”We can commission, scale, decommission and re-purpose components, without a forklift update to our branch networking equipment," says Bennett. "This allows us to better manage our budgets and also permits deploying and managing branches effectively with a very lean IT team."

Benefiting from Aruba Central and AIOps

Branch implementations and management are accomplished using Central for streamlined operations, such as zero-touch provisioning, and Aruba AIOps for network self-optimization. This includes Aruba's unique AIOps approach, which preempts network problems by combining network and user-centric data with machine learning and anonymous data gathered from millions of devices throughout its worldwide customer base.

”We're excited about using the full breadth of Central, including the analytics and monitoring supplied by Aruba's AIOps capabilities," Bennett says.

LTE Gateways to deliver 60% telecommunications savings

Matrix的新LTE网关为敏捷性和储蓄做出了贡献，该网关配置和管理Central，允许使用最具成本效益的可用电信连接，例如本地Internet服务。

此外，LTE网关降低了与细胞相关的硬件成本。贝内特说：“如果蜂窝是最佳连接选项，我们不再需要LTE调制解调器，因为每个Aruba分支网关都包含双载波SIM卡支持。”

Previously, branch deployments were complex and inflexible, resulting in higher costs. For example, networking equipment at a large project site that typically required a telecommunications connection would be too costly to re-deploy at smaller sites. "In those instances we would had to have purchased a multi-year MPLS contract for a smaller site in order to support the re-deployed equipment, which was unacceptable," Bennett says.

一旦Matrix将其所有位置完全转移到Aruba，该公司估计它将将电信成本降低60％，同时可以更快地交付和提高访问速度。

Enhanced and Unified Security with a Robust Zero-Trust Approach

Matrix is also enhancing and unifying security by adopting zero-trust capabilities that include a combination of Aruba solutions.

”Our new network contributes to a series of cybersecurity initiatives we're pursuing," Bennett says.

通过中央第三方集成实现的安全性和生产力目标

作为零信托的一场革命，Matrix的新门户将分支机构内的所有交通转移到网关，以进行防火墙的深度数据包检查（DPI）。

In Matrix's case, its long-term firewall partner isZScaler。由于Aruba与Zscaler这样的应用程序非常紧密地集成，因此IT员工只是使用Central的下拉菜单快速配置合作伙伴解决方案。

”阿鲁巴's advanced Zscaler integration allowed us to move forward swiftly without the need for new firewalls or added VPN concentrators," says Bennett.

Dynamic Segmentation helps secure endpoints while reducing complexity

Matrix还赞赏Aruba的动态分割功能，用于将许多VLAN减少到单个VLAN部署。

This reduces networking complexity, adds the ability to dynamically route traffic, and permits isolating endpoints – whether laptops or facility access controls – while also stopping any malicious activity.

Combining Aruba ClearPass with Microsoft Intune rounds out the security picture

To further increase security, Matrix establishes and manages enterprise-wide user and device policies within ClearPass. In turn, ClearPass smoothly integrates with Matrix's endpoint managerMicrosoft Intune。

”Combining ClearPass with Intune not only improves security, it also smooths device procurement and onboarding," Bennett says. "It permits shipping corporate-issued devices directly to a project site, where users securely connect them with a few clicks."

智能，可编程的有线网络，具有从核心到边缘的Aruba CX

From a wired networking perspective, Matrix is taking advantage of the Aruba CX Switch platform to simplify and modernize. Powered by the AOS-CX cloud-centric, fully programmable operating system, the platform provides easy-to-use configuration tools and the Aruba Network Analytics Engine (NAE) for real-time monitoring and fast troubleshooting.

该解决方案包括Matrix两个地理分散数据中心的CX 6400核心开关，可提供可扩展的，非阻滞性能spine-leaf architectureandEVPN-VXLAN fabricthat supports speeds of up to 100GbE and multi-gigabit Ethernet.

对于访问和聚合层，Matrix的CX 6300M开关提供内置的高速上行链路和可进行现场更换的，可热门的可用组件，可用于无用的高可用性。

”In addition to offering considerable operational benefits, Aruba's CX Switches have a lower price per port than our legacy solution, Bennett says.

User Experience Insight for AI-powered awareness

由于其依赖Microsoft团队，Office 365和其他用于劳动力和客户互动的云传递应用程序，Matrix还部署了Aruba的用户体验Insight（UXI）传感器，从用户和设备的角度来看，它们连续监视网络连接。

”UXI enables us to understand local user and device experiences from a centralized dashboard," says Bennett. "We can identify the root cause, whether its Internet connectivity, DHCP, DNS, a gateway, a switch or an AP."

”This ensures we can trace problems to their source as well as build performance benchmarks to proactively identify potential issues," he adds.

Seamlessly Collaborating across Corporate, Branch and Remote Locations

如今，Matrix重视支持其Microsoft团队驱动环境的经过验证的网络基础架构。贝内特说：“多年来，我们每天都使用我们的旧网络和网络会议解决方案遇到音频和视频质量问题。”“但是，我们缺乏识别和解决问题的适当工具。”

Now, that's all changed. With this new infrastructure at Matrix, Bennett says Teams has operated exceptionally well for all employees, whether they're in the office, remain working from home, or are at project location.

”In fact, our corporate network operates so smoothly and requires little IT attention, enabling us to concentrate on deploying our branch locations and completing other business-critical initiatives," he adds.

Evaluating RAPs for micro sites and WFH

Moving forward, Matrix will continue evaluating Aruba innovations, such as howRemote Access Points (RAPs)could facilitate ongoing WFH or more effectively serve small project sites.

Aruba Raps保持持久的VPN连接性，具有与物理网络相同的安全流量路由和策略执行，同时为远程和微观站点员工提供了插件无线和有线体验。

核心价值对齐

Regardless of the solution or innovation at hand, the strong partnership developed between Matrix and Aruba ensures the company will have access to the latest developments.

贝内特说：“阿鲁巴一直在努力理解我们的业务，并且这样做很快就与我们达到了合作伙伴的地位。”“如果我们的代表认为我们应该考虑一些事情，我们将倾听。”

此外，贝内特（Bennett）的团队对阿鲁巴（Aruba）的企业支持模型感到满意，包括专家工程师和当地零件仓库，他们的旧解决方案缺乏。

”Most importantly, we've experienced a level of integrity and customer focus from Aruba that is well-aligned with our company's own culture and core values," he continues. "We certainly value that."