CASE STUDY:
PORT OF ASHDOD

Technology Needs

  • Minimal downtime to reduce waiting times for shipments
  • Enhanced network security against frequent cyber threats
  • Infrastructure capable of supporting new advanced technologies.

Extreme Solution Components

  • Extreme Switching™
  • Extreme Fabric™
  • Extreme Wireless™

Critical National Facility Streamlines Operations with Fabric

Ashdod Port is the biggest seaport in Israel and a major entry point for commerce and trade in the country, with more than 1.5 million containers handled by the port’s crew each year. Strategically located between Tel Aviv and the country’s major commercial centers and highways, Ashdod Port is considered the leading economic gateway to Israel.

To maintain its strategic position in the heart of the Middle East, the seaport needed a comprehensive upgrade and restructuring of its network infrastructure. Reducing waiting times for ships, improving operational efficiency, enhancing security against perpetual cyber threats, and furthering the quality of customer service were among the port’s top priorities. A renewal project of this scale required implementing new IT systems, replacing existing data centers, and modernizing the network – all of which had to be accomplished without disrupting the facility’s daily operations.

In partnership with Extreme Networks and Bezeq International, Ashdod Port implemented Extreme Fabric Connect to construct a single, unified campus that hosts all the port’s networks and databases simultaneously. The result was identical end user experiences regardless of location and connection type, centralized network management, and enhanced security through segmentation. The efficiencies gained by the port have led to faster execution of tasks, quicker release of trucks from the Port, and ships
spending less time in port.

“We established three data centers, each of which is a world in itself. We also set up 110 remote clusters for hundreds of users, it is a huge facility with some built-in, unusual complexities. Ashdod Port is based completely on computerized operations, from the CCTV cameras at the entrance gate to the giant cranes on the largest pier.”

Eli Kendel, Country Manager Israel and Romania, Extreme Networks

 

Results

Enhanced Security


  • Fabric makes it easy to protect sensitive customer data through hyper segmentation
  • Upgraded data security and cyber protection system.

Implementation Without Disruption


  • Seamless integration and implementation within 5-month time frame.
  • Easy deployment kept Ashdod from having to pause any operations, which would have led to major revenue losses.
  • Minimized downtime improves operational efficiency and safety.

Single Cloud-based Network


  • Centralized command and control systems in line with managerial and operational requirements.
  • Stable connectivity for hundreds of end users regardless of location or connection type.
  • System speeds up to 20 times faster than previous network mean ships spend less time in port and trucks are released from port faster.

“Ashdod Port’s computerization project posted a series of technological and logistical challenges that required a combination of skills, professionalism and creativity without which we could not have brought the task to the finish line. We have established an advanced IT system that puts Ashdod Port alongside leading ports across the globe.”

Ron Gleb
VP of Business Solutions, Bezeq International

"This network knows how to provide a super-fast response – the information flows in the cloud at a rate of milliseconds, which is vital when you have to maneuver huge ships and hoist containers that weigh dozens of tons. In such an environment, it is absolutely critical to transfer information immediately. Extreme Fabric Connect is an ideal solution for this kind of implementation.”

Sharon Ezra
Director of Strategic Customers Presale, Bezeq International

Download the PDF

Related Stories