How A New Platform Is Helping Service Providers Meet Modern Connectivity Expectations

Connectivity is no longer simply a utility for residents of multifamily buildings. For some, it can be an upscale amenity. 

More than 40% of renters surveyed by research firm Parks Associates expect their internet service to be activated at move-in, which is why 60% of multifamily property owners and operators have managed WiFi as part of their portfolio. With these high expectations, multifamily operators of all sizes need to have fast, reliable connectivity solutions to retain and attract residents. 

Calix has created an artificial intelligence and cloud platform company to help service providers transform into experience providers that deliver exceptional experiences to residents and communities. Now, the company is working to ensure providers and operators have everything they need to meet residents’ expectations with SmartMDU on the Calix One platform, a scalable, integrated solution for delivering managed WiFi to multifamily properties. 

“We created a solution for providers that can exceed the expectations of 1,000-plus-unit greenfield, luxury properties but also scale to smaller, mid-level or older and brownfield properties whose residents have the same expectations for a high-end connectivity experience,” Calix Senior Director of Solutions Marketing Jess Parsons said.  

She said the Calix One platform enables service providers to deploy any of Calix’s broad portfolio of WiFi 6 and 7 appliances paired with SmartMDU to fit the unique needs of each property. So, whether the property requires outdoor units, ceiling or electrical cabinet-mounted appliances, power over Ethernet, or a combination of them all, Calix technology delivers the flexibility that service providers need to make it happen.  

SmartMDU also provides a secure experience propertywide, paired with complete control for residents to personalize their in-unit experience. This level of personalization is something that has been deprioritized, Parsons said. 

“Historically, enabling propertywide WiFi has meant less control for residents to tailor their in-home WiFi experience to their needs,” she said. “SmartMDU changes that by combining secure, propertywide WiFi with the ability for each resident to personalize their in-unit experience with an intuitive mobile app.” 

Residents have different connectivity priorities, she said. With SmartMDU, residents have their own dedicated private in-home WiFi network where they can create an additional guest SSID, enact parental controls and set up their device priorities. These are all available in a single-family home experience, so expectations should be the same in multifamily properties, Parsons said. 

She said one of the unique challenges multifamily properties face is how to deliver a secure, reliable high-speed connection to each unit. People have high expectations, and older properties don't necessarily have the internal wiring infrastructure to support them. Plus, changing out that wiring can be very costly or disruptive to the building. Calix, Parsons said, wanted to explore how providers can deliver a high-quality experience for each unit without property owners incurring high costs or disruption. 

“We have full end-to-end solutions for newer buildings, where there is the opportunity to bring Ethernet or fiber directly to the units, but we also work with partners that enable gigabit speeds over the existing wiring,” she said. “There's no reason people shouldn't have total control and customization of their connected experience in their home, whether that’s an apartment, condo or single-family structure.” 

Today’s residents expect strong internet not only in their units but throughout an entire property. Reliable WiFi is also key to ensuring all Internet of Things connected devices, from door locks, water sensors and cameras to resident experience apps, are working correctly.

With SmartMDU, not only is there a WiFi appliance installed in each unit, but service providers can also install common area and outdoor WiFi appliances for additional property coverage. This robust coverage enables propertywide WiFi with dedicated and isolated networks for residents, IoT and staff, in addition to common area access for guests. 

For providers, SmartMDU can be fully managed through Calix Agent Workforce Cloud on the Calix One platform, which allows for fast, automated updates and changes without the need to set foot on the property, Parsons said.

“Because it's cloud managed, the solution is able to flex and grow with the property’s needs, without having to go in every unit,” Parsons said. “Similarly, as units turn over and people move in and out, SmartMDU enables the resident to walk in, scan a QR code and automatically get on their in-home network without calling the service provider or the front desk.” 

Calix also offers a property manager portal called PropertyWorx, which can give property managers access to common network tasks, such as adding or removing users, changing network passwords and adding new devices. 

Everyone, from the Gen Zers moving into their first apartments to tech-savvy seniors who are renting for longer, is experiencing a higher level of connectivity need. This puts a great deal of pressure on service providers, Parsons said. Pressure that Calix works to help alleviate.

“With trends in the rental market changing, there is more competition to attract residents,” she said. “Providing connectivity that meets the expectations of the next generation of tenants can help providers and owners stand out.” 

This article was produced in collaboration between Calix and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.