Case Study: Enhancing Connectivity at Pegasus Park for Cobelpro

22 July 2024, 15:15

Introduction

Cobelpro, established in 1992, is a leading real estate management and advisory company based in Belgium and Luxembourg. Specializing in commercial and residential property management, Cobelpro serves private investors, insurance companies, and family businesses that invest in real estate but prefer not to be directly involved in its management. With a reputation for providing comprehensive real estate services, Cobelpro oversees properties with professional diligence, making them one of the foremost players in the market.

Pegasus Park, located in Diegem, Belgium, is a modern, green office development about 8 km east of Brussels. Since its inception in 1999, Pegasus Park has provided a serene, suburban environment with state-of-the-art office spaces. The park’s proximity to Brussels city center and Brussels Airport, along with its excellent transportation links, makes it an ideal location for businesses seeking a blend of accessibility and tranquility.

Client Needs and Objectives

As a property manager, Cobelpro searches for a partner to manage IT infrastructure in the common areas of the buildings, which is a unique and specialized skill set. By outsourcing the procurement and management of the internet connection to FlatTurtle, Cobelpro ensures a single point of contact for all their network needs across the site. This arrangement allows Cobelpro to easily delegate issues to FlatTurtle, who can then work with other vendors to provide secure internet access or resolve networking problems. Cobelpro can focus on their core competencies while trusting FlatTurtle to handle the intricate aspects of network management.

Additionally, Cobelpro provides unique services across the entire site, including free and password-less WiFi access. This service promotes productivity and flexibility, especially post-COVID, where people prefer to work from various locations, including outdoor spaces. By ensuring robust connectivity, Cobelpro enhances the appeal of Pegasus Park to tenants and visitors, allowing them to work from anywhere within the park comfortably.

Cobelpro is a modern and forward-looking company that anticipates digital trends. By providing WiFi access in parking areas ahead of the widespread adoption of smart cars, they are ahead of the curve. This foresight allows users to summon or preheat/cool their cars while still walking from their office space, showcasing Cobelpro’s commitment to staying ahead in the digital age.

Our Solutions

1. Internet Connection Installation and Management:
   • We established a high-speed internet connection with redundant links to ensure reliability and continuous uptime.
   • Managed the internet infrastructure to provide consistent performance and quick response to any issues.
2. WiFi Deployment:
   • Installed and configured advanced WiFi systems to ensure robust indoor coverage throughout the office buildings.
   • Extended WiFi coverage to outdoor areas, including shared spaces and the restaurant, to facilitate seamless connectivity for all users.
3. Vendor Equipment Connectivity:
   • Collaborated with various vendors to integrate their equipment into the network.
   • Implemented private VLANs, port forwarding, and firewall rules to ensure security and optimal performance for vendor equipment.
4. Long-Distance Point-to-Point WiFi:
   • Deployed long-distance WiFi links to bridge connectivity between buildings.
   • Set up a network of LORA gateways operating in master/slave mode to provide a cohesive and reliable network for specific use cases.
5. Connectivity in Areas with Limited Cell Signal:
   • Provided connectivity in areas where there is commonly no cell signal (3G/4G), such as parking spaces. This increases the feeling of safety during dark winters or when there is no one in the office, ensuring users stay connected with mobile devices.
   • Facilitated easy access to charging stations through apps or for payments, enhancing convenience for users.
6. Digital Signage:
   • Installed digital signage (information screens) in entrance halls of buildings; allowing the community managers to effectively communicate with tenants.
   • Show case the mobility (De Lijn, NMBS and Brussels Ring) around the park.

Implementation Process

Pegasus Park started working with FlatTurtle over 10 years ago, adopting a strategy of small, continuous improvements based on market needs and feedback. This approach has involved:

• Planning and Design:
  • Conducted a thorough site survey to understand the layout and specific needs of Pegasus Park.
  • Designed a tailored networking solution to meet Cobelpro’s objectives.
• Deployment:
  • Implemented the internet connection and WiFi systems, ensuring minimal disruption to existing operations.
  • Collaborated closely with vendors to integrate their equipment and set up necessary network configurations.
• Testing and Optimization:
  • Conducted extensive testing to ensure all systems were functioning as expected.
  • Optimized the network for performance and reliability, addressing any issues promptly.

Keeping a tight feedback loop with tenants and vendors has been crucial in making Pegasus Park a highly sought-after place to work. Cobelpro excels at gathering and acting on feedback, with FlatTurtle helping to achieve these continuous enhancements.

Results and Benefits

• Enhanced Internet Reliability:
  • Achieved consistent high-speed internet connectivity across Pegasus Park, significantly improving productivity and tenant satisfaction.
• Seamless WiFi Coverage:
  • Provided robust indoor and outdoor WiFi coverage, ensuring users could connect from anywhere within the park.
• Improved Vendor Connectivity:
  • Facilitated secure and efficient connectivity for vendor equipment, enhancing overall network security and performance.
• Successful Long-Distance WiFi Bridging:
  • Established reliable long-distance WiFi links, enabling cohesive operation of LORA gateways and other networked systems.
• Optimized Connectivity in Areas with Limited Cell Signal:
  • Ensured reliable connectivity in areas like parking spaces, increasing safety and convenience. Users can stay connected with mobile devices and easily access charging stations for payments and app usage.

Client Testimonial

“Cobelpro has been highly impressed with FlatTurtle’s expertise and professionalism in enhancing the connectivity at Pegasus Park. Their solutions and continuous improvements have sustained and significantly improved our network reliability and performance, meeting all our needs and more. We look forward to continuing our partnership.” – Davy Braem

Conclusion

FlatTurtle’s innovative networking solutions have transformed Pegasus Park into a highly connected and efficient business environment. By addressing Cobelpro’s needs with precision and expertise, we have laid the foundation for future growth and continued excellence in real estate management. Our partnership with Cobelpro exemplifies our commitment to delivering top-notch networking solutions tailored to our clients’ unique requirements.

About FlatTurtle

FlatTurtle provides tailor-made IT solutions and hardware installation services, such as video conferencing, audio, cabling, tenant signage, and internet setup. With roots tracing back to iRail.be, a Belgian community focused on open data, FlatTurtle has grown to develop and commercialize digital signage software that presents live information on digital displays at any location. Operating within the commercial real estate industry, FlatTurtle is described as a “new type of tech” for this sector. A significant part of our focus in the modern interconnected world is to provide secure internet access to all types of devices, from desktops for receptionists or on-site technicians to WiFi for tenants and visitors, robust coworking space WiFi, wired internet for servers and network equipment, and connecting IoT devices.