See below links to some short articles regarding various skill areas I work on with clients. They are laid out in the sequence I usually follow when setting up a new hospitality site. I hope these may be of help when planning your new projects. Or if you prefer to get some help feel free to contact me.
Planning and ordering Internet connectivity circuits is usually one of the first things to prioritise on any new build project. Unless the opening has a fairly significant lead time, many clients underestimate the time it takes to get BT Openreach to deliver the lines and circuits they required for their Internet and telecoms communication. This would normally be a key action area after the first client project conversation. See more details in this article.
I specify computer network cabling requirements based on the needs of all IT vendors. I ensure the topology is sufficient for the current needs of the business and has scope to grow for future developments. I also often handle terminating, testing and labelling of patch bars and 'device end' structured Ethernet cabling.
I specify networking cabinets and arrange installations of Internet circuits, managed switches, customer Wi-Fi gateways, routers etc. Maintaining the equipment in efficiently prepared cabinets saves space and protects networks from accidental failures...
I design and install computer networks for existing sites and new store openings. This involves liaising with multiple IT, CCTV, telephony and audio vendors. I ensure that they have the network resources they need to run their systems effectively as and when they need them. I also often assist in patching their devices out, and at times, undertake full installations of EPOS, stock management and telephony systems.
I undertake Wi-Fi site surveys and plan wireless network deployments. This includes suggesting equipment and specifying optimum locations for wireless access points. I configure wireless network controllers and managed switches to run customer Wi-Fi and secure network applications simultaneously on separated VLAN networks. For clients wanting more than basic subnet routers I also deploy local customer Wi-Fi gateways and hosted captive portal systems too.
Following cabinet preparation and network setup, I ensure that all my customers have cabling diagrams, patching schematics and full network documentation. This ensures that all IT vendors are aware of how their systems fit within the full network infrastructure. These documents help to avoid problems caused by configuration conflicts and assist with site troubleshooting when IT related issues arise.
I work as an outsourced network technician or IT Manager. My clients do not pay monthly fees. They simply call me in when they have IT issues, or network performance issues, that they are unable to resolve themselves. This means they only pay for my expertise as and when they need it.
Until recently BT Openreach were planning to switch off all analogue lines by the end 2025. The deadline of the switch has been extended but no new analogue or ISDN lines are being sold. Existing lines are being migrated to SoGEA lines.