Choosing the Right Network Solution: Expert Insights
Reliable connectivity is no longer a “nice to have.” It underpins everything from day-to-day operations and cloud applications to security and tenant satisfaction. Yet, too often, businesses face costly challenges because of short-term decisions made at the start of a project.
We recently saw this play out on a large multi-building campus. The landlord needed fibre across the premises, with WiFi coverage both indoors and outdoors. The solution also had to balance permanent requirements—such as security and monitoring—with the varied needs of tenants, each with their own priorities for speed and capacity.
At the time, our proposal focused on flexibility, scalability, and long-term stability. However, the customer chose a different supplier based on budget and immediate business needs.
Fast forward a year: the chosen solution failed to meet expectations. SLAs weren’t met, connectivity was patchy, and tenants were unhappy. The customer came back to us for support, and we’ve been working to stabilise the network and put a future-proof plan in place.
This experience highlights some important lessons for anyone planning a new connectivity project.
1. Look Beyond the Initial Price
It’s tempting to go for the lowest quote, but cheaper isn’t always better. Networks are the backbone of modern business operations, and cutting corners can quickly backfire. Downtime, tenant complaints, and corrective work often end up costing far more than the initial savings.
Tip: When comparing proposals, ask not only “what’s the cost?” but “what’s the long-term value?”
2. Build for Today and Tomorrow
Connectivity needs rarely stay the same. New tenants arrive, teams expand, applications become more data-hungry, and devices multiply. A short-term design that only meets today’s requirements will soon struggle.
Tip: Choose solutions that scale easily and have a long support life —as this enables you to upgrade bandwidth without replacing circuits, support Wi-Fi enabled devices on the latest frequencies without redeploying hardware or supporting new technologies without needing a complete redesign.
3. Prioritise Reliability and SLAs
Even the best-designed network needs strong guarantees. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) should clearly set out response times, uptime commitments, and what happens if things go wrong.
Tip: Ask potential suppliers how they monitor performance and handle issues. A proactive support model is often worth more than a slightly lower monthly fee.
4. Consider All Stakeholders
In multi-tenant or leased environments, solutions must work for everyone. Landlords often need connectivity for security systems, monitoring, and building management, while tenants prioritise fast, flexible internet access. Ignoring one side of the equation usually leads to friction.
Tip: Make stakeholder mapping part of your requirements gathering. A balanced solution avoids conflicts and ensures long-term satisfaction.
5. Do It Right the First Time
Networks are long-term investments. A well-planned and professionally executed installation minimises disruption and reduces the likelihood of expensive fixes later on. Getting it right from day one pays dividends in reliability, customer satisfaction, and peace of mind.
Tip: Look for suppliers who take the time to understand your site, your current needs, and your future growth plans before proposing a solution.
The Takeaway
Winning work under these circumstances is always bittersweet. It’s frustrating to see businesses suffer from poorly delivered solutions—but it reinforces our belief that networks should be designed to last, not just to fit a budget.
The right solution is one that balances cost, capacity, flexibility, and future requirements. If you’re planning a connectivity project, take the time to ask the hard questions and think long-term.
Need advice on your next project?
We’re always happy to share lessons from the field and help you plan a network that works—today and tomorrow.