Juniper Networks and NEC electrify Powerco’s Wi-Fi user experience

Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, and NEC Corporation, a leading global IT and network transformation services provider, today announced that they have been selected by new windowPowerco, New Zealand’s second largest gas and electricity distributor, to design and deploy an innovative new Wi-Fi network across its sites nationwide.

Powerco delivers electricity and gas to over 1.1 million customers, linked up to its grid via new window28,441km of electricity lines and cables, as well as over 6,100km of gas pipes. Given the mission-critical and essential services it provides, Powerco needed to ensure not only strong connectivity but also the health, safety and security of its employees when operating across its massive utility grid.

Having experienced several issues with their legacy Wi-Fi network, Powerco began looking into replacing their incumbent wireless vendor, which would allow them to embark on a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade as part of a larger technology refresh.

The company turned to Juniper Networks alongside its new windowstrategic global partner NEC, both of whom it has long-term partnerships with. Juniper has been Powerco’s networking backbone provider, and has also been named as a Leader in the new window2022 Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure. NEC’s partnership with Powerco includes the provision of skilled consultancy and design for multi-domain networks catered to their needs. Now, through solution trials, Juniper and NEC have successfully demonstrated how their AI-driven wireless networks can optimize Powerco’s Wi-Fi experience across its nationwide operations.

Delighted with the stellar network assurance, insights and visibility offered, as well as the ease of management operations and troubleshooting, Powerco decided on the complete replacement of the incumbent solution with Juniper’s new windowWireless Access Points and new windowJuniper Mist Wi-Fi Assurance. Alongside the consultancy and implementation services provided by NEC, the new platform now provides automated and real-time insights into user experiences for Powerco across its network.

Looking forward, Powerco is exploring further upgrades across its wider networking infrastructure alongside Juniper and NEC. This would allow it to potentially deliver even more AI-driven insights into the overall performance and health of its network, while streamlining efficiencies and minimizing operational burdens placed on its IT staff.

CT Bureau