Enabling Smart, Connected Living with Robust Network Infrastructure
Simpli-Fi partnered with Alertacall to design and implement high-performance wired and wireless network infrastructure across a series of retirement and supported living housing schemes throughout the UK. These networks underpin the critical services delivered by Alertacall’s touchscreen technology, providing digital engagement tools and secure video communication that promote independence and well-being for older residents.
Project Overview
Alertacall is transforming housing support through innovative touchscreen systems that facilitate daily contact, video calling, digital messaging, property compliance communication, and door entry solutions. These services require reliable, always-on connectivity, particularly in environments with vulnerable individuals where service downtime is not an option.
Simpli-Fi was selected to deploy a scalable and secure infrastructure that not only supports Alertacall’s connected devices but also provides secure internet access for staff and residents in each location.
Challenges
Deploying high-performance connectivity into legacy buildings presented several technical and logistical challenges:
- Lack of existing structured cabling in many properties
- Varying building materials that impact wireless signal propagation
- Need for secure network segmentation across residents, staff, and IoT systems
- Continuous uptime requirements for critical Alertacall services
- Working in occupied buildings with minimal disruption
Technical Solution
Simpli-Fi delivered a fully managed Layer 2/3 wired and wireless network infrastructure across multiple UK sites, tailored to meet Alertacall’s operational needs. Key components included:
Wired Backbone Infrastructure
- Structured CAT6 cabling throughout residential units and communal areas
- Managed PoE+ switches to support wireless access points and Alertacall devices
- Secure network cabinets with UPS backup for on-site equipment reliability
WiFi Design & Deployment
- Enterprise-grade WiFi 6 access points (APs) deployed using predictive heat mapping and on-site signal testing
- Dual-band coverage (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for reliable throughput and low latency
- Seamless roaming support across larger communal areas
Security & Network Segmentation
- VLAN architecture to logically separate:
- Alertacall touchscreen devices and access control systems
- Staff devices and operational systems
- Resident public WiFi access
- WPA3 enterprise encryption and RADIUS authentication for staff networks
- Web content filtering and bandwidth shaping for resident WiFi access
Cloud-Managed Infrastructure
- All network elements (switches, APs, firewalls) remotely managed via a secure cloud controller
- 24/7 monitoring and proactive alerts for performance and uptime
- Firmware management and configuration backups centrally maintained
Support for IoT and Access Control
- Dedicated bandwidth and QoS prioritisation for Alertacall’s door entry video intercom systems
- Support for SIP-based video calling and integration with third-party access control platforms
- Resilient routing with failover where supported
Results
The result is a scalable, secure, and high-availability infrastructure that supports:
- Over 200 individual homes and multiple communal areas
- Flawless video communication and digital services via Alertacall devices
- Safe, monitored public WiFi for residents, improving digital inclusion
- Operational efficiency for on-site staff with fast and secure internal network access
- Remote network visibility and proactive maintenance by Simpli-Fi, reducing on-site technical demands
