Getting Good Wireless: Why Network Connectivity Is So Important in Self-Storage and How to Make It Happen

How’s the network connectivity at your self-storage site? Most facility operators tell me it’s fine. If there’s an internet connection and decent Wi-Fi in the management office, they figure that’s all they really need. But the answers to the following questions quickly tell another story: 

Those may not seem like network questions, but their answers can reveal gaps in wireless connectivity. Small annoyances like “VoIP call quality isn’t great when I’m walking the site” are usually the tip of the iceberg, indicating much bigger failures in the customer experience while restricting your ability to upgrade and modernize your facility.

Defining Strong Network Connectivity

What does “good enough” network connectivity look like in a self-storage environment? There are a few key characteristics.

The Wi-Fi reaches everywhere. Your network should be free of blind spots in public areas and storage units. Self-storage sites are often at a natural disadvantage because the materials used for traditional construction, such steel and cinder block, are especially effective at blocking Wi-Fi. They also block 5G and LTE signals, so asking people to just use their cell service isn’t a good alternative.

Time-sensitive signals arrive consistently. Having five bars of signal is one thing; getting crucial messages across is another. If many devices are simultaneously using the same network—VoIP phones, cameras, thermostats, sensors, smart locks, etc.—some information may be lost or delayed in transit as they all compete for bandwidth. The missing data can result in unintelligible VoIP calls, or leak-detection alerts showing up 10 minutes after a renter’s belongings begin to get soaked.

The site is future-proofed with connectivity options. Many smart-building solutions rely on alternative wireless technologies with better range and lower power requirements than Wi-Fi. However, most require specialized networking gear. If you’re planning to modernize your operation and improve your renter experience, you’ll need the right network infrastructure to support these protocols.

Why Make the Investment?

You might be thinking, “Who cares if I have great Wi-Fi in my self-storage units?” That’s easy: your current and potential renters. In fact, according to research conducted by my company, more than 50% of customers are more likely to rent from a facility with strong Wi-Fi coverage, and more than 70% are more likely to choose one with in-unit cameras. While most renters haven’t experienced a storage-unit theft, many are concerned about the safety of their items and their personal safety while on site.

A strong Wi-Fi network is an important piece of the security puzzle, just like gated access and ample lighting. Knowing that you can always call for help—or text your partner if you forgot which box they put the camping gear in—offers peace of mind that many self-storage tenants are currently missing.

A future-proofed wireless network with support for dedicated smart-device networks also enables you to offer next-generation renter experiences like app-based access or in-unit monitoring. These are features for which renters routinely say they are willing to pay extra, partly because they can use them to check their unit status from anywhere.

Your self-storage employees may be facing subconscious stressors as well. Many site managers tell me they hate conducting lock and door checks because it causes them to miss sales opportunities when they’re pulled into network dead zones. They’re also worried about their physical well-being and want the ability to call for help if needed. Frankly, your team shouldn’t risk their safety by investigating an alert or performing routine checks. With strong, sitewide network coverage, they can do their walk-throughs, validate alerts and call for appropriate responses without ever leaving the front office.

All of these efficiencies add up to cost savings and improved business transparency. Potentially damaging incidents get caught earlier, and rapid response reduces potential impact on your insurance premium and repair costs. One manager can effectively monitor more sites over a larger area. Renters are happy to return to your facility and repeatedly recommend it to others.

How to Get a Better Network

If there are issues with your self-storage facility’s network connectivity, it doesn’t mean you need a new internet service provider (ISP). Your pipe to the outside world is probably fine. However, you might need to make sure that your network is robust enough to reach all parts of the property, not just the front of the store.

Generally, the goal of upgrading is to extend wireless connectivity and future-proof the network to support a variety of smart devices. That usually means deploying hubs and repeaters in strategic locations, so your signal receives a boost if it’s weakened by passing through a steel door or concrete wall. It’s critical to install the necessary infrastructure to support current and future technology. Make sure you know what protocols and platforms your current smart devices and subsystems use. You want to be sure your legacy systems are supported while considering your future goals.

A commercial network-services provider is an essential partner in this process. There are local area network (LAN) and information-technology (IT) service providers who specialize in creating site-wide wireless networks for commercial properties. However, self-storage facilities have unique characteristics.

Look for a provider who’s familiar with self-storage construction, multi-building and multi-story facilities, technology subsystems, and business models. Someone who’s part of the self-storage community will advise you better on what protocols and platforms you’re likely to need in the future. I highly recommend partnering with someone who can offer ongoing services and support, too, so you have a resource to help deploy and manage new technology systems as you adopt them.

When you think about whether your self-storage facility has adequate network coverage, consider more than the internet connection in the management office. Your wireless network should support efficient management practices as well as smooth, safe employee and customer experiences throughout the entire site. An upgrade can strengthen your connections and prepare your business for a smarter future.

Tom Grant is vice president of the Smart Spaces IoT (Internet of Things) division at Vantiva, a technology firm and global provider of broadband and internet products. It offers Smart Storage, an end-to-end, IoT software for self-storage operations. Tom has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry. To contact him, email [email protected] or reach out to him on LinkedIn.