Slow Wi-Fi, dropped video calls and switches that are out of support are usually signs that the office network has outgrown its design. A refresh is a chance to fix the root causes instead of adding another access point. Here is the order we recommend.
1. Start with requirements, not hardware
- How many users and devices, including phones, printers, cameras and IoT?
- Which applications are critical, and where do they run: on site or in the cloud?
- What growth do you expect over the next three to five years?
- Which security and compliance rules apply?
2. Check the cabling first
New switches and access points will not perform on damaged or outdated cable. Cat6 or Cat6A copper supports modern multi-gigabit access points, and fiber is the right choice between closets and floors. Clean, labeled and tested cabling also makes every future change faster. Our structured cabling services cover offices, server rooms and data centers.
3. Size the switching layer
Plan port counts with spare capacity, Power over Ethernet budgets for access points and cameras, and uplink speeds that will not become the bottleneck. Keep switch models consistent so spares and configuration stay simple.
4. Design Wi-Fi for capacity, not just coverage
A predictive or on-site survey shows where access points belong. Dense areas such as conference rooms need more capacity than hallways. Wi-Fi 6 or 6E access points help in crowded spaces.
5. Build security into the design
- Separate guest, corporate and device traffic into different networks.
- Put a next-generation firewall at the edge.
- Connect network sign-ins to your identity system. See our Entra ID basics.
6. Plan the cutover and retirement
Schedule the switchover outside business hours, keep a rollback plan, and retire the old equipment properly, including wiping any devices that stored configuration or data.
Planning a refresh?
CloudMosaic designs and installs networks as part of our IT & networking practice and can source the hardware through procurement. Share your floor plan and user count and we will scope it.