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INSTALLATION

ADOPTION SUPPORT

Vendor Selection & PROJECT PLANNING

Technical Expertise to Complete Your Project.

Installing Apartment Wi-Fi is highly technical, but our resources make it easy. Here, we will familiarize you with essential terms, documents, and decisions to make throughout your project.

Terms

Roles and Responsibilities

Account Management: Manages day-to-day operations, billing, and other administrative tasks.

Building Owners: Provide support for the project.

Funding Source Leader: Writes grants, manages funds, and submits reports to grant providers.

Internet Service Provider (ISP): Provides backhaul for internet service.

Installation Subcontractor (Low-Voltage): Handles wiring and hardware installation.

Managed Service Provider (MSP): This company conducts site surveys, installs the network, and assists the property manager with the adoption plan.

Project Manager: Leads the project from start to finish, aligning stakeholders, managing Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), coordinating logistics with vendors, building managers, and residents, and overseeing supply chain logistics.

Site Detail Lead: Typically, the landlord, maintenance staff, or property manager who provides site-specific information and oversees the network adoption plan.

Contracting/Design

These agreements grant individuals the right to access a property for various purposes, such as construction, repairs, or network testing. Property owners or program administrators may provide an access agreement to an ISP/MSP to conduct site surveys, install or test equipment, and make repairs. An access agreement should be specific for vendors regarding available areas and for what purpose to limit the groups’ activities just to the project at hand.
In apartment Wi-Fi projects, an MSP installs and maintains internal network equipment while an ISP provides the internet connection. The two systems connect at the demarcation point (dmarc). The MSP or property owner negotiates the ISP contract for backhaul, determining total bandwidth needs based on building profiles (e.g., seniors, families). A Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines bandwidth, latency, uptime, and response times. Clear communication between the MSP and ISP is essential for coordinating network functionality and installation timing.
A Letter of Authorization allows a third party to legally act on behalf of the issuing party. For example, a property owner might sign an LOA with a funder, allowing the funder to solicit bids from an MSP or ISP or lead site visits at the property. LOAs will detail the specific activities the party is to engage in, restricting them to only those activities for the purpose and period of the LOA.
Describes all of the hardware and software equipment needed for purchase for a network deployment. This would include but is not limited to network access points, switches, cabling, mounting equipment, software and subscriptions, and equipment racks. This is often referred to as a Bill of Materials (BOM).
When multiple partners are involved in a project, such as a funder, a property owner, or a Managed Service Provider, an MOU may be required. An MOU will detail each party’s tasks and responsibilities regarding the project.
An RFQ involves an organization creating a formal document to request vendor bids for a specific project or service. It includes detailed specifications, timelines, and evaluation criteria for selecting a vendor.
Describes all the work a contractor will complete. It will often contain a glossary of terms, deliverables to be met, timelines, and milestones that will identify discrete portions of the work, reporting requirements, and any authorizations or approvals that may be necessary. A Scope of Work may come before or as part of a contract, where the contract will include the legal aspects of the agreement and detail compensation. A Scope of Work should describe all tasks in great detail. It is generally written by the contractor and agreed to by the hiring entity.
This document outlines the ongoing service and maintenance responsibilities of the ISP/MSP post-installation, including standards for testing, monitoring, and issue resolution. It defines response times, guaranteed uptime (targeting 99.99%), and any network optimization efforts. The SLA should prioritize user experience over technical metrics alone (e.g., throughput, Wi-Fi dB levels). It must also describe how the provider will meet performance goals and ensure quality service throughout the network’s operation.

RFQ Resources

  • Our RFQ template offers a structured format to help you solicit bids for broadband network projects, ensuring all essential details are captured and communicated clearly. It includes scope, timelines, technical requirements, and evaluation criteria sections.
  • Our RFQ evaluation template complements the RFP by providing a systematic way to assess vendor proposals, focusing on key factors such as cost, technical capability, and alignment with project goals. These tools streamline the selection process and ensure an equitable, thorough evaluation of all submissions.
  • Be Specific with Requirements: Clearly outline the products or services needed, including quantities, specifications, and delivery timelines.
  • Set Evaluation Criteria: Define how you’ll assess quotes, such as price, quality, and delivery terms, to ensure fairness.
  • Include Terms and Conditions: State payment terms, warranties, and legal or operational requirements.
  • Provide a Clear Response Deadline: Specify when quotes must be submitted.
  • Allow for Clarifications: Include a contact point for vendors to ask questions before submitting.

Techical Decisions

Informed technical decisions are key to building reliable, cost-effective apartment Wi-Fi networks. Use our Technical Decision Guide and supporting resources, including the Network Survey Guide, Checklist, and Site Survey Questionnaire, to:

  • Select the right technology for your building.
  • Determine the optimal mix of wired and wireless solutions.
  • Ensure your network meets performance standards and supports future upgrades.

 

Click here to download all four guides.

Internet Bandwidth

For Apartment Wi-Fi, a business-class fiber internet connection is ideal. Unlike shared residential internet, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) ensures guaranteed speeds and reliability through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Fiber offers fast, symmetrical upload and download speeds crucial for accessing digital services and participating in the digital economy. With a long lifespan, fiber can be easily upgraded over time to support future bandwidth demands. This chart can assist in determining the correct circuit size based on the number of residential units.

 

This recommendation was calculated using information and data from the FCC Broadband Speed Guide in 2024. Bandwidth needs increase over time.