Purpose

Details are as follows;
?The WAPs support the Council’s Wifi network across our
office
and leisure centre estate.
?The existing hardware being replaced is end-of-life (between
5
and 9 years old) and starting to cause network issues and
faults.
? For cybersecurity reasons this note deliberately omits to
record
the manufacturer/ WAP type as to do so could be helpful to
cyber-aggressors attempting to attack the Council’s domain.
The
supplier is Garnter top-quartile.
? The new equipment is compatible with existing cybersecurity
products and hardware and will enhance the Council’s
cybersecurity further.
?The new WAPS support Wifi 6 signalling protocol.
Additionally, the WAP replacement represents an
‘invest-to-save’ opportunity. The total replacement
cost of the hardware plus 5 years licensing costs plus installation
and configuration costs equate to what the Council currently pays
for the aged, existing WAP licensing costs over a five year period
(including anticipated 5 year license cost increases) .i.e. the new
WAPs will pay for themselves and be cost neutral over approximately
a five year period.
The total replacement cost inclusive of installation and 5 years
licensing is £67,000.
There is no accompanying report.
The replacement WAPs will further enhance the Council’s
cybersecurity.
The installation programme will need to be carefully managed/
coordinated around existing Council meetings and key events as
there will be periods when areas/ offices of each building will be
without a Wifi signal and we will be recommending that staff either
work from home or relocate temporarily to other areas where the
Wifi signal is not affected.
From an equality perspective all of the council’s IT
supportive services are, and will continue to be offered in an
accessible manner.
Th procurement route is through the GCloud13 framework and is in
accordance with Council’s rules of procurement.
The procurement installation is being undertaken through the
Council’s existing cyber security and network management and
support contract(s) with Intergence Systems Ltd.

Content

To purchase new Wireless Applications Points
(WAPs) to replace aged and end-of-life existing network corporate
infrastructure hardware at a total replacement cost of
£67,000 inclusive of installation and 5 years
licensing.