Network Infrastructure Upgrade Across Latin America

Cisco Networking On Site Dispatch

Project Overview

  • Client: A multinational company requiring a network infrastructure upgrade across six Latin American countries.
  • Project Duration: Service Level Agreement (SLA): Best effort, planned dispatch services
  • Scope of Work:
    Replace outdated Internet links with new connections from AireSpring
    Deploy and configure Cisco Firewalls and Layer 3 Switches
    Test and troubleshoot new Internet links to ensure proper functionality
    Provide remote and on-site support for seamless execution

 

Objective of the Project

The goal of the project was to replace legacy Internet links at multiple locations with more robust and reliable connections provided by AireSpring. The new network infrastructure was expected to improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Challenges & Solutions

ISP Configuration Issues

Challenge:
Many sites experienced misconfigured Internet links from local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Movistar and Claro. This resulted in incorrect IP configurations or non-functional links, preventing network access during initial testing.

Solution:
FNG took a proactive approach by gathering detailed evidence of ISP misconfigurations and escalating the issues to AireSpring. In many cases, this required waiting from a week to a month for the ISP to resolve their issues before testing could resume.

 

 

Cross-Regional Time Zone Coordination

Challenge:
The project required collaboration between teams in Spain, California, and Latin America. Due to time zone differences, the European team often had to work late hours to configure the Meraki devices and Cisco Firewalls.

Solution:
FNG carefully scheduled activities to minimise delays and optimise availability across time zones. The local team was well-prepared with pre-configuration tasks, allowing the remote teams to efficiently complete their work during their available time slots.

 

Language Barriers in Latin America

Challenge:
Most technicians in Latin America speak Spanish or Portuguese, while many stakeholders communicated primarily in English. This posed language challenges during on-site activities and remote coordination.

Solution:
FNG provided real-time translation services at no additional cost. The Latin American team’s deep technical knowledge allowed them to bridge communication gaps, ensuring a smooth exchange of information between technicians, engineers, and the customer.

 

Execution Process

How it works:

1. Site Assessments & Pre-Installation Preparation

Before replacing the Internet links, FNG conducted detailed site assessments to identify potential challenges, such as:

  • ISP limitations and expected lead times for corrections
  • Existing firewall configurations and potential compatibility issues
  • Physical installation requirements for Cisco hardware

2. Internet Link Cutover & Installation

The installation process followed a structured cutover plan:

  • Disconnecting old Internet links while ensuring minimal downtime
  • Installing and configuring Cisco Firewalls and Layer 3 Switches
  • Testing new AireSpring connections to verify performance and reliability
  • Resolving any network access issues with support from remote teams
  • Finalising deployment with post-installation documentation

3. Remote & On-Site Support Coordination

Throughout the project, FNG ensured seamless coordination between on-site technicians and the remote team. The remote team provided real-time guidance on troubleshooting and fine-tuning network configurations. This hybrid support model helped:

  • Reduce on-site downtime
  • Speed up problem resolution
  • Maintain high service quality across all locations

 

Why the Customer Chose FNG

The client selected FNG based on:

Proven track record of delivering successful projects in Latin America

Strong relationships with local partners who provided skilled technicians

Expertise in Cisco network infrastructure deployments

Ability to provide bilingual support for seamless communication

Commitment to delivering high-quality service despite regional challenges

Results & Impact

  1. Successful Internet Link Migration

FNG successfully replaced outdated Internet links at all 10 sites, ensuring improved connectivity and network stability.

 

  1. Optimised Network Performance

With the deployment of Cisco Firewalls and Layer 3 Switches, the client now has a more secure, efficient, and scalable network infrastructure.

 

  1. Faster Issue Resolution & ISP Escalation

By identifying and escalating ISP misconfigurations, FNG significantly reduced the troubleshooting time, preventing prolonged service disruptions.

 

  1. Seamless Cross-Regional Execution

Despite time zone differences, FNG effectively managed remote and on-site collaboration, ensuring all sites were configured correctly within the planned timeline.

 

  1. Value-Added Bilingual Support

FNG’s real-time translation services and deep understanding of regional network challenges helped the customer avoid miscommunication-related delays.

Results & Impact

Successful Internet Link Migration: FNG successfully replaced outdated Internet links at all 10 sites, ensuring improved connectivity and network stability.

Optimised Network Performance: With the deployment of Cisco Firewalls and Layer 3 Switches, the client now has a more secure, efficient, and scalable network infrastructure.

Faster Issue Resolution & ISP Escalation: By identifying and escalating ISP misconfigurations, FNG significantly reduced the troubleshooting time, preventing prolonged service disruptions.

Seamless Cross-Regional Execution: Despite time zone differences, FNG effectively managed remote and on-site collaboration, ensuring all sites were configured correctly within the planned timeline.

Value-Added Bilingual Support: FNG’s real-time translation services and deep understanding of regional network challenges helped the customer avoid miscommunication-related delays.

Client Feedback

The client consistently expressed gratitude for FNG’s support during conference calls, praising the team’s:

  • Proactive approach to problem-solving
  • Efficient coordination across multiple time zones
  • Strong collaboration with local technicians
  • Commitment to completing the project successfully

Key Takeaways & Lessons Learned

Conclusion

FNG’s ability to navigate ISP challenges, manage cross-time zone collaboration, and provide multilingual support made this project a resounding success.

By ensuring smooth Internet link migrations and deploying Cisco Firewalls and Layer 3 Switches, FNG helped the client achieve a more secure and reliable network infrastructure across six Latin American countries.

  • Pre-emptive ISP coordination is crucial to prevent delays caused by misconfigured links.
  • Cross-regional projects require careful scheduling to accommodate time zone differences.
  • Language barriers can be mitigated through bilingual support and translation services.
  • Strong relationships with local partners significantly enhance on-site service quality.
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Looking for a Reliable Network Infrastructure Partner?

FNG specialises in network infrastructure upgrades, Cisco hardware deployments, and bilingual IT support across Latin America and beyond.

 

Contact us today to discuss how we can help optimise your network for better performance and reliability.

 

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