Many hotel network upgrading projects do not re-create a white paper, but build on old networks. Old and old network environments usually mean: old equipment models, low solid versions, non-support of new standard protocols, chaotic machine room walkovers, and complex historical configuration. The challenges involved in introducing hotel WiFi certification systems in such settings are much more complicated than new ones.
Typical features and problems of the old network environment
Common features of the old hotel network include: AC controllers and APs have been in use for more than five years, solids are no longer supported by manufacturers; network equipment does not support an irregular configuration of VLAN or VLAN, and residential networks and inner networks are not properly segregated; existing equipment does not have Portal re-direction capability or re-direction behaviour is unstable; IP addresses are poorly planned and multiple web segments cross-distributed, difficult to comb; and there is no network ping maps that can only be restored by live check.
In such environments, direct stacking of certification systems often triggers compatibility problems and even disrupts existing network services.
The pre-reform web mapping is a prerequisite.
Before any remodeling programme is designed, a full mapping of the existing network must be completed. This mapping includes: collating all existing network equipment (models, solid version, online status); mapping existing network tactiles to mark up on export, core switch, convection switch, AP connection; taking stock of current VLAN divisions and IP address allocation; and understanding the current authentication modalities for resident WiFi (there is no existing Portal system or no certification at all).
This mapping sometimes takes longer than designing the adaptation programme itself, but it is the basis for all subsequent work. The mapping does not know how to start and the problems that arise later are often difficult to locate.
By-pass deployment reduced the risk of retrofitting
In the old network environment, the choice of how to deploy certification systems is critical. Combine Authentication Gateway (a combination deployment) directly on existing networks creates a higher risk that when there are problems with the chaining equipment, the entire network will be disrupted and existing services will have to be interrupted during the re-engineering process.
The side (or side) deployment is a recommended way to re-engineer an old network. Certification systems are used as bypasses to access core exchanges, and the flow that needs certification is channelled through tactical routes to be processed and released after authentication has been completed.
Old AP does not support Portal's reoriented treatment
Old APs do not usually support modern Portal re-orientation standards, which is one of the most common technical barriers to old network adaptation. There are two ways to address this problem.
One is that the access layer takes on a Portal re-directional task via other devices (e.g., a confluence switch supporting Portal functions or an independent NATSHEL_AUTH_GATEWAY) and bypasses old AP restrictions. Once the occupants' equipment is connected to WiFi, traffic is intercepted and redirected to the authentication page by Authentication Gateway, and the older AP itself does not need any configuration changes.
Second, the old AP is replaced in a batch with priority for the areas where the population flows are most concentrated (e.g. lobby, restaurant, main guest building), the new AP has Portal re-directional capability and the older AP area is temporarily retained as a transition or WiFi services are closed.
VLAN adaptation implementation strategy
This work suggests that all VLANs should be reprogrammed and modified if the existing network is confused.
The first step, to separate the host WiFi network and hotel in-house from VLAN, is a priority security isolation operation; the second step, to break down subnets within the resident VLAN (e.g., by floor or area) for follow-up traffic management; and the third, to gradually clear VLAN from the inner network, to clarify the network affiliation of PMS terminals, employee equipment, video surveillance, access bans etc.
Cutting scheme and rollback preset
The old network is modified to be the most risky link, and detailed rollback pre-sets must be prepared. Before a cut, a snapshot of all critical equipment is recorded; when a cut is done, dedicated personnel are assigned to on-site monitoring rather than remote operation; during a cutting process, the old authentication method is retained as a backup until the new system has been stabilized beyond a certain period (e.g. 72 hours without major problems) and fully switched.
If there is an accident during the cutting, it is essential to be able to roll back within 10 minutes.
There are no shortcuts to old network adaptation, and all the time and effort required cannot be bypassed. Mapping, design, step-by-step implementation, and preparation for rollback are essential elements of such projects ' success. One thing that is often overlooked in practical projects: the drivers of older equipment and the solidware upgrade window. Some equipment, though functioning normally, has too old a hard copy to repair security holes or support new network protocols, where forced stacking of certification systems is only delaying problems rather than resolving them.