Weak Signals, Frustrated Tenants? Why CRE Operators Need a Managed WiFi Assessment

Another bummed-out resident emails about WiFi issues and network connectivity: WiFi keeps dropping in my bedroom. The property manager is frustrated—everything looks fine on paper, but complaints keep rolling in. Is it the ISP, the wiring, or just bad equipment choices? This is exactly why WhiteSpace conducts Managed WiFi Assessments—to uncover the real issues and give owners a clear path to better connectivity.

What is a Managed WiFi Assessment?

A Managed WiFi Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an existing Managed WiFi network in a multifamily property. WhiteSpace conducts these assessments as an owner’s rep, ensuring that network infrastructure aligns with our clients’ goals—whether that’s improving connectivity in a specific area or enhancing resident experience on a long-term hold to make the building more marketable.

Why Should You Do It?

For asset managers, a Managed WiFi Assessment helps answer two critical questions:

• How do we improve the Wi-Fi experience (or resident experience) in the building?
• What is the heart of the issue – ISP, infrastructure issues….or both?

What the Assessment Includes

WhiteSpace reviews the entire network from the street to the furthest corner of the property by assessing:

• ISP installation – Examining in-unit wiring, terminations, and installed hardware
• Infrastructure – Evaluating IDF rooms and enclosures, cabling, fiber, and WAP (wireless access point) placement
• Performance Issues – Testing speeds, documenting dead zones, and identifying weak coverage areas

How the Assessment Works

A Managed WiFi Assessment is both a hands-on, onsite evaluation and a detailed documentation review. A WhiteSpace Project Manager visits the property to inspect the network infrastructure firsthand—checking fiber connections, IDF rooms and enclosures, cabling, WAP placements. At the same time, we conduct a thorough review of existing installation plans, network configurations, management portal, and historical performance data (including support and troubleshooting tickets requests and resolutions). This combined approach ensures we identify not just immediate technical issues but also underlying design flaws that may be impacting long-term connectivity and performance.

Case Study: 156-Unit Build-to-Rent Property

WhiteSpace recently conducted an assessment for a 156-unit Build-to-Rent community in San Antonio experiencing connectivity issues on the townhomes second floor and building garage. Despite an existing managed WiFi setup, the assessment found:

• No major infrastructure failures (no downed IDFs or faulty switches)
• Investigating two possible issues: Weak access points (WAPs) not delivering adequate coverage and/or backend network management
• A potential solution would require supplemental WAPs, raising cost concerns

The Value for Operators

For property owners and operators, a Managed WiFi Assessment ensures they:

• Identify weak points before they become bigger problems
• Optimize costs and avoid unnecessary expenses
• Improve resident experience and maintain leasing appeal
• Assist in the often-complex path to resolution with the ISP

WhiteSpace conducts these evaluations to support ownership and asset management teams in making informed decisions about their network infrastructure, balancing cost considerations with long-term connectivity and marketability.

Imagine a world where you don’t have to keep finding new ways to respond to the “WiFi keeps dropping in my bedroom” complaint. Let’s enhance your property’s connectivity—reach out today to learn more about our Managed WiFi Assessments.