Building resilient connectivity across a 21-site dealership network

A multi-brand automotive dealership group required a more consistent and resilient connectivity approach across its estate.

With 21 locations, the business needed connectivity that could support day-to-day operations while giving its teams a clear approach to resilience at individual sites.

Active Digital delivered DIA lines and an SD-WAN solution using Sophos firewalls across the estate. Cellular failover and Starlink connectivity were also introduced at selected sites where an additional connection route was required.

Close-up of a black luxury car in a showroom with two people in the background.

Our Solution

Active Digital designed and delivered a multi-site connectivity solution built around the requirements of the dealership network.

DIA lines were deployed across 21 sites, supported by an SD-WAN network using Sophos firewalls. This gave the group a consistent network approach across its estate, while allowing individual locations to be supported by the right connectivity model for their circumstances.

For selected sites, the solution also included cellular failover and Starlink. These additional connectivity routes formed part of the group’s approach to network resilience and business continuity.

The solution included:

DIA connectivity across 21 dealership sites

SD-WAN infrastructure using Sophos firewalls

A consistent network design across a multi-brand dealership estate

Cellular failover at selected dealerships

Starlink connectivity at selected sites

A multi-layered approach to site connectivity and resilience

The challenge

Managing connectivity across a dealership group involves more than providing an internet connection at each location.

The business needed an approach that could support a large, geographically distributed estate while addressing the different requirements of individual dealership sites. The group required a network model that brought core connectivity and SD-WAN together, with additional resilience options available where appropriate.

The business needed:

A consistent connectivity approach across 21 dealership sites
DIA lines to support core site connectivity
SD-WAN infrastructure across a multi-brand estate
Firewall technology to support the network design
Cellular failover and satellite connectivity where required
A practical solution that could evolve alongside wider technology priorities

The outcome

The dealership group now has a coordinated connectivity model across 21 locations.

The combination of DIA lines, SD-WAN and Sophos firewalls provides a consistent foundation across the estate. Cellular failover and Starlink at selected locations provide additional flexibility within the group’s approach to connectivity resilience.

The relationship also extends beyond core connectivity. Active Digital supports the business across mobile services, dual-SIM solutions, Starlink, energy management and early-stage AI discussions.

The partnership has delivered:

DIA connectivity across 21 dealership sites
SD-WAN infrastructure supported by Sophos firewalls
Cellular failover at selected locations
Starlink connectivity where an additional route is required
A consistent approach across a multi-brand dealership network
Ongoing support across connectivity, mobile, energy management and emerging technology discussions