Networking
Network infrastructure installation
Switching, routing, firewalls and SD-WAN designed, installed and supported by WCC for businesses, schools, hospitals and public agencies across California.
The short answer
WCC designs the network, pre-stages and configures the equipment, cuts over after hours and documents everything, then supports it if you want. A single-site switching and firewall refresh typically runs $15,000 to $50,000; multi-site and campus projects are priced by design.
What we deliver
Network services, design to support
Most networks don't fail all at once. They pile up aging switches, flat segments and one-off configurations until an outage or breach exposes the debt.
We design to a standard, build it once and document it so your team, or ours, can run it.
Assessment and design. Current-state review, traffic and failure points, then an architecture sized for growth.
Switching and routing. Core, distribution and access switching with PoE for Wi-Fi, cameras and phones.
Firewalls and segmentation. Next-generation firewalls and separate networks for staff, guests, IoT and payment systems.
SD-WAN. Multi-site connectivity with automatic failover across carriers.
Monitoring and lifecycle. Alerts, firmware, documentation and refresh planning, or full managed IT.
Platforms
Which networking platform fits
| Platform | Strengths | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco and Cisco Meraki | Broadest enterprise ecosystem; Meraki adds simple cloud management | Enterprises, and multi-site businesses with small IT teams |
| HPE Aruba and Juniper | Strong campus switching and wireless, AI-driven operations | Campuses, healthcare and larger enterprises |
| Fortinet | Firewall, SD-WAN, switching and Wi-Fi in one security fabric | Security-first organizations and multi-site retail |
| Palo Alto Networks | Advanced threat prevention and SASE | Large enterprises and regulated industries |
| Extreme Networks | Flexible cloud licensing and campus fabric | Schools, campuses and venues |
Cost
What a network refresh costs
$15K–$50K
single-site switching and firewall refresh
Multi-site projects commonly range from $75,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on locations, redundancy and security requirements.
Comparing firewalls? See Fortinet vs Palo Alto.
- Port count and PoE
- More devices and higher-power access points need larger PoE switches.
- Firewall throughput
- Sized on threat-protection throughput, not raw speed.
- Licensing
- Cloud-managed platforms and security services carry yearly subscriptions.
- Redundancy
- Dual cores, dual firewalls and diverse circuits add hardware.
- Sites
- Each location adds equipment, cutover time and travel.
Approach
Refresh, redesign or manage?
Refresh
Replace aging switches and firewalls on the same design, fixing configuration debt along the way.
Fits sound networks at end of life
Redesign
New architecture with segmentation, redundancy and SD-WAN for networks that have outgrown their design.
Fits growth, mergers and new sites
Manage
Monitoring, patching and support of the network after install, as part of managed IT.
Fits teams without network staff
Why WCC
Why organizations choose WCC for networking
A network is only as good as the cable, closets and design underneath it. We build all of it, so nothing is bolted onto someone else's work.
Cabling to cloud, one team. We also run the cabling, fiber and Wi-Fi.
Not tied to one brand. Recommendations based on your team and budget, across six major platforms.
Built around your operations. Pre-staged equipment, after-hours cutovers and phased rollouts.
Security built in. Segmentation and firewalls designed with the network, not added later.
How a network project runs
- Week 1DiscoverySite walks, interviews and current-state review.
- Week 2DesignArchitecture, bill of materials and phasing.
- Week 2–3ProposalScope, schedule and price.
- DeployPre-stage and cut overConfigured in advance, installed after hours.
- HandoffDocumentationAs-builts, training and monitoring.
Services
Networking services in detail
Networking guides
Platform comparisons and planning guides from the team that installs these networks.
By region: Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego.
FAQ
Networking questions
How much does a network refresh cost?
A single-site switching and firewall refresh for a small to mid-size office typically runs $15,000 to $50,000, depending on port counts, PoE needs, firewall throughput and licensing. Multi-site projects commonly range from $75,000 to several hundred thousand dollars.
What is SD-WAN and do we need it?
SD-WAN manages traffic across several internet and private links at once, sending each application over the best path and failing over automatically. It's worth it for organizations with three or more sites or heavy cloud use. See SD-WAN installation.
What is network segmentation?
Segmentation splits the network so staff, guests, cameras, payment systems and servers can only reach what they need. It limits how far an attacker or malware can spread and is expected by HIPAA, PCI DSS and most cyber insurers.
Which networking platforms does WCC install?
Cisco and Cisco Meraki, HPE Aruba and Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks and Extreme Networks. We recommend based on your team, existing equipment, security needs and budget.
Can you work after hours?
Yes. Cutovers are scheduled after hours or on weekends, with equipment pre-staged and configured in advance so the switch takes as little downtime as possible.
Do you install networks for schools under E-Rate?
Yes. Switches, routers, Wi-Fi and cabling are E-Rate Category 2 eligible, and WCC is a registered E-Rate service provider. See E-Rate.
Should we buy our network or use network as a service?
Owning hardware costs more up front and less over time and keeps you free to switch support providers. Network as a service bundles hardware and support into one monthly fee. See our Meter alternative comparison.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Get a network assessment
An engineer reviews your current network, finds the risks and bottlenecks, and recommends a design with a line-item quote.