Prockter's Farm faced significant challenges primarily centred around their internet connectivity infrastructure.
The site struggled with slow internet speeds averaging around 12Mbps download, hindering efficient operations across their managed office spaces, rental cottages, shops, restaurant, and meeting room facilities. However, with the acquisition of a government grant and subsequent installation of a dedicated leased line to the site, efforts were underway to address these connectivity issues. PCN were instructed to distribute this enhanced internet connection throughout the entire site while ensuring strict segregation and security of the network. This involved accommodating diverse requirements, ranging from setting up a fully managed private network for secure office operations to providing unmanaged users with external IP addresses for flexible internet usage. Balancing usage across different parts of the site and implementing comprehensive monitoring capabilities were also critical aspects of the project to ensure optimal network performance and security across Prockter's Farm's multifaceted operations.
A working farm and rural business site
Prockter's Farm provides a range of services, offering both managed and unmanaged office spaces amidst the picturesque surroundings of Somerset.
In addition, to their office facilities, they manage two rental cottages and operate four shop outlets, which include a restaurant and meeting room rentals. Beyond their commercial offerings, Prockter’s Farm remains a fully functional working farm, operated by the Besley family who also reside on-site.
Segregated connectivity for a multi-use rural site
Utilising a robust combination of Ubiquiti and Unifi equipment, PCN implemented a comprehensive solution for Prockter's Farm, addressing their varied internet connectivity needs across the site.
Managed clients were allocated their own private vLAN and SSID, ensuring secure and segregated access tailored to their specific requirements. Unmanaged clients were provided with public IP addresses for flexible internet usage. In addition, we deployed a site-wide free WiFi network with a branded landing page, enhancing convenience and connectivity for general use.
Our team also established a fully managed site-wide phone system, allowing onsite clients to utilise a centralised service instead of relying on individual setups. This service has been consistently maintained and optimised to ensure reliability and efficiency. Following initial deployment, PCN has continued to expand and adapt the system to meet Prockter’s Farm’s evolving needs. We assumed responsibility for the leased line supply, upgrading its speed to maximise service delivery onsite. Additional network expansions included integrating new sections such as a Solar Farm array, EV charging points, and enhancing CCTV coverage, further enhancing operational capabilities and efficiency across the farm.
