What Managed WiFi Actually Means & Why It Matters for Modern Multifamily Communities

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Connectivity is now a basic expectation in multifamily living. With residents relying on multiple devices for work, entertainment, and smart-home features, they expect fast, reliable WiFi everywhere - not just inside their unit, but across the entire property.

Multifamily connectivity research from Parks Associates and Xfinity Communities shows this shift clearly: over one-third of residents expect to roam their community while staying on the same WiFi network, and 41% expect WiFi to be ready the moment they move in. These rising expectations are pushing owners and operators of multifamily properties to rethink their network strategy.

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What Exactly Is Managed WiFi?

Managed WiFi has emerged as a leading solution to deliver secure, always-on, property-wide connectivity in units, in common areas, and everywhere in between - without the need for in-unit equipment. Through a series of WiFi access points, it supports residents, property staff, and smart building technologies in one managed infrastructure.

Why it matters for residents:

• Property-Wide Connectivity: Seamless WiFi from the lobby to the lounge. Residents can also stay connected on the go with access to more than 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide.

• Instant On: Ready-to-go connectivity at move-in, with no setup required.

• Smart Home Integration: Seamless connectivity and management of smart devices.

Why it matters for multifamily owners and operators:

• Ease of Operations: Faster move-ins, 24/7 proactive monitoring, and reduced burden on onsite teams to manage the network.

• Smarter Buildings: Integration with smart locks, leak sensors, and more connected amenities for a smarter, more efficient property.

• Improved NOI: Higher resident satisfaction scores, reduced costs, and greater revenue.

A Retrofit-Friendly Alternative

For buildings with existing infrastructure that could be too challenging or costly to upgrade with access points, Xfinity Communities' bespoke solution, Connected Building, offers an alternative Managed WiFi approach.

To provide property-wide WiFi with Connected Building, the Multifamily Xfinity Broadband Gateway is pre-installed in every unit and in common areas for always-on connectivity. Purpose-built for the multifamily segment, this industry-first, award-winning technology combines cutting-edge technology with a space-saving design - ensuring multifamily residents and property owners/operators can stay connected and ready for the future.

Reliable Connectivity

With solutions like Managed WiFi or Connected Building with Xfinity Communities, property-wide, fiber-powered WiFi is available with the most intelligent and reliable WiFi network in the nation. And with the right network foundation in place, properties can elevate the resident experience and ensure everyone stays connected, wherever they are in the community.