 is a primary choice for the Wireless LAN implementation. The main
management blade (Slot 1) will provide 2 fiber optic links which are connected to the Wireless
LAN controller. The controller’s links are designed for failover. If link 1 goes down, link 2 will
immediately come on line. It is recommended that slots 2 is filled with a 48-port POE copper
blade, which will support connectivity and power to all of the Wireless Access points. Though
the current implementation will not involve 48 access points, this provides an expansion option
should the physical size of the store be increased later. Slot 3 should provide gigabit
connectivity for the server and wired production backend.
Wireless LAN Access Point Implementation:
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14. The access point implementation will consist of a 3 phase activity.
Phase I involves the use of a capacity planning tool such as AirMagnet
(http://www.airmagnet.com/products/survey.htm?_kk=wlan%20planning
%20tool&_kt=04ff441f-8bb2-47f9-8799-53af877200d0&gclid=CI3KnIOgk4wCFRMFPgodVkRrC
A) or the Airespace predictor tool:
http://www.airespace.com/products/AS_ACS_location_tracking.php
against the floor plan to determine the physical placement of each access point.
The rogue detection feature of this utility should also be used prior go-live to identify any rogue
access points in the area.
Access points can be either wall-mounted using an “L” bracket, or ceiling mounted from the drop
ceiling supports using the additional mounting kit included with the access point.
Phase II will involve installing the access points based on the capacity wiring the access points
back to the core switch using Cat6 cable.
This cabling standard is current, and will support LAN speed of up to a gigabit connection. Note
that this speed is an expansion consideration. The current G standard will support only a
54Mbps connection from the end user station to the network, but with the continued research
and innovation in wireless technology, a wire-speed connection may be possible within the next
5-10 years. This is dependent on the continued development of standards in the 802.11 family
by the IEEE.
Wireless Wide Area Implementation: Step one, we will order the 3G WWAN HWIC-CDMA-V
wireless interface cards from Cisco. The second step will be to place the cards at each ABC site
and provision them by loading the firmware onto each one of the cards. The third step, we will
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15. meet with the service provider (Verizon Wireless) to set up service and get a turn up date. The
final step will be to have the service provider (Verizon Wireless) activate the service.
6 Network Diagrams
Figure 1. Overall Network Diagram
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16. Figure 2. Single Store Network Implementation Diagram
Figure 3. Verizon Wireless CDMA Network Diagram
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18. Figure 5 Use Case Scenario – Mobility, Remote Sales Field Reps
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19. Figure 6. Overall WWAN Enterprise Solution
Project Schedule
The project rollout will go according to the schedule shown on the Gant Chart below. These time
limits have some slack built into them and hopefully this will allow for any adjustments as
necessary and keep the project on schedule. The times were derived from assessments of the
entire project and resources available in addition to past experiences attained with similar
projects that have been done in the past. Prior to the rollout the team will conduct a needs
assessment which requires a team member from the project to go to each site and complete a
site survey. This involves documentation of the structural layout, inventory of existing network
infrastructure, interviewing staff members and management to better understand any unique
demands of each site and obtaining copies of existing network related documentation.
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20. Equipment procurement is the time it takes to get all necessary equipment ordered and in the
project team’s hands for install. We are allowing for approximately 11 weeks because we feel
that installing the WAN service connections from the vendors could be a timely process.
Once all equipment is in, a single store will be selected as a pilot for installation and testing. We
will install all equipment allowing for a total of 14 weeks to get all equipment installed and for
training of the store personnel. Training will be conducted after all installs. Each store will get
two days of training on the new equipment which should be sufficient. Documentations will be
provided at each store as reference materials for future questions. The last two weeks of this
phase will be for the store to use the equipment and try to uncover as many glitches that they
can find before the rollout is completed at the other stores. After we have tested the equipment
at the pilot store the team will take the data gathered from the pilot study and try to address any
issues that occurred during the pilot. The team will take surveys of store personnel to see what
they think of things like the interface and ways of improving the system.
Project Schedule with Gantt Chart
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21. Conclusion
The growth and innovation of wireless technology have provided a powerful opportunity
for ABC Sporting Goods to implement the latest cutting edge internetworking solution
available to the enterprise. Given the proposed wireless enterprise solution, ABC
Sporting Goods will have the ability to leverage its ROI for this technology by taking
advantage of the many opportunities it provides. The cross-inventory checking
capability available via the mobility solution is a key strategic advantage that will keep
ABC ahead of its competition. This remote access capability will allow ABC to provide
equipment that other local suppliers may not have due to regional shortages, and may
also foster the opportunity for partnerships with smaller suppliers, thus providing
additional revenue channels. The second key strategic benefit is the WLAN
implementation. Each store will have the capability for its employees to utilize wireless
equipped laptops to quickly check inventory inside the existing store, and across the
entire chain of 10 stores to determine product availability for its customers. Finally, the
WWAN solution will provide the critical link between all stores to maintain a cross
inventory capability and wireless communication capability between all 10 stores. This
powerful competitive advantage will set ABC apart from its competitors. The enterprise
wireless solution holds scalability advantage, so that additional stores may be added to
the chain using the same technology implementation model to quickly interconnect
these new stores with the existing enterprise. This scalability will allow ABC to ultimately
increase its supply chain and revenue stream capabilities as the business continues to
grow.
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18, 2007.
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Intermec. (2007) “WWAN Activation and Provisioning” Retrieved May 18, 2007.
http://www.intermec.com/services/wwan_activation_provisioning/index.aspx
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ml
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