UniFi Network Refresh for Platinum: A Comprehensive Office Overhaul

Introduction

Platinum specializes in maintaining and restoring metal, marble, stone, wood, and glass façades, including terrazzo installation. Over time, its office network evolved into a combination of Aruba and Meraki devices that clashed with each other. This disjointed system caused thousands of daily packet collisions, which slowed down productivity. Platinum decided to pursue a unified approach and turned to The UniFi Nerds for a complete UniFi network refresh. This project marked our third collaboration with Platinum, following two successful deployments in other offices. We aimed to replace outdated hardware, address extensive wiring issues, and unify all 380 network ports in one solution.

Challenges and Legacy Setup

Platinum’s network grew chaotically as different vendors introduced switches and access points without consistent documentation. During office renovations, construction crews cut some cables, creating unknown dead runs. Other cables remained intact but lacked labels. The old infrastructure also included 10/100 Cisco switches and a mix of Meraki and Aruba devices, which performed poorly when working together. Frequent slowdowns and random outages became the norm.

Staff members struggled with spotty Wi-Fi coverage across 20,000 square feet. Each department encountered connection drops at peak usage times. Large file transfers often became impossible during busy periods. Unlabeled cables and conflicting protocols increased troubleshooting complexity. Platinum’s management realized they needed a modern system that could handle gigabit speeds and deliver stable wireless access throughout the office.

Goals and Requirements

Platinum outlined clear objectives for this UniFi network refresh. First, they wanted to eliminate every legacy device that caused performance bottlenecks. Second, they insisted on fixing or replacing cut cables. Third, they needed each of the 380 network ports to function at 1 Gbps or better. Fourth, they required robust wireless coverage that reached all corners of their office. Lastly, they sought a solution that prioritized security through VLAN segmentation and up-to-date firmware.

Minimizing downtime was also vital. Platinum could not disrupt daily business operations for more than a few days. They requested a thorough plan to ensure a smooth transition from the old setup. The leadership team also asked for consistent labeling and documentation to prevent future confusion. These requirements shaped our overall strategy for the UniFi network refresh.

Assessment and Planning

Our team conducted two site surveys before starting any installation. We inspected the network closet, tested various wall jacks, and noted unlabeled runs. We also performed RF mapping to identify optimal locations for new access points. This process considered interference from walls, office furniture, and neighboring networks. Plati needed full coverage and reliable throughput, even during peak usage.

We devised an action plan to remove outdated switches, door-access systems, and leftover gear. We also decided where to add new patch panels because the existing ones lacked free spaces. This planning stage allowed us to estimate how many cables we needed to replace. Our checklists included details about labeling, VLAN setup, and security protocols. With the plan in place, we prepared to tackle the network overhaul.

Removing Outdated Equipment

On the first day of the refresh, we disconnected every old switch and access point. Technicians cleared out multiple Cisco 10/100 switches that dated back more than a decade. We also discovered several Aruba and Meraki devices that had lost vendor support or used outdated firmware. These relics occupied valuable rack space and contributed to network collisions.

We removed old door-access systems that had never been decommissioned. Some cables connected to these systems remained unmarked in patch panels. Our team tagged everything, then stored obsolete units for disposal or recycling. By the end of this stage, we had a clean slate for new UniFi gear. This systematic cleanup laid the foundation for a single-vendor environment.

Dealing with Cabling Issues

Cabling presented the biggest challenge. During renovations, crews severed lines without labeling them. Some cables connected nowhere but still took up patch panel ports. We used tone and probe tools to identify live runs and to detect cuts. Our technicians removed dead lines to open up room for fresh terminations.

We discovered that several cables were mislabeled or incorrectly grouped. Each time we located a nonfunctional line, we traced it to its jack and documented the problem. If we needed to replace the cable, we added a new Cat6 run and terminated it with proper labeling. This approach ensured that no mystery cables remained. We broke the tasks into small batches so we could maintain an organized workflow.

Installing the New UniFi Ecosystem

After we cleared obsolete items and sorted the cables, we began installing the UniFi hardware. We deployed U7 Pro Access Points and U6 In-Wall units based on our earlier RF analysis. These devices promised robust signal strength and minimal interference. Our aim was to eliminate dead zones and guarantee steady coverage for all users.

We placed a UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max in the network closet as the core controller. This device handled traffic routing, intrusion detection, and VLAN segmentation. We used UniFi Switch Aggregators to connect multiple Switch Pro 48 units, creating a balanced backbone. No single switch faced a heavy load that could bottleneck data flow. Our technicians configured the entire system through the UniFi Controller, which provided a single pane of glass for monitoring and updates.

Ensuring Proper Configuration and Labeling

We focused on labeling each port to align physical cabling with the controller’s records. Our installers printed clear labels for patch panels and switch ports. We also matched those labels in the UniFi dashboard so administrators could track changes with minimal hassle. By unifying physical and logical identification, we eliminated guesswork during future moves or expansions.

VLAN segmentation added a layer of security. Platinum requested separate networks for general office tasks, management operations, and any guests who might need limited Wi-Fi access. We fine-tuned firewall rules to ensure that these VLANs did not overlap. This structure protected sensitive data and allowed easier monitoring of potential threats. Our short, well-defined testing procedures helped confirm stable connections on all VLANs.

Post-Installation Testing and Client Feedback

Once the core configuration was done, we performed thorough tests on each port. We confirmed 1 Gbps speeds and checked that no packet collisions occurred. Access points delivered strong signals across the 20,000-square-foot area. We also tested roaming performance by walking through the office with multiple devices to ensure a smooth handoff between APs.

Platinum’s leadership praised the performance improvements. They noted that staff complaints about slow Wi-Fi and random outages dropped to nearly zero. Packet collisions became a rarity, and large file transfers happened quickly. The management team also appreciated our labeling standards, which made everything easier to maintain. Based on this success, Platinum plans to adopt the same UniFi ecosystem in two remote branches.

Key Lessons

This project highlights the value of a unified solution when multiple vendors cause conflicting protocols. Consistent labeling saves time and lowers maintenance costs, especially in large offices with frequent changes. Thorough planning, combined with structured site surveys, reduces surprises and speeds up deployments. A single dashboard for monitoring can simplify updates, security patches, and network segmentation. When leaders invest in a proper UniFi network refresh, they gain performance and reliability that pays off over time.

Conclusion

Platinum’s transition from a mixed environment to a cohesive UniFi setup resolved major performance woes. The staff now benefits from stable, high-speed access across 380 ports, and the company reduced downtime significantly. The entire 20,000-square-foot office features strong Wi-Fi and robust security. Our approach to labeling, VLAN segmentation, and device consolidation helped Platinum gain control over a historically disorganized network.

If your organization faces similar challenges, consider a UniFi network refresh. The UniFi Nerds have proven methods to tackle severed cables, outdated switches, and mismatched protocols. We offer free consultations to help you plan a seamless upgrade. Schedule an appointment and experience the difference a unified network can make for your business.