When it comes to Wi-Fi systems, the absolute baseline for multifamily properties is to provide residents and staff with a strong, reliable, and consistent signal. From new construction to decades-old buildings that may pose significant signal challenges, property managers are expected to meet modern standards for omnipresent and robust connectivity.
The good news? While meeting these standards requires some effort, doing so enables new services and features that can reduce your operational costs, increase resident retention, and secure your property.
Optimize Your Installation
Without a properly installed Wi-Fi system, you won’t be able to satisfy resident demand for reliable and secure connection, nor will you be able to take proper advantage of the new Internet of Things (IOT) systems empowered by them.
So what does proper Wi-Fi installation look like? At the highest level, your system should consider the different types of usage that will be expected throughout your property. Campus-style buildings will often feature offices, private residences, storefronts, and mixed-use public spaces that are expected to function as both work and recreational areas. All of these will have their own requirements for signal strength and security and may be impacted by the types of building materials used, architecture, and even natural occurring interference caused by trees and other topographical factors.
For new construction, a predictive wireless survey can help developers understand optimal installation and budgetary requirements before the first shovel hits the dirt. These surveys can be performed without any type of field measurements using radio frequency (RF) planning software tools that can—using a floor-plan drawing (AutoCAD, PDF)– predict wireless coverage of the access points that will be installed.
There are other tools that can help you fine tune and optimize your Wi-Fi after installation. Consider cloud-based networking systems such as CommScope’s Ruckus network. These kinds of tools can collect data about usage patterns on your network, then feed it back to a cloud server that automatically analyzes that information to fine tune and optimize your Wi-Fi system on the fly.
Wi-Fi, Not Just For Browsing Anymore
Once you’ve established your Wi-Fi backbone, you’re ready to take advantage of a growing number of wirelessly connected hardware devices that are revolutionizing the way builders and managers construct and operate their multifamily properties.
Take, for example, networked wireless locks and access control systems. Once installed, these systems have the potential to:
- Save Time. Let potential residents arrange self-guided showings of your property. Curb-To-Couch Access control lets you automate access to individual units, common resident areas, and guest entries–online and with minimal staff interaction!
- Save Money. Your Net Operating Income (NOI) increases with these systems as you eliminate traditional costs associated with resetting keys and locksmith fees, not to mention reduced installation costs of wireless vs. hardwired devices.
- Improve Resident Move-In & Retention. According to Wakefield Research, 61% of Generation Y renters are likely to rent an apartment specifically because of its electronic-access features, including keyless entry doors, and 55% are likely to pay more for an apartment that has “high-tech” door locks.
Other smart devices such as wireless leak detectors, thermostats, and security cameras are also popular and may feature remote management and monitoring systems that let owners and managers control nearly every aspect of their building from the convenience of their laptop or smartphone.
Choosing the right systems and understanding compatibility requirements can be challenging with so many veteran and newcomer companies releasing connected hardware. A qualified partner can help you determine the best approach for the design, installation, and testing of your system. Done correctly, a project can succeed not only in meeting the growing expectation for persistent connectivity and convenience, but in making your businesses more profitable and easier to manage.
Founded in 2002 with offices in Orange County, San Diego and San Jose, RedRock Technologies is a leader in low-voltage technology integration. Services include the planning, installation, and management of DAS/ERRCS, Wi-Fi, Data Cabling, Security, AV and Fire Alarm systems.
RedRock has completed more than 8,000 projects throughout California. They are leaders in systems integration and recently ranked as a Top 40 Systems Integrator in the US by SDM Magazine.
To learn how RedRock can serve the needs of your next multifamily residential project, call (949) 900-3460 or visit https://www.itredrock.com/.