CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORY
Building a Reliable Network for the Dallas Children's Aquarium
With less than two months until its grand opening, the Dallas Children’s Aquarium needed a reliable technology foundation to support critical environmental systems, guest experiences, connectivity, security, and daily operations. Viyu helped make it happen.
Network Services | Managed Services | Professional Services
THE KEY RESULT
Grand Opening Ready in Less Than 2 Months
Viyu helped design and deploy the technology environment the Dallas Children’s Aquarium needed in time for its grand opening despite a tight timeline, supply shortages, and labor challenges.
01 — The Challenge
After the historic Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park had been closed during the pandemic, ZoOceanarium Group took over operations and prepared the facility for reopening.
Because the aquarium is housed in a historically protected building, technology upgrades needed to be handled carefully. At the same time, reliable connectivity was critical for environmental systems used to monitor and control fish tank temperatures and provide alerts.
The existing IT equipment was outdated, and the aquarium also needed upgraded Internet and voice services, outdoor Wi-Fi, POS systems, mobile ticket counters, cloud-based ticketing, network security, and physical security.
The entire technology environment needed to be ready in less than two months.
02 — The Viyu Solution
Viyu worked with ZoOceanarium to design a reliable technology environment around the unique requirements of the historic facility.
Network & Wi-Fi Design
Viyu reviewed existing drawings, surveyed the indoor and outdoor facilities, and created Wi-Fi heat maps using Ekahau.
Cisco Network Infrastructure
The environment included Cisco network security, network switches, and wireless access points designed to provide reliable connectivity throughout the facility.
Internet & Unified Communications
Viyu helped select an Internet provider and implemented a RingCentral UCaaS voice system.
Cabling & Supporting Infrastructure
Working with low-voltage cabling partner H2 Systems, the project included fiber and CAT6 Ethernet cabling as well as integration of existing and new public announcement and audiovisual equipment.
Power Protection
APC power protection was incorporated into the environment to support critical technology infrastructure.
03 — The Results
Ready for Grand Opening
Viyu helped ZoOceanarium get the Dallas Children’s Aquarium’s network ready in time for a successful grand opening.
Centralized Network Visibility
Cisco Meraki’s dashboard provides a single view of network devices, troubleshooting tools, and alerts.
Adaptable to Visitor Demand
As crowds increased, the team could make network adjustments through the Meraki dashboard and other remote management tools.
Continued IT Support
Following the project, the Children’s Aquarium continued working with Viyu as its managed services provider.
Solutions Used
Managed IT Services →
Provide ongoing support and management for critical technology environments.
Professional Services →
Design and implement complex technology projects with multiple infrastructure requirements.
Infrastructure Modernization →
Upgrade outdated technology and create a reliable network foundation.
Voice & Internet Services →
Support connectivity and communications requirements with Internet and UCaaS solutions.
“Throughout the design, installation and handover of our system, Tony Taylor and the Viyu team did not disappoint. They displayed a huge range of knowledge and skills across a wide array of requirements we had, many of which were not even discussed during our initial planning sessions.”
Chris Davis
Managing Director, ZoOceanarium Group