How Smarter Network Infrastructure Is Powering the Next Generation of Smart Buildings

In today’s real estate landscape, a building’s digital capabilities can be as important as its location. Whether it’s a luxury multi-dwelling unit (MDU) or a forward-thinking office complex, properties that deliver seamless connectivity, smart automation, and operational efficiency are quickly becoming the new standard. These buildings not only lease faster but also retain tenants longer and command higher rents. The foundation for this shift? Smarter network infrastructure.

As building owners and facilities managers look to modernize, one critical component is often overlooked: the wired network underpinning all digital operations. Traditionally built on copper-based local area networks (LANs), many buildings now find these aging systems fall short under the weight of modern digital demands. That’s where Optical LAN comes in. Built on fiber optics, this modern infrastructure is quickly gaining traction as the preferred infrastructure for smart, sustainable, and future-ready buildings.

What Is Optical LAN?

Optical LAN is a fiber-based networking technology, purpose-built for in-building and campus connectivity, that replaces traditional copper-based infrastructure. At its core, Optical LAN simplifies network architecture by using fewer components. Typically, this means a centralized optical switch connected with a single-mode fiber optic cable to optical modems distributed across the property.

Why fiber now?

As smart buildings continue to deploy new technologies such as IoT, building management systems, Wi-Fi 7, centralized security platforms, tenant-facing digital services and more, the pressure on existing network infrastructure is increasing. Traditional copper-based LANs, designed for a different era, are often unable to keep up.

That’s where fiber technology comes in.

Fiber-based networks offer a robust, future-ready foundation that can meet these rising digital building demands. Optical LAN easily supports speeds of 10G and 25G, with future-readiness for 50G and even 100G. Upgrades are simple and easy. There´s no need to replace the cabling; building operators simply add new wavelengths (light signals) to increase speed or capacity.

Fiber also enables differentiated quality of service over a single optical line, making it ideal for modern smart buildings. For instance, a property can allocate 1G bandwidth to support standard office or residential connectivity, while dedicating 10G to power high-density areas like shared workspaces, digital signage, or Wi-Fi 7-enabled amenities. This flexibility allows building owners to efficiently tailor connectivity to the unique demands of each space without the need for separate networks.

Unlike copper-based technology, which typically requires signal boosters and telecommunications closets every 100 meters, fiber can span up to 20 km without degradation—making it ideal for larger buildings and campuses. This extended reach simplifies network architecture, reduces the need for intermediate hardware, and frees up valuable real estate within the building or campus. The freed-up space can then be repurposed for revenue-generating activities.

Energy efficiency is another driver. Fiber technology is up to eight times more energy-efficient than wired and wireless alternatives. With fewer active electronic components, Optical LAN reduces both energy consumption and cooling needs, using up to 40% less power than traditional LAN. This translates into lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint, critical considerations for green building certifications like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). A recent BREEAM assessment conducted by ENCON revealed a 7.7% boost in BREEAM scores, following the deployment of Optical LAN, with notable gains in areas like energy efficiency, building management, health, and materials.

Importantly, fiber is built to last. Combining Optical LAN with single-mode fiber (SMF) cabling ensures virtually unlimited bandwidth, making the infrastructure future-ready for 50-plus years. This makes it a cost-effective and non-disruptive solution, without the frequent upgrades and increasing complexity typical of traditional LAN infrastructure.

Security also becomes inherently stronger with fiber technology with built-in encryption, device authentication, network segmentation, etc. It’s immune to electromagnetic interference and difficult to tap, offering a more secure foundation for sensitive applications like access control, video surveillance, and tenant data services.

Planning for the Transition

Upgrading from traditional copper-based infrastructure to Optical LAN doesn’t mean starting from scratch. In fact, one of the key benefits of Optical LAN is how well it integrates with existing systems. Building owners can retain current endpoints such as Wi-Fi access points, IP security cameras, HVAC controllers, door access, VoIP phones, etc., while simply replacing the copper cabling and switches. This minimizes disruption to tenants or ongoing operations. And because Optical LAN uses a centralized architecture, updates and maintenance can be managed more easily.

Additionally, Optical LAN is well-suited to refurbish properties, where space constraints or historical heritage might make traditional upgrades prohibitively complex or costly (like this major European museum). With fiber’s long reach and small physical footprint, it's easier to route through tight spaces, older shafts, or existing conduits.

Rethinking the Foundation

As buildings become more intelligent, connected, and environmentally responsible, it’s time to rethink what’s under the foundation of it all. The network is no longer just a utility, but a strategic infrastructure. And the decision to modernize it with Optical LAN can create dividends across the board: better tenant experiences, reduced energy costs, easier management, and a stronger position in a competitive real estate market.

In an era where buildings are judged by more than their curb appeal, smart infrastructure is what sets leaders apart. Optical LAN provides the scalable, sustainable foundation needed to support tomorrow’s smart buildings, today.