Fiber for MDUs
Bulk Internet for Apartments & Multi-Family Communities
Netxperx® delivers fiber connectivity to your MDU, ensuring fast, reliable internet with maximum bandwidth and consistent high speeds over long distances.
Before installing internet in your multi-family property, consider these three key options, all of which Netxperx® has successfully implemented.
How Netxprex Installs Fiber
ALWAYS
1. Fiber to Premises
Running fiber to the MDU or campus forms the foundation of bulk internet service. Netxperx® delivers up to 100Gb backbones, tailored to your property’s size, bandwidth demands, and budget. While Cat 6 and wireless can distribute broadband from the fiber connection, extending fiber to telecom closets ensures superior long-term performance.
ALWAYS
2. Fiber Between Risers or Telecom Closets
In our recommended solution, we run fiber between risers (telecom closets) to ensure maximum reliability and bandwidth capacity. This approach provides unlimited scalability and future-proof upgrades while delivering top speeds to every access point. From there, the access points efficiently manage each apartment’s LAN, ensuring seamless connectivity.
OPTIONAL
3. Fiber to Each Apartment Unit
Consumer devices don’t connect directly to fiber—they rely on Ethernet or WiFi. Running fiber to each unit adds extra hardware, creating failure points and inconvenience for tenants and property owners.
Another concern is power dependency. If fiber runs directly to a unit and the building loses power, residents lose connectivity and WiFi calling. However, using Cat6a from data closets to WiFi access points, with power backups, prevents outages. If the building has a generator, the internet remains active, ensuring access to emergency services like 911.
For these reasons, fiber to individual apartments is only practical during new construction for future-proofing.
Fiber Installation at Your Property
We recommend installing fiber to each building and telecom closet, rather than to each apartment. This setup provides optimal performance for tenants while maximizing value for property owners.
Why This Approach?
✅ Best Performance: Fiber runs to telecom closets, with Cat6 cables home-run to each apartment, ensuring fast and stable connections.
✅ Wired & Wireless Connectivity: Each unit gets a wired connection for video streaming and gaming, reducing bandwidth strain on the WiFi network.
✅ No Extra Hardware in Apartments: No need for active equipment or media panels inside units—broadband is seamlessly managed from telecom rooms.
✅ Centralized Power & Support: Access Points (APs) are remotely powered from switches in telecom rooms, making maintenance easier, faster, and more reliable.
This structured approach guarantees top-tier service, scalability, and easy maintenance while future-proofing your property’s network.
Fiber Installation at Your Property
Delivering fiber directly to each apartment comes with several drawbacks:
🚫 Additional Equipment Needed: Each unit would require an ONT (modem) to convert fiber to Ethernet. This means extra hardware inside apartments.
🚫 Power Dependency: ONTs require AC power, creating potential downtime during outages unless a backup power solution is in place.
🚫 Increased Maintenance & Costs: Extra equipment means higher costs, more potential failure points, and added complexity for both property managers and residents.
🚫 Limited Benefits: Residents still connect via Ethernet or WiFi, so fiber-to-the-unit doesn’t significantly improve performance compared to a well-optimized fiber-to-building setup.
🚫 No Direct Fiber Connections: No consumer devices connect directly via fiber—they still use Ethernet or WiFi. Installing fiber to each unit doesn’t improve connectivity for residents.
🚫 Power Limitations:
Access points require power, but fiber cannot carry power like Ethernet can.
FTTU requires extra equipment in each apartment, increasing costs and potential failure points.
🚫 Connectivity Issues During Outages:
With FTTU, if power goes out, so does Internet & WiFi calling, leaving residents disconnected.
Netxprex® powers access points from telecom closets, using backup power to keep residents online even during outages.
- If you bring fiber to the apartment, you’ll still need an ONT (modem) in the unit, which requires AC power.
- An equipment cabinet in each apartment is also needed to convert fiber to ethernet.
- This costly setup adds complexity and potential issues inside residents’ homes, with little added value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Bulk TV Services
What is MDU fiber?
MDU fiber is fiber-optic internet tailored for Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) like apartments, condos, and other multi-family properties. It offers residents faster, more reliable internet for streaming, gaming, remote work, and more, significantly improving their online experience.
How do companies install fiber-optic internet?
Installing fiber-optic internet in MDUs involves several steps:
Site Assessment: A team evaluates the property to plan the best routes for fiber installation.
Permitting: Necessary permits are secured to comply with local regulations.
Installation: Fiber-optic cables are installed, often running from a central point to individual units. This may use existing conduits or new pathways.
Testing: The system is tested to ensure it works perfectly before going live.
The process is designed to minimize disruption to residents.
How does fiber-optic internet differ from traditional broadband?
Fiber-optic internet uses light signals to transmit data through glass or plastic fibers, offering much higher speeds and greater bandwidth than traditional broadband, which relies on copper wires. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better performance, even during busy times.
What is the average cost of MDU fiber installation?
The cost of MDU fiber installation varies based on property size, existing infrastructure, and local practices. At Netxprex, we know every property is unique. Larger MDUs may see a more efficient installation process, potentially reducing costs. For a detailed evaluation and customized recommendations, contact our team for an assessment.
Is MDU fiber scalable for future growth?
Yes, MDU fiber is built to scale. It can easily adapt to increasing demands for speed and capacity, ensuring your community stays up-to-date with future technology and resident needs without a complete system overhaul.