The Hidden Costs of Break-Fix IT

Unpredictable Expenses

The break-fix model requires businesses to pay for IT support only when issues arise. While this may seem economical initially, emergency repairs, system failures, and unexpected downtimes can lead to fluctuating and often excessive IT expenses.

Productivity Loss Due to Downtime

System outages directly impact business productivity and revenue. Since break-fix IT services operate reactively, businesses experience prolonged downtimes while waiting for issues to be diagnosed and resolved.

Increased Security Risks

Without ongoing monitoring and proactive security updates, break-fix IT leaves your business vulnerable to cyber threats. Managed IT services ensure continuous security updates, patching, and 24/7 monitoring to safeguard sensitive data.

Temporary Fixes Instead of Long-Term Solutions

Break-fix IT often provides quick fixes rather than addressing underlying issues. Managed IT services take a strategic approach, focusing on long-term stability and proactive issue prevention.

Advantages of Managed IT Services

Proactive System Monitoring & Maintenance

Managed IT services continuously monitor systems to detect and resolve potential issues before they disrupt operations, ensuring seamless business continuity.

Cost-Effective and Predictable IT Expenses

With a fixed monthly fee, businesses can effectively budget their IT expenses without the risk of unexpected repair costs, making IT investments more predictable and manageable.

Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures

Managed IT service providers implement robust security frameworks, including firewalls, endpoint protection, and data backup strategies, ensuring comprehensive protection against evolving cyber threats.

Access to Experienced IT Professionals

Businesses gain access to a team of IT specialists proficient in hardware, software, networking, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, eliminating the need for an in-house IT team.

Comprehensive IT Solutions by RSPL

At Rational Systems, we offer a full suite of IT services, eliminating the need for multiple vendors:

• IT support & troubleshooting (hardware, software, networking, wireless solutions)
• Cybersecurity solutions & data backup
• Website design, development & hosting
• Digital marketing & SEO services

Our all-in-one IT solutions ensure seamless integration, enhanced security, and improved business efficiency.

Upgrade to Managed IT Services Today!

Avoid the high costs and inefficiencies of break-fix IT. Partner with Rational Systems for a proactive, secure, and cost-effective IT strategy tailored to your business needs.

Project Overview

Rational Systems Private Limited was tasked with designing and implementing a robust wireless network for a three-floor private residence in Noida. The client sought uninterrupted, high-speed wireless connectivity throughout their home, which was under construction at the time of our involvement.

Challenges

• Multi-Floor Coverage: Ensuring seamless Wi-Fi coverage across three floors, including areas with potential signal obstructions.
• Centralized Management: The client desired a centralized system that could be easily managed, without the need for multiple routers or extenders.
• Security: The network needed to be secure, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining user-friendly connectivity.

Solution

During the construction phase, we recommended the installation of data cables throughout the residence to enable the deployment of a comprehensive wireless network. Our solution included the following components:

• Aruba Instant On 22 Managed Centralized Wireless Solution: We chose Aruba Instant On for its superior Wi-Fi 6 performance, which offers enhanced speed, capacity, and security features ideal for residential settings.
• Valrack Legrand 12U Wall-Mounted Rack: Installed in a dedicated server room, this rack provides a secure and organized space for the networking equipment.
• TP-Link POE+ Switch: This switch powers all wireless devices via Power over Ethernet (PoE+), simplifying the installation and reducing the need for additional power outlets.
• Mobile App Configuration: The wireless devices were configured using a mobile app, ensuring an easy and efficient setup process.
• WPA3 Security: The network was secured with WPA3 encryption, providing advanced protection against unauthorized access.

Implementation

Our team laid the groundwork by installing data cables on all three floors during the construction phase. Once the building was ready, we set up the Valrack Legrand 12U wall-mounted rack in the server room, installed the TP-Link POE+ switch, and terminated all network cables into the switch.

We then configured the Aruba Instant On wireless devices using the intuitive mobile app, which allowed for a quick and hassle-free setup. The entire network was secured with a WPA3 password, ensuring the highest level of protection.

