UniFi Installation for Office and Warehouse: Wolflube Case Study
Introduction
Wolflube, a well-established manufacturer specializing in lubrication equipment, has recently taken a significant step in their company’s growth journey by relocating their operations. Previously based in Miami, they have shifted to a new facility in Fort Pierce, Florida, marking a strategic move aimed at accommodating their expanding business needs. Their new location boasts a modern, two-story office building designed to support their administrative and operational teams, along with a spacious warehouse optimized for storage, logistics, and product distribution.
The transition to this larger and more sophisticated property was driven by the limitations of their previous facility. In Miami, the company faced challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, which hindered their ability to scale up operations effectively. Among their most pressing needs was the requirement for reliable and comprehensive network connectivity across the entire property. With their business relying heavily on seamless communication, data access, and interconnected systems, ensuring consistent and dependable connectivity in every corner of their new premises became a top priority.
This move not only reflects Wolflube’s commitment to meeting the increasing demands of their industry but also underscores their ambition to provide enhanced service capabilities to their customers. By addressing these operational challenges head-on, Wolflube is positioning itself for sustained growth and long-term success in its new Fort Pierce headquarters.
Site Background
Wolflube recently unveiled its state-of-the-art facility, designed to meet the growing demands of its operations while providing a modern and efficient workspace for its team. This new facility boasts multiple designated work areas, each tailored to support various daily tasks and enhance productivity. It also features a large and spacious warehouse, which significantly expands the company’s operational capabilities and storage capacity, enabling it to store, manage, and organize inventory more effectively.
The office section of the facility spans two floors, offering ample space for administrative tasks, team collaboration, and customer interactions. With a layout designed for both functionality and comfort, this office area ensures that staff can work efficiently while maintaining an organized and professional environment.
Attached directly to the main office section is the warehouse, seamlessly integrated into the facility’s design. The addition of this warehouse greatly boosts Wolflube’s ability to handle logistics, inventory management, and overall operational workflows, making it a critical component of the company’s infrastructure.
To ensure daily operations run smoothly, Wolflube recognized the need for robust technological solutions within the facility. Strong wireless coverage was critical to enable staff to remain mobile and connected while performing daily tasks, such as managing inventory, communicating with colleagues, or accessing essential systems and data. Additionally, consistent and reliable wired connections were crucial for high-priority devices, including printers, phones, and desktop computers, which play a pivotal role in day-to-day business functions. By addressing these technological requirements, Wolflube ensured the facility would be equipped to support seamless communication and operational efficiency.
Challenges
The building’s construction presented significant challenges when it came to determining the optimal placement of access points for the wireless network. Its thick walls, reinforced concrete, and other dense structural elements severely weakened wireless signals, making it difficult to create a consistent and reliable coverage area. This meant that finding suitable spots for access points required extra planning and precision.
Additionally, the wiring contractor tasked with running network cables through the building inadvertently contributed to the difficulty. Despite successfully running the cables to various parts of the property, they failed to label each line properly. This oversight created substantial confusion, as there was no clear way to identify which cable corresponded to specific rooms or devices. The UniFi Nerds had to spend extra time tracing the cables, which slowed down the deployment process and increased frustration.
To complicate matters further, some of the cables unexpectedly terminated on the other side of a solid concrete wall. These misplaced cable endpoints not only added to the confusion but also raised concerns about how to utilize them effectively, since drilling through concrete walls again to reroute them would be expensive and time-consuming.
Wolflube, which relied heavily on smooth communication and operational efficiency, required a robust and seamless network to support both its office and warehouse environments. The network had to ensure strong, uninterrupted connectivity across the entire facility, overcoming the physical barriers posed by the building’s construction. Moreover, it needed to accommodate the company’s growing technological needs without creating additional inefficiencies. All of these challenges highlighted the need for a carefully designed and well-executed networking solution that could bridge the gap between the administrative office space and the operational warehouse floor.
Assessment
The UniFi Nerds carried out two comprehensive walkthroughs of Wolflube’s property to assess its office layout and warehouse design. As part of the evaluation, we conducted a drone flight to map out cable routes for exterior cameras, leveraging the aerial perspective to gain insights into the building’s structure and identify optimal mounting points. Each floor of the property was surveyed in detail, and existing cable systems were documented for reference. Additionally, we tested signal strength across various locations and identified potential sources of interference, allowing us to plan an efficient and reliable network infrastructure tailored to the site’s unique requirements.
The Proposed Solution
We recommended a comprehensive UniFi setup. This included the UniFi Dream Machine as the core controller and security gateway. We specified multiple UniFi 48-Port Switches to power wired devices across both office floors. We selected the 24U “Fabled” UniFi Rack to centralize equipment neatly. We also installed UniFi Patch Panels, Blank Plates, and the UniFi Power Distribution Pro. This hardware combination provided enough capacity for current devices and future expansions.
For wireless, we chose UniFi WiFi 6 Access Points. We deployed a mix of U6 In-Wall APs, U6 LR units, and U6 Mesh devices. This approach ensured seamless coverage throughout the office and warehouse. We addressed both interior and exterior needs for consistent connectivity. We labeled each network run to eliminate confusion.
Implementation
We began the UnIFi Installation by installing the UniFi Rack and core switches. Our team patched labeled cables into the patch panels, which simplified troubleshooting. We placed In-Wall APs in offices to minimize clutter and maximize signal. We mounted LR units in the warehouse to overcome distance. We also set up Mesh APs for outdoor coverage. This array of APs supported roaming devices across the entire property.
We configured VLANs to segment traffic between staff, equipment, and future guest networks. We also tested each cable to confirm connectivity and label accuracy. By creating a proper wiring map, we avoided guesswork and future headaches. Our power distribution setup protected equipment against electrical issues. We organized everything inside the UniFi Rack for quick maintenance.
Results
Wolflube now enjoys full wireless coverage inside the office and warehouse. They can access secure Wi-Fi in all corners, including outdoor areas. Wired devices connect to well-labeled ports at every workstation. The UnIFi Installation included the UniFi Dream Machine manages traffic and provides advanced security. Staff members move between floors without losing their wireless signal. They also appreciate stable VoIP phones and printers.
Managers no longer face network confusion over unlabeled ports. Each cable run is properly documented. This clarity reduces downtime and supports new hardware deployments. The entire facility benefits from a scalable, future-ready network.
Ongoing Support and Feedback
Our partnership with Wolflube continues through managed network services. We monitor their system for performance and security. We also provide desktop and server support through our parent company, the NY/FL Nerds. Wolflube appreciates our proximity: We are only eight minutes away from their office, which reassures them. This reliable local support strengthens our client relationship.
Key Lessons
Proper network design saves time and money in the long run. Accurate cable labeling streamlines maintenance and future upgrades. Combining different UniFi AP models for different UnIFi installations can solve complex coverage challenges. Drone flights help plan routes for exterior cables and cameras. Businesses transitioning to larger facilities should invest in robust installations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Wolflube’s relocation required more than just extra space. They needed a professional network installation to match their growing operations. The UniFi Nerds delivered a secure and comprehensive solution that covers both office floors and the warehouse. We also provided structured cabling, labeling, and managed services. This approach gives Wolflube continuous reliability and expandability. If you need a similar network overhaul reach out to The UniFi Nerds. We also cable new spaces too.
Scroll down or click the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen to book an appointment. You can also use this direct link: UniFi Consultation Call. We serve all 50 states and specialize in UniFi deployments for businesses of any size. We look forward to upgrading your connectivity.