A unified managed network across more than 40 retail branches

Understanding the environment

With more than 40 branches, over 650 staff and a growing eCommerce operation, Life Style Sports needed one dependable network standard across a varied retail estate. Each store relies on mobile EPOS, payment processing, staff devices, CCTV, building systems, time and attendance terminals and secure connectivity to head-office services. Existing cabling and local networks varied between locations, increasing complexity and making consistent support difficult.

A network built around operations

• Tested and qualified existing CAT5e cabling before extending each store network
• Deployed 180 managed WiFi access points and 80 managed network switches
• Connected mobile EPOS, staff devices, CCTV, building systems and time terminals
• Provided VPN connectivity to head-office services and central network monitoring
• Used multiple internet providers to create resilient connectivity at each store

Clearer, more dependable connectivity

The rollout replaced multiple smaller networks with a centrally managed platform and complete WiFi coverage across the stores. Branch teams have reliable access to daily retail systems, while Life Style Sports gains clearer visibility, consistent standards and one accountable support team. Automatic internet failover helps stores continue trading when an individual provider has an outage.