Outcome

The completed installation resulted in:

• Seamless Connectivity: The client now enjoys strong and reliable Wi-Fi signals throughout the house, with the convenience of a single wireless SSID for the entire property.
• Centralized Management: The Aruba Instant On solution allows the client to manage their network centrally, with minimal maintenance required.
• Enhanced Security: The WPA3-secured network provides peace of mind, knowing that their home network is protected against potential threats.

This project highlights Rational Systems Private Limited’s commitment to delivering customized and efficient networking solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.

Contact Us
For more information on how Rational Systems Private Limited can enhance your home or business connectivity, please visit our website at rational.co.in.

A leading furniture manufacturing company embarked on a digital transformation journey to future-proof its operations. With a sprawling 4-storey facility comprising administrative offices, machine workshops, and high-density warehouse storage, the company faced increasing challenges in maintaining seamless wireless connectivity. Growing reliance on IoT devices, handheld scanners, wireless IP cameras, and smart manufacturing tools demanded a significant upgrade in wireless infrastructure.

The goal was clear: achieve uninterrupted wireless coverage, enhanced network performance, and centralized management to support real-time operations across all areas. The solution? A scalable deployment of UniFi 6 Long Range Access Points (APs) integrated with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) switches.

1. Objectives and Challenges

The client sought to:

• Eliminate dead zones and ensure full wireless coverage across all floors.
• Support high-bandwidth applications and Gigabit wireless speeds in office areas.
• Enable stable, low-latency connectivity for IoT devices in workshop zones.
• Establish a dedicated wireless network for IP security cameras, isolated from operational traffic.
• Simplify infrastructure and reduce installation complexity with PoE+ solutions.

Key challenges included:

• Complex layout with a mix of office partitions, concrete walls, and metal-clad workshop areas.
• High-density usage areas requiring seamless handover and roaming capabilities.
• Long cable runs exceeding 100 meters in some locations.

2. Planning and Design

2.1 Site Survey & Network Assessment

A comprehensive site survey was the first step. The IT team analyzed architectural floor plans, evaluated structural interference sources (like metal beams and industrial machinery), and conducted RF scans to determine baseline wireless performance.

Each floor included:

• Offices: High user density, with laptops and VoIP phones needing consistent high-speed connectivity.
• Workshops: Housing CNC machines and IoT sensors with continuous data exchange.
• Warehouse Zones: Required robust Wi-Fi for handheld barcode scanners and tablets.
• Cameras: Wireless surveillance cameras needed dedicated bandwidth with separate VLAN segmentation.

2.2 AP Placement Strategy

Using the insights from the site survey, a customized AP layout was developed:

• UniFi 6 Long Range APs were placed to maximize coverage and minimize overlap while accounting for wall material and machinery interference.
• Placement ensured zero dead zones, reliable signal strength in warehouse racks, and seamless roaming between floors for mobile users.
• The design anticipated future scalability for more devices and potential automation tools.

2.3 Network Infrastructure Audit

An audit of the existing cabling and switch infrastructure revealed the need for upgrades. Each floor received:

• Dedicated PoE+ switches, strategically located to power the UniFi 6 APs without exceeding the 100-meter CAT6 Ethernet limitation.
• Backbone uplinks were routed to the central server room, with redundancy built in for critical operations.

3. Installation Process

3.1 Structured Cabling

• High-quality CAT6 cables were installed following TIA/EIA-568 standards.
• Cable trays and raceways were used to maintain organization and future serviceability.
• Attention was given to minimize EMI (electromagnetic interference) in workshop areas.

3.2 Switch Setup

• PoE+ switches were installed on each floor, connected back to the core switch via fiber uplinks.
• VLANs were configured for data, voice, IoT, and surveillance networks to ensure performance isolation.
• Remote monitoring and control were enabled via UniFi Network Controller integration.

3.3 Access Point Deployment

• UniFi 6 APs were mounted in pre-surveyed spots with optimal height and line of sight.
• Devices were automatically adopted into the UniFi Controller, allowing for unified configuration, firmware updates, and performance monitoring.
• Guest network and WPA3 Enterprise security were configured for staff and IoT segmentation.

