Overview
Morguard manages a large portfolio of retail properties across Canada. As shopping centres rely more heavily on guest Wi-Fi, operational technologies, security systems, and tenant connectivity, Morguard partnered with Andorix to modernize and manage network infrastructure across several retail properties.
Today, Andorix supports Morguard with managed networking, infrastructure modernization, and wireless optimization across multiple shopping centres.
Challenge
Retail properties are complex connectivity environments. A typical shopping centre must support:
- security and surveillance systems
- people counting and analytics platforms
- building operational technologies
- optional tenant connectivity
- guest Wi-Fi networks
Typically, retail properties over time develop fragmented network environments due to aging equipment, different cabling standards and multiple independent Wi-Fi networks which would create limited visibility into network performance and increased operational complexity.
As technology gets added over time, different systems, different vendors, different networks create a patchwork of infrastructure that is difficult to manage and scale. As Morguard evaluated its portfolio, it became clear that a strategic approach to network infrastructure was required.
Solution
Andorix works with Morguard to support network operations across its retail portfolio while helping the company plan and deploy modernization projects when infrastructure refreshes are required.
The partnership focuses on three core areas:
- network management
- infrastructure modernization
- wireless network optimization
Portfolio Network Management
Across Morguard’s retail portfolio, Andorix manages the underlying network infrastructure that supports building operations. This includes monitoring network performance, responding to issues and outages, supporting new technology deployments within new projects and advising on infrastructure planning and upgrades
Infrastructure Modernization
When network infrastructure reaches end of life, Andorix helps Morguard evaluate the most appropriate technology architecture based on the long-term plans for each property as not every property requires the same level of infrastructure investment. Sometimes the right solution is a full fiber PON network deployment, other times refreshing or managing existing infrastructure is to plan which depends on the longer-term vision for the property.
At Pine Centre Mall in Prince George, BC, the network was modernized using a Passive Optical Network (PON) architecture, delivering a high-capacity fiber backbone designed to support long-term scalability and operational efficiency.
At Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre in Edmonton, AB where future redevelopment plans were being evaluated, Andorix implemented a targeted network refresh using upgraded Active Ethernet equipment, extending the life of the existing infrastructure while preserving flexibility for future redesigns.
This flexible approach allows Morguard to align technology investments with its broader capital planning strategy.
Wi-Fi Network Transformation
A common challenge encountered in retail properties is fragmented wireless infrastructure.
At Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford, BC, Andorix discovered that multiple Wi-Fi networks had been deployed independently over several years. Each network operated on separate infrastructure with separate internet connections, creating unnecessary complexity and operational cost.
After assessing the existing environment, Andorix designed a unified wireless architecture that leveraged the mall’s existing fiber backbone, replaced outdated equipment, consolidated multiple networks into a single platform and upgrading the wireless infrastructure to Wi-Fi 6E standards.
The consolidation significantly simplified network management while improving performance across the property. By consolidating four separate Wi-Fi networks into one modern platform, the mall improves performance while eliminating redundant infrastructure and connectivity costs.
Network Assessments and Planning
In many cases, modernization begins with a detailed assessment of the existing network environment.
At St. Laurent Shopping Centre in Ottawa, ON, Morguard requested support after users reported inconsistent guest Wi-Fi performance.
Andorix conducted a full wireless survey, analyzing spectrum usage throughout the mall and identifying the root causes of interference and coverage gaps. This involved walking the entire property and analyzing the wireless spectrum throughout the mall. In retail environments, tenant Wi-Fi networks can compete for the same spectrum, which creates performance challenges if the networks are not properly aligned.
The assessment enabled Morguard to better understand the underlying infrastructure and evaluate options for future network upgrades.
Results
Retail environments are becoming increasingly dependent on reliable connectivity to support building operations, tenant services, and digital customer experiences.
Morguard is taking a portfolio-wide approach to network modernization, ensuring its retail properties remain resilient, scalable, and ready for the next generation of smart building technologies.
Through its partnership with Andorix, Morguard has improved operational visibility and modernized network infrastructure across its retail portfolio.
Highlights
- Greater network reliability through proactive monitoring and infrastructure upgrades
- Simplified network architecture by consolidating multiple legacy networks
- Lower operating costs by reducing redundant internet connections and aging equipment
- Future-ready infrastructure that can support smart building technologies, analytics, and wireless innovation
Modernizing network infrastructure across Morguard’s retail portfolio has been a strategic priority for us. We have a vision for creating more scalable, reliable, and future-ready infrastructure and Andorix has been an important partner in helping us bring that vision to fruition.
John Chung
Chief Information Officer at Morguard