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Network Design & Installation

A wireless access point in the ceiling isn’t a network design. We build networks that handle real workloads: video calls, cloud backups, point-of-sale systems, and 40 people on Teams at the same time.

We design, install, and configure everything on a single managed platform. No patchwork of mismatched gear from three different vendors.

Starting at $3,000 for small office setups. Multi-zone and complex designs typically run $8,000–$25,000.

The Problem / Why This Matters

Most small business networks are built by accumulating gear. A router here, a Wi-Fi extender there, a switch someone found on Amazon. It works until it doesn’t.

The moment you add more staff, move to cloud-based applications, or need to segment guest traffic from your internal systems, that cobbled-together setup becomes a liability.

We see this constantly. Businesses that have outgrown their network but don’t know it yet show up as dropped calls, slow file access, staff complaining about Wi-Fi in certain rooms, and IT support tickets that never fully resolve.

What We Do

We design networks from scratch or overhaul what you already have.

• Site survey and heat mapping: we physically walk the space, map coverage requirements, and identify sources of interference
• Network design documentation: a written design showing AP placement, switch locations, VLAN structure, and IP scheme before any equipment ships
• UniFi hardware installation: Ubiquiti UniFi access points, managed switches, and gateways, all managed through a single controller
• VLAN segmentation: separate VLANs for staff, guest, IoT devices, VoIP, and point-of-sale as needed
• Firewall configuration: rules, DNS filtering, and access policies tailored to your environment
• Wi-Fi dead zone remediation: targeted AP placement and mesh configuration where needed
• UniFi Protect integration: security cameras and network on the same management platform
• Network documentation: topology diagram, IP address scheme, VLAN table, and admin credentials in a secure handoff document

Our Process

Step 1: Site Survey We come out and walk the space. We look at the physical layout, count the devices that need connectivity, identify dead zones, and assess your existing infrastructure. For larger spaces we do a wireless heat map assessment.

Step 2: Design and Proposal You get a network design document and a line-item proposal. The design shows AP placement, switch locations, and how traffic will be segmented. You approve the design before we order anything.

Step 3: Installation and Configuration We install all hardware, pull any needed cable runs (or coordinate with our cabling team), and configure the full network. VLAN setup, firewall rules, SSID configuration, and QoS settings are all done before we call it live.

Step 4: Testing and Handoff We verify coverage throughout the space, test failover and redundancy where applicable, confirm all devices connect and route correctly, and hand you full documentation. We also set up your admin access to the UniFi controller.

Why Gladiator IT

We’ve standardized on UniFi (Ubiquiti) hardware across our entire client base. That means our technicians know it cold, not just from a certification video, but from 14 years of deploying it in clinics, law offices, warehouses, and co-working spaces.

The UniFi platform gives you one place to see your entire network: wired, wireless, cameras, and door access. Most of our clients can pull up their network dashboard on a phone and see what’s connected, who’s online, and whether anything needs attention.

We don’t install mystery-box consumer routers and call it a day. Everything we deploy is enterprise-grade, centrally managed, and documented.

What You Can Expect

Timeline: Small office installations typically complete in one day. Complex multi-zone builds or full infrastructure overhauls run 2–4 days for installation, plus 1–2 days for configuration and testing.

What you need to provide: Floor plan (digital or sketched), headcount and device count by area, any specific requirements (VoIP, surveillance, compliance), and access to the IT closet or telecom room.

Communication: You get a design document before we touch anything. We don’t order hardware until you’ve approved the scope.

Q: We already have some UniFi equipment. Can you work with what we have?

A: Yes. We assess your existing hardware, determine what’s worth keeping, and build around it. In some cases existing APs are in wrong locations or running outdated firmware. We’ll flag that in the survey and give you options.

Q: What’s the difference between a VLAN and just having separate Wi-Fi networks?

A: VLANs segment traffic at the switch level, which means isolation is enforced even for wired devices. Separate SSIDs without VLAN backing still share the same layer-2 network, so a guest device can potentially reach internal systems. We implement proper VLAN-backed segmentation.

Q: How many access points do we need for our office?

A: It depends on square footage, building materials, and device density. A 5,000 sq ft open office might need 4 APs. The same square footage with concrete walls and a high device count might need 8. We determine this during the site survey, not by guessing.

Q: Do you support network installations outside Nashville and Phoenix?

A: Our on-site teams cover Nashville/Middle Tennessee and the Phoenix metro. For locations outside those areas, we’ve done remote projects with local low-voltage contractors handling physical installation while we handle the design and configuration remotely. Contact us and we’ll tell you whether your location is feasible.

Q: What happens if we need changes to the network six months from now?

A: We manage networks for most of our clients on a monthly basis. If you’re not on a managed plan, you can still call us for project-based changes. We’ll know your network (it’s documented), so changes don’t require starting from scratch.