Wi-Fi Design for Open-Plan Offices

Open-plan offices are popular for collaboration, but they create demanding conditions for Wi-Fi. Dozens of people in one area, each with a laptop and phone — and many on video calls — can overwhelm a poorly designed network.

Design for capacity, not just coverage

A single powerful access point might reach the entire floor, but it cannot serve a hundred devices well. Plan more access points at lower power, each serving a manageable number of users.

Conduct a site survey

A professional survey considers walls, glass partitions, meeting rooms, ceiling height and materials. Predictive tools and on-site measurements help place access points correctly.

Use 5 GHz and 6 GHz

These bands offer more channels and less interference than 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E access points handle crowded spaces more efficiently.

Ceiling-mounted access points

Mounting access points on ceilings, away from obstructions, gives consistent coverage over desks.

Meeting rooms need attention

Glass-walled meeting rooms can block or reflect signals. Larger rooms with video conferencing may need their own access points.

Wired backhaul

Connect every access point with Ethernet, ideally with PoE switches. Mesh wireless backhaul reduces performance in busy offices.

Separate networks

Use separate Wi-Fi networks or VLANs for staff, guests and devices, with appropriate security.

Plan for growth

Allow for more devices and higher bandwidth use over the next few years.

Validate after installation

Measure signal strength, throughput and roaming performance once furniture is in place and people are working.

The bottom line

Good open-plan Wi-Fi is designed for capacity, with properly placed access points and wired backhaul. Plan it during fit-out for the best results.

Learn more about Business Preconnect from UbiFi, or talk to our team.