Blog Post
In our previous blogs, we explored how smart building connectivity strategies are evolving across both CAT A infrastructure and CAT B fit-outs – from converged landlord networks and MSI through to DAS and in-building mobile coverage solutions.
But what about the thousands of existing commercial buildings already in operation?
For many landlords, asset managers and occupiers, the challenge today is not designing connectivity into a new development, it’s modernising buildings that were never designed for the demands of the modern workplace.
And increasingly, that means undertaking a full or phased network infrastructure retrofit.
Many commercial buildings still rely on legacy infrastructure originally designed for:
Today’s occupiers expect something very different.
Modern workplaces now depend on:
✅ Cloud-based applications
✅ Hybrid working environment
✅ Building-wide WiFi
✅ In-building mobile coverage
✅ Smart building systems and IoT
✅ AV collaboration platforms
✅ Real-time analytics and monitoring
The result?
Older network infrastructure is increasingly becoming a bottleneck.
Common issues include:
Connectivity problems are no longer viewed as just an IT issue.
For occupiers, they directly impact:
In premium office environments, especially, poor connectivity can quickly become a tenant retention problem.
This is why landlords are increasingly investing in retrofit connectivity upgrades as part of wider smart building and ESG strategies.
Every building is different, but a modern retrofit project typically includes a combination of:
Replacing outdated copper infrastructure and improving backbone connectivity across floors and risers.
Deploying modern high-density wireless infrastructure designed for today’s workplace requirements.
Introducing DAS, small cells or signal enhancement solutions to improve 4G and 5G coverage throughout the building.
Replacing ageing switches, cabinets and network hardware to support modern bandwidth and security requirements.
Preparing infrastructure for:
Reducing siloed systems and creating a scalable shared infrastructure model across the asset.
Unlike CAT A construction projects, retrofit upgrades happen in live operational environments.
That means connectivity projects must be carefully managed around:
This is where experience becomes critical.
One of the biggest concerns landlords and occupiers have is:
“How disruptive will this be?”
At Simpli-Fi, minimising disruption is one of the most important parts of retrofit project delivery.
Our approach typically includes:
In many cases, tenants experience little to no operational disruption during the upgrade process.
This depends on:
As a broad guide: 👇
| Project Type | Typical Timescale |
| Single floor WiFi refresh | 1–2 weeks |
| Multi-floor cabling + WiFi upgrade | 4–12 weeks |
| Full converged infrastructure retrofit | 3–9 months |
| DAS / in-building mobile deployment | 6–16 weeks |
Much of the planning and survey work happens before physical deployment begins.
Costs vary significantly depending on building complexity, technology requirements and existing infrastructure condition.
However, as a very broad commercial guide: 👇
| Upgrade Scope | Indicative Cost |
| Enterprise WiFi refresh | £8k–£20k per floor |
| Structured cabling upgrades | £15k–£40k per floor |
| Converged infrastructure modernisation | £25k–£75k+ per floor |
| DAS / in-building mobile solutions | Highly variable depending on coverage and operator requirements |
Importantly, these projects are increasingly being viewed as:
Modern retrofit projects require far more than installation capability.
They require:
This is where Simpli-Fi has become a trusted partner across commercial real estate, education, healthcare and multi-site environments.
Our experience spans:
Most importantly, we understand how to modernise connectivity while keeping buildings operational.
Connectivity is no longer an optional layer within commercial buildings.
It now underpins:
The buildings that continue to attract and retain tenants over the next decade will increasingly be the ones that deliver seamless, resilient and scalable digital experiences.
And for many existing assets, that journey starts with retrofit modernisation.
Smart buildings are no longer defined solely by new developments.
Increasingly, the focus is shifting toward how existing buildings evolve to meet modern connectivity expectations.
For landlords and occupiers alike, retrofit infrastructure upgrades are becoming one of the most important investments they can make in the long-term performance of their buildings.
If your building is struggling with legacy connectivity infrastructure, poor mobile coverage or ageing network systems, now is the time to assess what a modern smart building upgrade could look like.
Simpli-Fi helps landlords, developers and occupiers modernise commercial buildings through scalable, future-ready connectivity infrastructure designed for the modern workplace.
As founder of Simpli-Fi, Gary's knowledge of cutting-edge networks and technology solutions is second to none. Gary has worked on countless projects over the years, from straightforward connectivity projects to complex, large-scale networking projects across multiple buildings.
Most smart building projects don’t fail because of technology—they fail because of poor planning. Discover why early network design, Master Systems Integration (MSI) and digital infrastructure reviews are becoming essential to successful smart building delivery.
Legacy infrastructure is holding many commercial buildings back. Discover how retrofit network upgrades, enterprise WiFi modernisation and in-building mobile solutions are helping landlords and occupiers create future-ready smart buildings with minimal disruption.
As occupier expectations evolve, reliable in-building mobile coverage has become essential in modern commercial buildings. Discover how CAT B fit-outs, DAS solutions and shared landlord infrastructure are enabling seamless 4G and 5G connectivity across multi-tenant smart buildings.
Modern smart buildings depend on more than standalone systems – they rely on a converged digital backbone. Discover how CAT A connectivity, MSI and integrated landlord networks are enabling seamless BMS, security and IoT integration from day one.
Simpli-Fi has achieved TP-Link Omada Platinum Partner status, enabling schools, colleges and universities to access affordable, enterprise-grade WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 solutions with full design, installation and ongoing support.
