What is an MDU?
Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) refer to residential buildings designed to house multiple families or households within a single structure or complex. These versatile living spaces typically include apartment buildings, condominiums, dormitories, residence halls, student housing, senior/assisted living facilities, retirement communities, cooperative housing (co-ops), and the like. The MDU categorization also extends to various commercial scenarios such as malls, hotels, motels, hostels, and outdoor markets. All these environments typically require robust, scalable, and secure network solutions to support the connectivity needs of their occupants, users, and guests.
The MDU opportunity for MSPs
The growing demand for advanced network solutions in MDUs presents a significant opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). A survey by the National Multi-Family Housing Council found that 91.7% of apartment residents consider high-speed Internet important, and 74.8% value pre-installed Wi-Fi. Instead of residents setting up their own networks, MSPs can offer efficient, high-density Wireless Private Networks (WPNs) (or Wi-Fi Personal Networks) that enhance connectivity, security, and user experience. WPNs provide reliable coverage, high-speed Internet access, and secure data privacy, while enabling shared resources to reduce costs and minimize wireless interference. They also facilitate seamless roaming, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity as users move throughout the property. With capabilities for network management, bandwidth allocation, traffic prioritization, and easy scalability, WPNs allow MSPs to deliver tailored, robust, and future-proof network solutions for MDUs, meeting the growing needs of modern living.
Wireless Private Networks (WPNs) in MDU Deployments
The importance of WPNs in MDUs has never been greater due to the increasing need for security, privacy, and reliable connectivity. With the rise of smart home devices, such as smart thermostats and security cameras, along with the pervasive use of personal devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, robust wireless networks are essential. The shift to remote work and online learning further underscores the necessity for dependable Internet connections, supporting telecommuting and high-quality virtual meetings. Additionally, the demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency networks driven by streaming services, online gaming, and virtual reality applications highlights the critical role of WPNs. By providing secure, high-speed, and reliable Internet access, WPNs can enhance the user experience, boost resident/user satisfaction, and offer a competitive edge for property managers, making them an indispensable part of the modern residential infrastructure.
Why Cisco Meraki?
Cisco/Meraki is THE market leader in cloud-managed networking solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products including wireless access points, network switches, security appliances, smart cameras, and sensors. Key differentiators include its centralized cloud management platform, which simplifies deployment and configuration through an intuitive dashboard accessible from anywhere. Cisco Meraki’s user-friendly interface and zero-touch provisioning further enhance ease of use. The platform’s scalability allows seamless addition of new devices, while automatic updates ensure security and performance. Comprehensive security features, such as integrated firewalls and advanced threat protection, safeguard the network. Deep analytics and real-time monitoring provide valuable insights and quick issue resolution. Cisco Meraki’s unified ecosystem ensures a consistent user experience across all device types, supported by comprehensive APIs and automation capabilities for enhanced manageability and flexibility. Additionally, reduced operational costs due to simplified management and automated updates make Cisco Meraki the ideal choice for MSPs and organizations seeking robust, scalable, and secure network solutions.
High Level Cisco Meraki Design for MDU Deployments
Cisco Meraki platform has all the essential tools and components for seamless and efficient network management. This includes the ability to create private networks and manage a single SSID for simplified connectivity. Cisco Meraki’s AI Powered Wi-Fi channel and power management, along with advanced RF management tools like heatmaps and spectrum analyzers, ensure optimal wireless design and real world performance. The platform’s single pane of glass reports and management consolidate all network insights and controls into one intuitive interface. Additionally, device pre-configuration and API-based automation and integration streamline setup and enable custom solutions, making Cisco Meraki a comprehensive and ideal choice for MDU network deployments.
A Cisco Meraki based design for MDU deployments offers reliable, scalable, and secure network infrastructure tailored to the needs of residents and property managers alike. Key components include Meraki MX security appliances, which serve as central firewalls and security gateways with advanced features like IDS/IPS, content filtering, and malware protection. Meraki MR Wireless Access Points (WAPs) provide high-speed, dependable Wired and Wi-Fi based coverage across individual units, common areas, and outdoor spaces, and supporting customizable guest Wi-Fi networks. Meraki MS switches can deliver PoE to power various devices, enable network segmentation through VLANs, and offer efficient Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching.
The Cisco Meraki Cloud Dashboard provides a centralized platform for network management, simplifying monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting with real-time visibility. It supports multi-tenant deployments, making it an ideal platform for managing multiple locations, buildings, or units within MDU deployments efficiently. Advanced security features, including integrated firewalls and automated firmware updates, safeguard the network, while various user authentication methods ensure secure access for users. Additionally, dedicated guest Wi-Fi networks with customizable splash pages and bandwidth management can be used to enhance the resident and guest experience, again, making Cisco Meraki the perfect choice for MDU deployments.
Automate the Guest Onboarding/WPN Process
The Cisco Meraki platform can significantly enhance the MDU experience by integrating with third-party solutions like SplashAccess.
SplashAccess is a Captive Portal service that offers advanced guest Wi-Fi management and user authentication solutions, featuring customizable splash pages for branded access. The platform supports multiple authentication methods, including social media login, email verification, SMS, and voucher codes, and provides secure, role-based user authentication. It also bolsters security and compliance by enforcing access controls and user agreements during the onboarding process.
Leveraging marketplace solutions like SplashAccess alongside the Cisco Meraki platform creates a robust, secure, and user-friendly network solution tailored specifically for MDU deployments. With pre-packaged customizations targeting education, retail, senior living, and various other common use cases, the possibilities are numerous!
Growth Opportunities for MSPs
The growing demand for advanced networking solutions in MDUs presents significant business opportunities for MSPs to offer a range of cross-sale and up-sale of managed and professional IT services. MSPs can deliver end-to-end network design and deployment, ensuring scalable infrastructures that grow with the property and the needs of its users. They can provide managed Wi-Fi services for residents and guests, implement bandwidth management policies, and offer advanced security solutions including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and malware protection. Additionally, MSPs can offer management of IoT devices, offer smart home/home automation services, smart cameras, various security services, and provide 24/7 remote monitoring and troubleshooting services. By providing and managing the underlying network connectivity services, MSPs can also expand into cloud storage and backup solutions, VoIP, and unified communications. Like any Network-aaS (NaaS) type offering, the service offering can be further differentiated by leveraging products like Cisco ThousandEyes, to provide Digital Experience Assurance (DXA), providing deep insights into network performance and ensuring optimal user experiences. By offering these types of comprehensive managed services, MSPs can improve operational efficiencies, ensure network security and reliability, and capitalize on the lucrative MDU market for long-term profitability.
Register to learn more at the upcoming event:
Managed Services Voice of the Engineer
Visit the Cisco Partner Managed Services SalesConnect page for recordings of previous MS VoE sessions, including the recording for Cisco Meraki MDU Design MS VoE session
Check out my latest blogs for insights into Managed Services opportunities for MSPs
We’d love to hear what you think. Ask a Question, Comment Below, and Stay Connected with #CiscoPartners on social!
Cisco Partners Facebook | @CiscoPartners Twitter | Cisco Partners LinkedIn
Nice write up.