The way businesses use their buildings has changed dramatically. Offices, warehouses, schools, healthcare facilities and commercial premises now rely on more connected technology than ever before.
What was once primarily a network for computers and telephones has evolved into the digital infrastructure supporting WiFi, cloud applications, security systems, access control, connected devices and an increasing range of smart building technologies.
Behind all of this is something that can easily be overlooked: the underlying network infrastructure.
At Connecture, we believe that good connectivity starts with getting those foundations right.
Cabling Is Still at the Heart of Connectivity
Wireless technology has transformed how we connect to networks, but that doesn't mean physical cabling has become less important.
In many ways, the opposite is true.
Modern WiFi access points, network equipment, security systems and connected devices all depend upon a reliable network behind the scenes. Structured data cabling provides the backbone that allows information to move quickly and reliably around a building.
A professionally designed cabling installation can also make it much easier for a business to expand, upgrade equipment or introduce new technologies in the future.
Rather than simply considering what needs to be connected today, businesses increasingly need to ask:
What might we need to connect tomorrow?
WiFi Has Become Essential Infrastructure
Reliable WiFi was once considered a useful addition to a workplace. Today, it is fundamental to the way many organisations operate.
Employees expect to be able to move around a building while remaining connected. Visitors may require guest WiFi. Mobile devices, tablets, laptops and other equipment can all compete for network capacity.
Simply installing a few wireless access points isn't necessarily enough.
Building layout, construction materials, interference, user numbers and the types of applications being used can all influence wireless performance.
Professional WiFi surveys, careful access point positioning and the right supporting cabling infrastructure can help create reliable coverage throughout a building while reducing frustrating dead spots and inconsistent connections.
Buildings Are Becoming More Connected
The biggest change is that networks are no longer just connecting computers.
Depending on the building and organisation, the network could also support:
CCTV and security systems
Access control
VoIP telephone systems
Building management systems
Sensors and monitoring equipment
Smart lighting and environmental controls
Meeting room technology
Digital signage
Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Cloud-based applications and services
This is changing the role of network infrastructure.
Cabling and WiFi are increasingly becoming part of the operational foundation of the building itself.
Planning Infrastructure as Part of the Building
As more technology becomes connected, network infrastructure needs to be considered much earlier when businesses refurbish, relocate or develop premises.
Adding infrastructure retrospectively can be disruptive and may create unnecessary limitations.
Planning cabling routes, network cabinets, WiFi coverage, fibre connections and capacity for future expansion at an early stage can help create an infrastructure that works for the building rather than simply meeting an immediate requirement.
This is particularly important when refurbishing or fitting out commercial premises.
The technology a business uses in five or ten years may look very different from the technology it uses today, but installing a flexible and scalable infrastructure now can make future changes considerably easier.
Copper, Fibre and Wireless Working Together
There isn't a single technology that provides the answer to every connectivity requirement.
Modern networks increasingly combine different technologies.
Copper structured cabling provides reliable connections throughout a building. Fibre optic cabling can provide high-speed links between cabinets, floors, buildings or other key network locations. WiFi then provides the wireless connectivity users and devices increasingly expect.
The important part is ensuring these technologies are designed to work together as one infrastructure.
Preparing for the Connected Building
As buildings become smarter, the distinction between IT infrastructure and building infrastructure will continue to narrow.
The network is becoming the platform through which people, devices, systems and services communicate.
For businesses planning a new installation, refurbishment or network upgrade, this means thinking beyond the number of data points required today.
Where will wireless access points be needed? How might the business grow? Could additional security, monitoring or smart building technology be introduced? Will more bandwidth be required? Is there sufficient capacity to expand?
Considering these questions now can help avoid expensive changes later.
Building the Infrastructure for What Comes Next
Technology will continue to change, but every connected building needs a reliable foundation.
From structured data cabling and fibre installations to professional WiFi solutions, Connecture helps organisations create network infrastructure designed around the way their buildings operate today while considering how their connectivity requirements may evolve in the future.
From cabling to complete connectivity, we're helping businesses build the infrastructure that connects their world.
To discuss data cabling, fibre cabling or professional WiFi solutions for your premises, visit connecture.co.uk.
