However, the real issue goes far beyond what is required to what tenants expect. Fast internet speeds, reliable WiFi and strong mobile coverage all contribute enormously to the overall experience of those either living or working within the building and are a certain source of complaints if any area is deemed to be substandard. This is especially true for Build to Rent (BTR) companies, who have seen more of their residents adopting a work from home approach during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The home network has never been more important.

And while the connectivity experience of tenants needs to be right at the top of the list of early considerations during the planning and construction phase of a building and then beyond, there are also the requirements of the building owner or manager to consider too, with the need to cater for a range of other systems which also require robust, reliable network connectivity – from security systems, to smart utilities solutions.

When it comes to providing this critical infrastructure there are several ways a building’s network can be designed, installed and managed. Choosing the right approach is key to avoiding future headaches and ensuring the best possible experience for tenants and building managers alike.

Converged networks for multi-occupancy buildings

These multiple connectivity needs mean that most organisations with responsibility for one or more multi-occupancy buildings should choose to implement a converged network within them. This involves the creation of a single physical (generally copper and fibre) network throughout the building and dividing it up virtually into different sub-networks or VLANs using software. Each of those VLANs is then allocated to a particular function, from resident-facing WiFi networks through to behind-the-scenes functions such as door entry and fire alarm systems. It’s a technically straightforward undertaking, with substantial benefits as far as ease of management and operational efficiency are concerned.

Converged networks for multi-occupancy buildings is the perfect foundation for a wealth of different business benefits. It provides a flexible, scalable foundation for a range of smart buildings tools and technologies – such as for example, solutions which automatically cut down on energy usage when residents are away.

Converged networks for multi-occupancy buildings also provide a strong platform for business branding, through mechanisms like the Personal Area Network highlighted above. Residents, for example, can be provided with a single access key, which they can change, not only for connecting to the internet but also for managing authorised devices connected to the internet, including equipment such as smart meters. There are creative opportunities, then, for residents to be presented with the same intuitive dashboard or portal each time they access the network, which can then help build a positive, engaging view of the building owner or manager more generally.

Choosing a provider and maintaining control of your converged network

There are no shortage of companies out there who sell converged connectivity products to this sector – but there are some differences in how they are delivered. The most common model is for the solution provider to maintain ownership of the building network. There are, no doubt, some upsides to this. Ownership means responsibility, after all and an outsourced option, which places responsibility for IT infrastructure with an IT company makes perfect sense, enabling building owners or managers to concentrate on improving the physical environment and other areas of the tenant experience. However, many building owners and managers will notice a problem with this outsourcing of responsibility – namely, that the buck ultimately stops with them when it comes to tenant experience.

Imagine a scenario in which a resident in such a building finds that their WiFi is not working as it should, or that they can no longer monitor their energy usage as before. They are unlikely to want or even be able to approach the converged network provider directly and will instead go to the landlord or building manager. And if that landlord or building manager does not retain ownership and control of the converged network, this can lead to a far slower response time and the possibility of negative tenant feedback.

This is why the mantra of ‘take control’ should be at the forefront of building owners’ and managers’ minds when looking for a converged network provider. Such a provider should be able to create a converged network using the very best hardware and software available – but then also provide a single portal through which building owners and managers can control internet services and other related packages, such as utilities, for their tenants. Instead of providing a third party with the opportunity to sell directly to tenants, building owners or managers can offer these as services as part of a wider value proposition.

Likewise, such a provider should be able to use the converged network to offer owners or managers highly detailed insight into the building-wide consumption of services, including all key utilities where smart metering is controlled. Owners and managers should be empowered to add new services to the network – and this portal – as they wish to grow and develop their buildings, all managed through what can become a single central building management system (BMS).

Converged networks for multi-occupancy buildings can provide a strong foundation for outstanding services and powerful brand-building. But in a sometimes overwhelming marketplace, key stakeholders from those building should choose their provider carefully.

Connectivity must always be balanced with control.

The post Controlling networks for multi-occupancy buildings appeared first on Curve IT.

The multi-tenant sector is one of the hardest environments in which to deliver robust WiFi networks, with hundreds of residents living in close proximity using multiple devices, often at the same time.

Providing an IT infrastructure to support a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) requires a deep understanding of the fundamentals of WiFi technology.

The benefits of calling in Curve IT from the word go

• Curve IT are involved from RIBA stage 3 onwards.
• Curve IT consultants begin by establishing the client’s aims for the residents and the building. An early site visit enables our IT team to brainstorm with and advise PRS developers, translating concepts into a tech spec which can be incorporated before construction even begins.
• Using the most technologically advanced industry tools and techniques available, Curve IT will carry out a site survey across your premises, determining where there is most demand and identifying ‘dead spots’.
• We provide comprehensive recommendations to create a secure, successful and fully scalable WiFi network.
• Curve IT recommends a converged network, which is more efficient than multiple networks. The hardware cabling design can be fitted alongside other services rather than being retrospectively installed and the use of multiple communication modes on a single network offers a convenience and flexibility that is not possible with separate infrastructures. (By using a converged network, we save on cabling too.)
• An optimised WiFi network throughout a building based on WiFi modelling means there is no over-scoping, reducing hardware and installation capex.
• Advanced techniques such as Personal Area Networks (PAN) ensure the best experience for residents, including access to the IoT.
• Additional services can be incorporated such as VoIP, CCTV, Security systems, door control and more.

High-capacity, reliable, secure broadband and WiFi for MDUs & PRS Broadband

Curve IT has the latest on-trend information about the IT systems which best benefit clients, actively seeking out systems that will save money and reduce carbon footprint. We help clients confidently address technology-related decisions such as speed of access and cabling, recommending enterprise grade equipment within a client’s budget to ensure a great feature set and good warranty level for equipment.

Early planning of IT infrastructure, networks and PRS Broadband before the building construction begins reduces time-consuming and expensive retrospective IT installation in the construction schedule – and prevents expensive variations in construction; we dovetail our installation into the other service installation schedules.

It also means Curve IT can adhere to and enhance demanding brand standards including:

• Security controls within the building for residents to feel safe;
• Minimum setting for the WiFi signal wherever a resident may be within the building;
• A minimum number of wired ports within an apartment in the optimum locations;
• A WiFi portal for residents that is user friendly and offers services, and further revenue opportunities;
• Home-style technology delivered to enterprise standard within an MDU which feels individual to the resident but utilised by numerous tenants;
• High speed Internet supply optimized for 5Ghz.

The post Creating an intelligent IT infrastructure for PRS Broadband appeared first on Curve IT.