Tri-County Hospital’s goal was to develop a wide area Ethernet infrastructure to connect 13 remote locations, while increasing their bandwidth and network reliability. They needed to replace their aging analog video system so they could provide distance learning utilizing Video Over IP technology. The project was funded by applying for and receiving a grant in collaboration with Freshwater Education District.

Marco designed and implemented an Ethernet backbone using fiber optics and wireless technology to connect the Hospital’s 13 remote locations. The Ethernet design consisted of Cisco switches and wireless bridge units. Where fiber optic cabling was not available, Marco used wireless to connect the locations. Marco worked closely with Tri-County Hospital to provide the best and most cost effective solution to meet their needs. “We wanted to keep an Ethernet environment in tact so we wouldn’t have to re-cable buildings,” said Bill Blaha, IS Manager for Tri-County Hospital. “We also wanted to keep our infrastructure neutral; therefore, Marco recommended we go with a Cisco IP solution. Marco put together a proposal that fit our needs and, in addition, provided the service and support after the sale that made the solution functional. It was critical to have someone so knowledgeable and available as we had questions.”

Marco conducted a site survey for each remote location and configured and installed the Cisco wireless bridges and antennas at eight locations. Marco’s cabling team then tied the wireless into the Hospital’s existing network structure. Upon completion of the project implementation, Marco conducted a one day training session for each facility’s IT staff to personally train them on the new technology management and utilization.

Today Tri-County Hospital and its surrounding clinics are experiencing a much higher degree of reliability and speed using its new infrastructure. In addition to being able to provide distance learning through their Video Over IP, the new technology also allows nurse practitioners to communicate with the schools that do not have the funds available to staff a nurse onsite. The Tri-County Hospital plans to further enhance its video and voice capabilities in the near future, and now that the infrastructure is in place, the Hospital is considering a Voice Over IP solution.

When asked about Marco’s overall performance in implementing their new infrastructure, Bill replied, “Kevin Schwantz, (our Marco Account Representative) and Marco’s service and responsiveness have been very high in comparison with other vendors I have dealt with in the past. Marco is really a single phone call away when it comes to getting a system. That customer aspect is so important with all the new technology out there today.”

Tri-County Hospital, located in Wadena, Minnesota, is a private health care corporation committed to providing personalized services that improve the health of the communities they serve. They also operate three rural health clinics in the communities of Bertha, Sebeka, and Henning. In collaboration with the Freshwater Education District, the Hospital applied for and received a federal grant to help fund its new wide area Ethernet infrastructure project.