Ahead of a major refurbishment in 2020, the team at The Fairfax in Bristol, formerly known as Tower House, approached Zetta Connect to develop a long-term connectivity strategy for the building.
The brief centred around three key objectives: achieving WiredScore Gold, delivering a future-proof fibre backbone, and creating a converged building network with managed Wi-Fi.
The existing infrastructure also required attention. Legacy and redundant cabling needed to be identified and removed, while the building needed to be prepared for multiple carriers and future tenant connectivity requirements. The solution had to provide a strong digital foundation that could support the building as its technology and occupier requirements evolved.
Zetta Connect took a phased approach, beginning with a detailed review of the existing cable infrastructure. We identified and labelled usable cabling, re-ran connections where required and removed redundant infrastructure. New carrier cabling was also installed within the basement to improve the building’s connectivity options.
The next phase focused on creating a future-proof fibre backbone. Zetta installed fibre from the lower ground floor through to the 13th floor, with fibre blown and terminated on every floor. This provided a ready-to-connect infrastructure for existing and future tenants, avoiding the need to install new backbone cabling every time a suite was occupied.
Alongside the fibre backbone, we implemented a converged landlord network capable of supporting multiple building services through a centralised infrastructure. This includes access control, security systems and landlord Wi-Fi, creating a more efficient and manageable network environment.
The building’s managed connectivity has continued to develop since the original refurbishment. Guest Wi-Fi is available across reception and communal areas, while the existing landlord network has also been extended to provide Wi-Fi connectivity within the gym without requiring a separate internet service.
Zetta has also introduced Plug & Play connectivity across multiple floors, combining Wi-Fi and hard-wired connections to allow tenants to get connected quickly from day one. Following earlier installations on the 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th floors, Zetta was commissioned in 2026 to continue fitting out vacant suites across the building.
The Fairfax now benefits from a future-ready commercial building connectivity infrastructure designed to support both landlord services and tenant requirements.
With five on-net carriers available within the building, tenants have greater choice of connectivity providers and can benefit from significantly shorter lead times when ordering services. The existing fibre backbone means carrier services can be delivered to floors without the need for new building-wide infrastructure each time.
The landlord network also provides the capacity and flexibility to support temporary connectivity where required, helping tenants remain connected while their permanent services are being delivered.
From the original fibre backbone and converged network through to managed Wi-Fi and ongoing Plug & Play installations, Zetta Connect continues to support The Fairfax as its requirements evolve.
The project demonstrates the value of designing commercial property connectivity infrastructure with the future in mind, creating a scalable digital foundation that can adapt to changing tenant, landlord and technology requirements.
Download the full case study HERE or Contact us to see how Zetta Connect can streamline your next project.
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