Boavista Palace: Wi-Fi in 72 apartments with VLAN per unit

International Success Story: Wireless Network Expansion at Serviced Apartments Boavista Palace (Porto) – 72 Wi-Fi Networks

Our Serviced Apartments Boavista Palace, next to Avenida da Boavista, in Porto, chose the DataRoad for a critical project: a expansion and optimisation of the wireless network to support 72 flats, distributed by 8 floors in two blocks, ensuring stable Wi-Fi coverage, enhanced security and a consistent user experience for guests and internal teams.

The project involved a total of 85 network devices, come in switches e wireless access points, with a clear objective: to ensure an infrastructure prepared for high-demand environments — where connectivity cannot fail.

About the Boavista Palace: a complex focused on modernity, comfort and the guest experience

The Boavista Palace is located in a prime business area in the city of Porto, close to Carolina Michaëlis Metro Station, and offers amenities such as terrace e gym.

The Serviced Apartments include 72 flats of different layouts (T1K and T1+1K), designed to match the pace of modern life, with a strong focus on design, overall quality and premium finishes, including indirect lighting, soundproofing and amenities Welcome.

In a context like this, Wi-Fi quality has a direct impact:

• guest satisfaction and retention,
• the online reviews,
• the length of stay,
• and daily operations (teams, management and internal services).

Meet here Boavista Palace Serviced Apartments

The Challenge: High-performance Wi-Fi with total privacy per flat

Wi-Fi networks in multi-unit environments (apartments, hotels, student accommodation, co-living) have specific challenges:

1. Privacy and seclusion
   Every flat must have own network, separated and protected, preventing any possibility of access between units.
2. Bandwidth management (QoS / bandwidth management)
   It is essential to manage internet usage per apartment to ensure fairness and stability, preventing one unit from impacting all the others.
3. Full coverage in multi-storey buildings and blocks
   Building materials, layouts, interference and distances require technical planning to eliminate dead zones and signal drops.
4. Security and redundancy in internet access
   The internet connection needs to be protected by a security gateway and, wherever possible, with redundancy, to increase availability.

The DataRoad Solution: Wi-Fi per apartment with VLANs, security and bandwidth management

DataRoad designed and implemented a solution in which Each flat has its own separate and secure wireless network, with VLAN (Virtual LAN) segmentation and appropriate access control to the premises.

Furthermore, the architecture was prepared to allow bandwidth management per apartment, ensuring:

• greater stability for everyone,
• greater predictability of the service,
• and a consistent experience throughout the day.

Services performed (IT Networking + Business Wi-Fi)

1) Coverage consultancy and planning (around 85 devices)

DataRoad carried out technical consultancy to determine the best locations for access points and network equipment, taking into account:

• layout by floor,
• division into two blocks,
• usage density,
• interference,
• and coverage/roaming requirements.

Result: a network design optimised for real-world performance in a domestic environment, reducing rework and maximising efficiency.

 

2) Installation and configuration of wireless access points across 8 floors (2 blocks)

They have been installed and configured various access points, with the aim of ensuring:

• uniform coverage,
• signal stability,
• efficient roaming,
• capacity for multiple appliances per flat.

3) Security gateway + internet redundancy

Implementation of a security gateway to:

• perimeter protection,
• control and segmentation,
• implementation of security policies,
• and support for internet access redundancy, increasing availability.

4) Installation and configuration of switches and VLAN segmentation

Installation and configuration of network switches and implementation of VLANs (Virtual LANs) to:

• separate wireless networks by flat,
• protect units from each other,
• create segmentation for internal networks (e.g. management/services), where applicable,
• and make future control and maintenance easier.

5) Wireless network optimisation and tuning

Following installation, configuration adjustments and optimisations were carried out, focusing on:

• channels and power (interference reduction),
• roaming patterns,
• authentication stability,
• and consistent performance.

6) Future maintenance with monitoring and alarming — “IT Unlimited” contract”

To ensure continuity and prevent incidents, provision has been made for ongoing support through a maintenance contract “IT Unlimited”, including:

• monitoring,
• alarmist (warnings),
• and proactive support.

Delivered benefits: security, stability and a superior guest experience

Although each infrastructure has its own metrics and depends on a number of factors, the direct impact of a well-designed Wi-Fi architecture in multi-unit environments is clear:

A wireless network for each flat (separate and secure)
It improves privacy, security and user confidence.

Bandwidth management by unit
It prevents abuse and a deterioration in the service for everyone.

Consistent Wi‑Fi coverage across 8 floors and two blocks
Reduces complaints and increases satisfaction.

Infrastructure designed for scalability and maintenance
Segmentation and management facilitate development and troubleshooting.

Greater availability with a security gateway and redundancy
Fewer disruptions, greater operational continuity.

Why DataRoad is the right partner for wireless networks in multi-unit buildings

Our DataRoad acts as MSP (Managed Service Provider), with specialist know-how and vast experience in:

• installation of wireless computer networks,
• IT security,
• networking corporate,
• IT support and maintenance for businesses,
• and certified professional IT services.

Our goal is to provide high-quality IT support and IT consultancy, in a way efficient, profitable and timely, ensuring that our clients’ technological infrastructure remains operational and secure.

With the service “IT Unlimited” (including options Premium e Premium 365x7x24), we ensure a proactive approach based on:

• monitoring,
• alarmist,
• availability report,
• failure prevention and rapid response times.

Customer thank you

DataRoad thanks Serviced Apartments Boavista Palace the trust placed in our team to implement this solution for Business Wi-Fi, computer networks e proactive maintenance.

Need secure Wi-Fi per apartment / flat / building?

Sort yourself out

• serviced apartments, holiday let, hotels, residences, co-living,
• multi-storey, high-density buildings,
• you need to Enterprise Wi-Fi with VLANs, security and bandwidth management,

DataRoad can help with:

• design and installation,
• configuration and optimisation,
• perimeter security,
• internet redundancy,
• continuous support with monitoring.

Request a technical review to your wireless network and receive a proposal with the recommended architecture.

FAQ

How to ensure each flat has separate and secure Wi-Fi?

With segmentation by VLANs (Virtual LANs) and appropriate security policies, it is possible to create isolated networks per apartment, preventing communication between units.

Is it possible to limit the internet per flat?

Yes. Per-device bandwidth management makes it possible to balance usage and keep the network stable, preventing one user from degrading the experience of the others.

Does DataRoad carry out Wi-Fi installation in multi-storey buildings?

Yes. DataRoad provides consultancy, installation and optimisation for multi-storey buildings, ensuring adequate coverage and consistent performance.

What does the IT Unlimited contract include?

Includes proactive support with monitoring, alarmism e reporting, With extended coverage options (including, depending on the plan).