For developers, construction directors & main contractors
Network infrastructure for new-build care homes.
We work with developers and construction teams to deliver network infrastructure designed into the project from the outset — specified early, coordinated with the other trades, installed to the programme and handed over tested and documented.
Why early involvement matters
Getting the network right during construction costs far less than fixing it afterwards.
Once walls are closed and ceilings are in, moving a data point, adding containment or finding space for a larger cabinet becomes disruptive and expensive. Most of the WiFi problems we're asked to fix in existing homes trace back to decisions — or omissions — made at design stage.
Bringing us in early means the network is treated as part of the building: data points where access points actually need to be, enough switching and power for the device count, a properly sized comms room and an incoming line ordered in time.
What goes wrong when the network is an afterthought
- Access point positions chosen for convenience, not coverage
- No cabling to rooms that later need monitoring or nurse-call devices
- Comms rooms too small, too hot or without suitable power
- The incoming fibre ordered too late for opening day
- No backup connection if that single line fails
How we work on a new build
From design coordination to handover.
Design coordination
We produce the network specification and data point schedule, and work through it with the M&E consultant, architect and electrical designer — access point positions, containment routes, comms room size, power and cooling.
First fix
Data points, containment and back boxes go in with the electrical first fix, to our schedule. Getting this stage right is what makes the rest of the installation quick and predictable.
Contractor interfaces
We agree who does what with the main contractor and each trade — electrical, fire, nurse call, access control, AV — and coordinate the incoming line with the provider, so nothing falls between scopes.
Structured cabling
Cabling and fibre backbone installed by us or by the site electrician to our specification, terminated, labelled and tested before the active equipment arrives.
Commissioning
We install and configure the cabinet, switching, firewall, failover connection and access points, then test coverage, roaming and failover across the building.
Handover
As-built documentation, configuration records and a walkthrough for the operator's team, with the option of ongoing support once residents move in.
What we design in
A resilient connection and a segmented network, from day one.
The same principles go into every new home we specify, adjusted to the building and the operator's systems.
- Fibre as the primary internet supply, with a 5G or Starlink backup assessed for each site
- Core switching and a fibre backbone sized for the device count, with headroom
- Separate networks for care, staff, residents, guests and building systems
- Coverage planned into residents' rooms, ready for monitoring and nurse-call devices
Built for programmes, not one-offs
A specification you can repeat across every development.
For developers building several homes, the biggest saving is not having to start again. We agree a standard design once, refine it from site to site, and install it the same way each time.
- Bradshaw Lodge bedrooms
- 66
- Data points
- 150+
- Bradshaw Lodge access points
- 28 × WiFi 7
- Active network commissioning
- 1 working day, 2 engineers
What you receive
Clear deliverables at every stage.
- Network specification and equipment schedule
- Data point layout and schedule for the electrical contractor
- Comms room, cabinet, power and cooling requirements
- Incoming line and backup connection requirements
- Fluke-certified cable test results, handed over at first fix
- Coverage and failover testing on completion
- As-built records of equipment, configuration and labelling
- Operator handover and optional ongoing support
Questions
New-build questions
When should a developer specify network infrastructure for a new care home?
Ideally at design stage, before the electrical design is fixed. That's when data point positions, containment routes, comms room space, power and the incoming internet line can all be planned properly. We can still help later, but changes after first fix cost more and limit the options.
Who installs the structured cabling?
It depends on how the project is set up. We can install it ourselves, or — as on the LNT programme — the site electrical contractor installs, terminates and tests it to our schedule, and we install and commission the active network once the building is ready.
Do you arrange the incoming internet connection?
We coordinate it. Fibre lead times can be long, so we agree the requirement early, work with the provider on timing and route into the building, and can specify a Starlink or 5G backup so the home isn't dependent on a single line.
Can you work to our construction programme?
Yes. We plan our visits around the programme and the other trades, and because the design is settled early, the on-site installation is short. At Bradshaw Lodge, once the cabling was complete, two engineers installed and commissioned the active network in a single working day.
What do we receive at handover?
A commissioned and tested network, as-built documentation of the equipment, configuration and data points, and a walkthrough for the operator. If the operator wants ongoing support, we can continue looking after the network once the home is open.
Planning a new care home?
Send us the drawings or a short description of the scheme and programme. We'll tell you what the network needs and when we need to be involved.