Multifamily properties are facing new challenges to address shifting rental preferences, while also navigating increased costs. With 90% of renters refusing to rent without high-speed internet (NMHC study), and properties looking to reduce operational costs and bring in new revenue streams, technology upgrades are a good next step. Let’s take a look at some common questions to consider for multifamily retrofits.
1. Where should a multifamily property start when upgrading their network?
The first place to look is defining the internet service provider (ISP) connection—that’s the property’s link to the internet, which includes the amount of bandwidth needed to support the residents. Make sure it can handle the size and number of residents. If required, multiple ISP connections can be used to reach these requirements. Once that connection is solid, the rest of the network can be built. Creating a single, unified network across the entire property (instead of separate networks for each unit or building) reduces signal interference (which can cause slow speeds or dropped connections) and makes it easier to manage and support the network as a whole.
2. What type of access points (APs) and equipment does a property need?
The best APs use the current technology that most users’ devices support. Right now, Wi-Fi 6 is the ideal choice because it will remain compatible for years, while also working with current and even some of the older equipment commonly found in apartments. Jumping straight to Wi-Fi 7 isn’t cost-effective, since few devices currently support it and the added cost doesn’t bring much benefit at this stage.
3. Why would a property need a gateway?
The Nomadix Gateway controls access to the network and manages the bandwidth across the property. This is important for security and authentication, and it’s also helpful for properties to give priority or different levels of service when they offer different bandwidth choices for residents. Controlling and managing bandwidth across all residents ensures a consistent user experience and prevents a few individuals from monopolizing the ISP’s available capacity.
4. What is Managed Wi-Fi, and why would a retrofit community benefit from it?
A Managed Wi-Fi system allows a property or community to ‘manage’ the network for all their residents, staff and guests. If a community doesn’t have a complete Wi-Fi solution managed by the property, they are missing out on both additional income and a better user experience for their residents. Leveraging this type of technology allows property owners to take control of the Wi-Fi access for their residents and onsite staff by providing a single network for the community. This helps ensure quality Wi-Fi in individual units and continuous connectivity throughout the property including the pool, laundry facilities, mailroom, etc. A major challenge in MDU communities is interference of different networks. By providing a centralized network, the quality goes up and residents are happier.
5. Why would an older property need to update its network?
Due to ever-changing technologies and equipment that people will want to utilize in their homes, properties need to update their networks periodically. These updates can include their Wi-Fi and switches to handle the additional requirements. Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like smart thermostats and door locks, allow the property to better manage energy consumption and offer options to their customers. Having a whole site network also allows for other network appliances like security cameras and systems to be linked and controlled for the properties.
6. What is the value of a multifamily retrofit?
Depending on the current implementation, the value of a retrofit comes from both the newer technologies that are made available and the simplicity of the Managed Wi-Fi network that can add additional revenue directly to the property once implemented. Building a new network that directly supports residents provides the reliable internet access that is increasingly expected by all property tenants.
7. What upgrades will provide the most immediate ROI, if the property has a limited budget?
Upgrading to a Managed Wi-Fi network and implementing a managed energy system with controllable thermostats can deliver the fastest ROI in a retrofit. These upgrades enable higher rent by including network support and reduce energy costs by managing consumption across the property, particularly in vacant units and shared spaces.
8. What is needed for a Managed Wi-Fi multifamily retrofit?
Depending on what is already available, there might be needs for cable pulls, AP placement, the creation of a central networking location and switch locations. If the property doesn’t already have networking cable pulls of a decent level (e.g., fiber or Cat6), additional work beyond just adding hardware might be required to properly setup the Managed Wi-Fi network.
If the property already has a full-site network in place, only a hardware refresh may be needed. However, many older multifamily properties were probably not originally set up with proper cabling and single network design, which adds complexity to the upgrade. In cases where no complete network exists, a wireless heatmap will also be necessary to identify the optimal access point (AP) locations and ensure proper coverage throughout the property.
If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to answer questions about multifamily retrofits and what’s needed to upgrade your property.
Jeremy Cook is the product manager for the Nomadix gateways. He has worked with Nomadix, an ASSA ABLOY company, for 26 years, joining the organization in quality assurance and moving through systems and pre-sales engineering and to his current role in Product Management.