Firstly, could you please explain how you work with contractors, developers and architects to embed your connectivity solutions from the beginning of the design and construction phases? How does each party ensure that Wifirst’s services are considered and integrated throughout these important phases and beyond?

For every project – especially construction projects – Wifirst conducts an initial study based on site plans. This study will determine a first position for all the equipment Wifirst will deploy, including switches and WiFi access points. This plan is then transmitted to the electrician in charge of cabling the building so he can prepare all necessary paths for Wifirst to install its cables, access points and other equipment. All the communication with the constructor is done by the Wifirst project manager dedicated to the project.

When time has come to install everything, which means when the building is in the final construction phase, Wifirst sends one of its auditors who checks the radio coverage and adjusts the exact positioning of the access points to meet the coverage Wifirst has contractually committed to.

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How does Wifirst also work with interior designers to optimise the layout and placement of Wifrst products? Have you learned any valuable insights over the last few years about how and where to best place and integrate Wifirst products within mixed-use developments?

We have a variety of access points that can be fixed on walls or on ceilings, and we aim to make it fit with the interior designs. All the equipment Wifirst deploys can be hidden so it doesn’t interfere with the environment, resulting in a totally invisible installation for the users. The placement of all our equipment is validated by our in- house radio auditor who has the expertise to adapt access point placement to fit both discretion and high- quality coverage needs.

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Does Wifirst use insights and data from its clients and end users (e.g. colivers) to optimise the design of your services / connectivity solutions? If so, how have these insights influenced internal product design strategies and techniques?

Wifirst regularly conducts studies with its users and customers to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, and to collect the constantly evolving needs of customers in order to offer products that meet those needs. For example, Wifirst has launched a managed Chromecast solution for the hospitality sector, following the expressed customer’s need to consume their own video content in hotel rooms, or by innovating with Room Area Network, a solution allowing users to benefit from a personal and secured network on a shared WiFi infrastructure. Thanks to this unique system, they can connect and use all their devices just like at home: TV, console, connected speakers, etc.

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Could you tell us a bit more about your Room Area Network system? What makes the RAN stand out from other connectivity solutions? What are its capacities?

The Room Area Network is a WiFi solution developed by Wifirst that provides a secure network bubble for each user, allowing them to securely connect all their devices without having to go through a portal. Concretely, a secured WiFi network is broadcasted and each user has their own password to connect to this network. When a device is connected, it is isolated in a private subnetwork on which the user can connect as many devices as they need. These devices can communicate with each other, resulting in a connectivity experience equivalent to having a personal router. With the RAN, users have the best of personal WiFi on a shared WiFi infrastructure, keeping the promise of an optimised, fully managed and secured WiFi for all users.

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Finally, are there any coliving designs that you have been inspired by lately? Do you have any clients / partners that are working on some innovative shared living spatial design projects?

The development of coliving has given rise to the creation of specialised players such as The Student Hotel, a forerunner in the international shared living and hospitality markets. The first establishment was opened in 2012 with the desire to create a new form of hospitality for students. Today, contrary to what its name might suggest, The Student Hotel promotes a concept of ‘hybrid hospitality’ and is no longer limited to long-stay students. The Student Hotel also welcomes business travellers, tourists, workers and anyone who would like to take advantage of the services on offer. It is at the same time a hotel, a student residence and a coworking space, with seminar rooms and leisure areas (restaurant, bar, swimming pool, etc.). I also really like their wish to inspire their residents, for example, with their BedTalks concept, which has been a really relevant offer during COVID-19! They invite game changers and attendees from across the globe to start a dialogue around social change – all from the comfort of a bed.