4. Testing and Optimization

4.1 Coverage Validation

• Engineers conducted walk-through signal tests with spectrum analyzers and mobile devices to map real-time coverage.
• Identified weak zones were quickly addressed by adjusting AP placement or signal strength parameters.

4.2 Performance Benchmarks

Before-and-after benchmarks were recorded:

• Data Speeds: Uplift of up to 70% in average wireless download/upload speeds.
• Latency: Reduced average ping to critical services by over 50%.
• Throughput: Increased AP throughput capacity supported simultaneous users without noticeable degradation.

4.3 Roaming and Device Handover

• Employees using mobile devices and scanners experienced uninterrupted roaming as they moved between different floors.
• Testing ensured zero packet loss during handoff between APs.

5. Outcome and Impact

The UniFi 6 deployment significantly transformed the factory’s wireless infrastructure:

• Complete coverage across all operational zones with no dead spots.
• Scalable network ready to support more IoT devices, automation tools, and security systems.
• Centralized management through the UniFi Controller simplified maintenance and performance tracking.
• Improved operational efficiency, thanks to faster and more reliable network access.

Conclusion

This project highlights the importance of thorough planning, strategic AP placement, and quality hardware in achieving enterprise-grade wireless performance. By choosing UniFi 6 APs and PoE+ technology, the furniture manufacturer not only solved their immediate connectivity issues but also laid the foundation for a smarter, more connected factory.

Disclaimer: “This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.”

Here are the steps to upgrade your network switch and potentially improve your wireless network speed:

Select a Gigabit (1000 Mbps) PoE+ Switch: Ensure that you purchase a PoE network switch that supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) speeds. Verify that it also has enough PoE ports to power your UniFi AC LR AP and any other PoE devices you may have. In my case today Unifi AC LR takes 6.5 Watt maximum power consumption. Other higher AP’s can take upto 30 Watt Power Consumption so calculate you rpower requirements accordingly.

I bought a D-LINK 24 Port Gigabit POE+ Switch with 250 Watt and 250 Mtr Capacity. As I have 14 Devices and my cables are running more than 100 Mtr. on 3 Floors so i wanted to be sure of capacity for future use also.

Install and Configure the New Switch:

• Physically install the new PoE switch in your network setup.
• Connect the switch to your existing network infrastructure (router, modem, etc.) using appropriate Ethernet cables.
• Configure the switch with the necessary settings, such as VLANs, if applicable.

Connect the UniFi AC LR AP:

• I had POE adapters for all AP which i removed to clear the rack space and make is more easy with POE Switch.
• Connect the UniFi AC LR AP to one of the Gigabit PoE ports on the new switch using an Ethernet cable.
• Ensure that the PoE functionality on the switch is enabled for the port connected to the AP so that it receives power through the Ethernet cable.

Configure the UniFi Controller:

• If you’re using a UniFi Controller for managing your AP, access the controller’s interface and update the configuration to reflect the changes.
• The UniFi Controller may detect the new AP if it’s properly connected to the network.

Test the Speed: To see if the network speed has improved, perform speed tests from devices connected to the UniFi AC LR AP. You can use online speed test tools or dedicated applications to assess your wireless network’s performance.

I was getting max 50 to 70 MBPS speeds on wireless with 2.4 GHz. after replacing POE injectors with Gigabit POE+ Switch I got speeds from 270 MBPS to 350 MBPS depending on laptop wireless card configuration

It’s important to remember that while upgrading the switch can eliminate a potential bottleneck, other factors can also affect your wireless network speed, such as interference, distance from the AP, and the capabilities of the connected devices. If you want to further optimize your wireless network speed, consider:

• Ensuring that your wireless devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards (e.g., 802.11ac or 802.11ax).
• Positioning the UniFi AC LR AP in an optimal location to minimize interference and maximize coverage.
• Reducing the number of devices sharing the wireless network to reduce congestion.
• Adjusting the Wi-Fi settings on the UniFi AC LR AP through the UniFi Controller for optimal performance.

By addressing these factors in addition to upgrading your switch, you can work towards achieving higher wireless network speeds with your UniFi AC LR AP.

Need support with improving wireless performance with existing devices, or need high performance wireless network which can be managed centrally for home, office, campus, etc..

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