Since opening the Round Rock beer bar The Brass Tap in 2013, Owner Steve Sheets and his son, Travis, have recently tapped a new location at the Domain in Austin. Not only is this upscale location accommodating to more patrons, live music, and a broader food menu, but they will soon have an on-site brewery which will play a huge role in one of the biggest tap walls in Austin.
The Brass Tap management worked with CTTS Project Manager, Kurt Rinear to outfit this brand new space with the proper network design and equipment. CTTS has many years of experience managing network projects in new spaces and existing spaces. There is definitely an advantage to IT Consulting when recommendations can be implemented on a space that is being constructed. However, with that advantage comes the task of aligning all the necessary people and schedules to pull it off successfully.
The Challenge
The Brass Tap’s virtual needs were complex as they needed separate networks for corporate, audiovisual, point of sale, and a guest wireless network for patrons and their personal devices. All four networks need to be secure, deliver fast internet speeds, and allow for multiple entities to control the device to allow for changes and troubleshooting.
A corporate internal network is needed for computers and printer for vendor and supplier communications. Security, simplicity, and speed is important for this network.
The audiovisual (AV) network needed to have high-speed capabilities due to the multiple televisions and sound systems. With over 8,000 square feet of indoor seating and open patio seating outside, The Brass Tap’s speakers need to be heard both inside and outside. Kurt would need to work with the AV company to be able to provide proper WiFi coverage for all of the media that is to be installed as well as streamline cabling efforts.
The point of sale system (POS) needs to be accessible to the POS provider, Toast, as well as CTTS and The Brass Tap management. Toast allows each of the wait staff to carry a hand-held device. A reliable network designed for multiple connections would be absolutely necessary.
With over 100 stores at the Domain each with their own connectivity needs and networks, it is imperative that the Brass Tap’s networks be unfazed by all the digital competition. The majority of customers will want WiFi while enjoying beer and food at The Brass Tap. Designing of a network to handle this type of load would be vital.
A business continuity plan also needed to be put in place. In the case of a power outage or network failure, the POS system needs to continue to run. The Brass Tap needs to place customers’ orders while waiting for power or network access to return. A system fail over takes what could be a critical issue and keeps the business running when the unexpected happens.
The Solution
In order to make sure all four networks were streamlined with security and speed, Kurt implemented several Cisco Meraki wireless appliances. The Meraki hardware delivers performance designed for high capacity environments. This enterprise grade appliance provides cloud-controlled WiFi and routing delivering faster connections, greater user capacity and more coverage.
Four isolated networks were created.
The corporate network was set up as an internal network for computers and printers for vendor and supplier communications. This isolated network allowed for security, simplicity and speed.
Another network with high-speed capabilities was created for AV needs. The sound system and televisions at The Brass Tap play a key role in entertaining guests, and Kurt worked with a local advanced automation and media solution business that handled audiovisual aspects. Kurt also managed the task of collaborating with the AV company for simultaneous phone cabling and AV cabling.
The point of sale (POS) system, Toast, also required a separate network for their handheld devices. Meraki’s cloud controlled access provides great visibility into the users, devices, and applications on the network for troubleshooting. Thus, CTTS, Toast, and the Brass Tap are able to access this network via the cloud.
Due to the unrelenting popularity of personal devices, solid WiFi coverage with open access for customers is a necessity for most bars and restaurants. Thanks to the Meraki MX84, the number of connections the Brass Tap is able to support is dramatically increased, which is perfect for their robust guest wireless network. All four of their networks’ reliability and traffic capacity is increased by four Meraki MR53 wireless access points and two MR66 outdoor access points. All of the access points work together and coordinate to get the best signal instead of competing with each other. The Meraki wireless routing system delivers 24x7 wireless security and is a clear solution to the growing technology demands of this popular area. This solid, secure network allows for a seamless and unprecedented user experience.
As with all of our managed services clients and The Brass Tap, there is a business continuity plan in place. Kurt implemented an AT&T 4G mobile connection. In the case of a power outage or network failure, the POS system stays active and The Brass Tap is able to remain open while waiting for power or network access to return.
To learn more about the power of Meraki Appliances and Technology or if you have a future project you would like to discuss, call us anytime (512) 388-5559.