5 Network Infrastructure Strategies for Future-Proofing Commercial Real Estate
Updated at Jan 23rd 20251 min read
In modern commercial real estate, the growing demand for network infrastructure is driven by the rise of hybrid offices, the Internet of Things (IoT), smart building technologies, and wireless applications. These evolving needs are placing increased pressure on network design and bandwidth capacity, making reliable network infrastructure a critical component for successful commercial properties. This article will introduce five key strategies to help build an efficient and future-proof network infrastructure for commercial real estate.
Network Infrastructure for Any Commercial Real Estate Application
As commercial spaces evolve to meet the needs of modern businesses, network infrastructure becomes a cornerstone of success. Each application requires a tailored approach to network connectivity from office buildings to retail spaces, data centers, and beyond.
Application | What They Rely on Network Infrastructure For |
Office | Always-on wireless and mobile connectivity AV technology support for meeting rooms and collaboration spaces Smart building solutions controlling lighting, HVAC, security, etc. |
Retail | Point of sale systems and inventory management Security monitoring and access control Digital signage and electronic shelf labels Wired and wireless networking |
Data Center | Robust network connectivity Temperature control management Power distribution and IT management |
Industrial Networks | Automated equipment and control panels Factory networking solutions Wireless connectivity and security monitoring |
Hospitality | Wired connectivity for office functions and reservation systems AV systems and smart building technologies Security systems and in-room network connections |
Multifamily | Wired and wireless networking for offices and common areas Smart building features AV systems and digital signage in public areas |
Five Strategies for a Reliable Network Infrastructure
To meet the growing connectivity demands and ensure future-proofing, here are five essential strategies to consider:
Implement a Mix of Copper Cabling and Fiber Optic Cabling
In commercial real estate, different areas require tailored network infrastructure solutions. For standard office spaces and retail environments, copper cabling is typically sufficient to meet everyday network connectivity needs. However, its superior speed and capacity make fiber optic cabling essential for high-bandwidth applications such as data centers or smart building systems. By combining these two types of cabling, commercial properties can strike a balance between cost efficiency and high performance, ensuring that each area’s network infrastructure can support current demands while being ready for future upgrades.
To understand the differences between these types of network cables, please refer to Fiber Optic Cable vs Twisted Pair Cable vs Coaxial Cable.
Deploy Wired and Wireless Networks Simultaneously
Whether in office buildings or retail spaces, a reliable wired network provides the stability necessary for critical business functions, while a wireless network offers flexibility for dynamic environments. By integrating wired and wireless network infrastructures, businesses can ensure that their properties accommodate various tenant needs—from stable office connections to guest Wi-Fi in common areas. The seamless integration of these two network types guarantees reliable connectivity across all areas, supporting the evolving needs of tenants and visitors. Wired and wireless connections can also refer to Ethernet and WiFi, and FS blog Is Ethernet Faster Than WiFi? will provide you with detailed insights into their differences.
Adhere to Industry Standards
A strong network infrastructure in commercial real estate is built on adherence to industry standards such as ANSI/TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801. These standards ensure network systems are designed for stability, scalability, and performance. In spaces like data centers or intelligent office buildings, following these guidelines helps ensure an efficient layout and minimizes potential issues with electrical faults. Using certified products, such as ISO and UL-certified cables, further enhances safety and reliability, reducing the risk of network downtime or safety hazards.
Support Smart Building Applications
With the growing demand for smart building technologies, commercial real estate network infrastructure must be capable of supporting a wide range of IoT devices and automation systems. Smart sensors, environmental controls, and automated security systems are becoming standard in office buildings, retail stores, and industrial spaces. A robust network infrastructure ensures seamless communication among these devices, enabling businesses to optimize energy use, enhance security, and improve tenant experiences. Ensuring your network infrastructure supports these smart applications will make your property more attractive and future-ready.
Utilize Structured Cabling
Structured cabling is one of the most effective strategies for future-proofing network infrastructure in commercial real estate. Whether in office spaces, data centers, or multi-functional areas, a structured cabling system provides flexibility and scalability, allowing quick adjustments to accommodate new devices and applications. This approach reduces long-term maintenance costs and improves the efficiency of network management. In data centers, structured cabling also plays a critical role in optimizing server connections and simplifying network management, ensuring a smooth operational flow.
Conclusion
Network infrastructure plays a crucial role in meeting the growing connectivity demands of commercial real estate, ensuring that properties can adapt to current needs and future developments. By integrating smart building technologies and deploying high-performance cabling, network infrastructure can be made more flexible, scalable, and reliable, supporting a wide range of applications from office environments to retail spaces and data centers. Partnering with FS enables you to address the diverse needs of your tenants through our comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions. FS offers innovative, high-end products that ensure reliable network performance, helping you enhance property value while staying ahead of the ever-changing market demands.