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AIT implements CESG compliant wireless LAN into local Council
With the implementation of a site-wide, Manual Y compliant wireless LAN solution, South Holland District Council offers more secure and easier access to workers.
Challenge
The "Manual Y" standard was published by the Communications Electronic Security Group (CESG), the UK Government's National Technical Authority for Information Assurance, in January 2007. It details for the first time, how wireless security should be implemented on restricted level projects. Since this announcement, Local Government has had to evaluate their current wireless LAN solutions to decipher if they are compliant. Bernard Baldwin, Network Manager at South Holland District Council, was tasked with sourcing and implementing a new Manual Y compliant wireless LAN within the Council Offices and the South Holland Centre
During the Summer of 2009, AIT Partnership Group were brought in to assist with the task, with Wireless Manager, Simon Round heading up the project. Mr. Baldwin explained what was required: "We needed a centrally managed solution covering both our sites. It needed to be easy to use, unobtrusive and fully manual Y compliant". With vast experience in implementing wireless LAN solutions as well as manual Y compliant installs in 2009, AIT Partnership Group proposed a Trapeze Networks wireless solution.
Solution
With the two sites identified, the AIT Technical team undertook an RF plan to confirm the number of access points needed to fulfil the coverage required. "We specified an MX-200 and 35 mobility points, as well as an MX upgrade which gave the option to expand if required", said Mr. Round. The Trapeze solution offered the functionality, expandability and price that South Holland were looking for.
As well as getting the correct solution, Mr. Baldwin also wanted to work with a company with knowledge and expertise on the recent Manual Y compliance - and AIT Partnership Group seemed to fit the bill. "Very few companies had even heard of Manual Y, let alone had experience in implementing wireless LAN solutions adhering to the standard", explained Mr. Baldwin. "AIT had the expertise and technical knowledge I was looking for in a company for our council to work with".
During the project, Mr. Round had also put forward the notion of a Guest Access function on the wireless LAN at the South Holland Centre. In light of this, 2 SSID's were set up to accommodate both corporate users and provide free guest access. This aspect of the implementation has prompted initial investigation into setting up a guest access solution in the public square - although not for some months.
Result
For South Holland District Council, having full wireless coverage has improved the working environment of not just South Holland employees but created smoother inter-council working. "Our corporate workers are much more likely to use the wireless now", Mr. Baldwin explained. "And it's not just our workers as people from the other local councils are regularly hot-desking".
"Without a doubt, this project has been a success. Both the equipment and AIT Partnership Group did the job that was required and ticked all the boxes".