Wi-Fi can be a popular choice for a range of office and industrial applications, offering flexibility and apparently lower cost than traditional network cabling. However, poor coverage and inadequate throughput can cause issues, particularly once areas are occupied with personnel, office furniture, etc.
Other considerations, such as changes in office layout and/or for additional usage, should be part of any design criteria, not least looking at the medium to long-term ROI implications.
A properly designed day one “zone wired” cabling layout can also cater to a multitude of other services and is totally flexible as to which services are connected at any given time.
A ceiling-mounted zone wired grid offers connectivity for Wi-Fi, security, building management systems (HVAC, Fire, etc.), office/meeting room booking systems, occupancy sensors, etc.
But, ALL Wi-Fi infrastructure needs cabling to connect to your network, and it can be tempting to cut costs by cabling one outlet for each Wireless Access Point (WAP). Future-proofing and even current high-speed Wi-Fi (and certainly Wi-Fi 7) need a dual outlet to maximise efficiency and to cope with the high wattage power requirements of the latest high-speed access points.
Getting it right the first time can save thousands of pounds in costly revisits, preventing disruption to services and preserving credibility.
For an informed opinion, chat with Matthew Richards, who can help you plan your requirements.
We also have a Universal Connectivity Design Guide to aid the process.
