LAN Refresh and Support Services

L&Q currently has a Local Area Network (LAN) largely based on Cisco technology. The network architecture does vary across sites as a consequence of recent mergers.

L&Q is currently in transition from historically using Citrix as a primary vehicle for delivering applications to desktops to using a combination of Microsoft Surface Pro's, Microsoft Direct Access and Office 365 to deliver a more collaborative and mobile approach to working. There are two Wi-Fi networks within L&Q offices.

Meraki is installed in the West Ham Lane Office and other formerly East Thames sites. Cisco Aironet is installed in Cray House and a small number of other sites.

The LAN Refresh Project fundamentally has the following objectives. Create a design for the L&Q network which incorporates best industry practice for securely carrying voice, data and video traffic across the LAN and efficiently present data to the WAN using SD-WAN technology.

The design to be focused on supporting the new Surface Pro/Direct Access/Office 365 approach. In line with the design developed through A) above, undertake a replacement programme for all LAN devices that are, or will be end of life within the current financial year.

Devices and configuration rolled out as part of the replacement programme to be consistent with the design objectives defined in A) above. Consolidate Wi-Fi onto a single, high availability platform.

Deploy SD-WAN technology to support efficient presentation of data to the WAN to achieve the best user experience with the available WAN connections. All of the new equipment and licenses deployed (SD-WAN, switches, Wi-Fi access points etc.) to be managed through a cloud based portal.

Provide support and maintenance for all new equipment installed under A), B), C) and D) above for the duration of the contract. Once the immediate requirements outlined in A), B), C) and D) have been addressed, to then review the remainder of the LAN infrastructure and propose changes to align this infrastructure with the design objectives outline in A) above.

When the Support Contract on all other L&Q LAN equipment ends in July 2019, absorb this equipment into the support and maintenance agreement defined in F) above with co-termination at the end of the new contract. To support L&Q staff in defining and implementing an appropriate monitoring and analysis system which can quickly alert to network incidents (device failures) and can also provide analysis to support continuous network improvements. Tenders were invited utilising L&Q's e-Tendering Supplier portal In-Tend https://in-tendhost.co.uk/lqgroup/aspx/Home.