Project: Enterprise wireless connectivity for two cold-store and dry-store warehouses
Client: Ocean Fair International
Coverage: Approximately 2 million sq. ft. across two warehouse facilities
Technology: Radiating cable infrastructure, Cisco networking and Meraki wireless access points
Project Overview
Ocean Fair International required dependable wireless connectivity across two large warehouse facilities comprising cold-storage and dry-storage environments. Together, the sites cover approximately 2 million square feet. The operating conditions, long aisles, insulated cold-room construction, dense storage areas and changing inventory layouts created a demanding environment for conventional wireless coverage.
TLS IT Solutions designed and delivered an integrated connectivity solution combining radiating cable infrastructure with Cisco networking and Meraki access points. The objective was to create a practical wireless foundation that could support warehouse teams, connected devices and day-to-day operations across both facilities.
The Connectivity Challenge
Large warehouses rarely behave like open office spaces. High racks, metal structures, insulated walls, refrigeration equipment and stored goods can absorb or reflect wireless signals. Coverage can also change as stock levels and storage layouts change. In cold-storage areas, thick insulated panels and controlled-temperature zones add further barriers.
For Ocean Fair International, the project therefore required more than placing standard access points at regular intervals. The design had to consider the physical characteristics of each area and provide controlled signal distribution along the routes where teams and devices operate.
TLS IT Solutions’ Approach
TLS IT Solutions approached the two warehouses as distinct environments while keeping the overall network architecture consistent. The work focused on practical coverage planning, suitable equipment placement and integration between the radiating cable system and the Cisco and Meraki network components.
1. Site assessment and coverage planning
The warehouse layouts were reviewed to identify cold rooms, dry-storage aisles, loading and operational zones, physical obstructions and likely areas of weak signal penetration. This planning helped determine where conventional wireless access points could be used effectively and where radiating cable offered a better method of distributing coverage.
2. Radiating cable for challenging areas
Radiating cable, also known as leaky feeder cable, acts as a controlled signal-distribution path. Instead of relying only on a signal transmitted from one fixed point, the cable allows radio-frequency energy to be distributed along its length. This makes it suitable for long aisles, enclosed storage areas and other locations where obstacles can create coverage gaps.
The radiating cable routes were planned around the operational layout of the facilities, with particular attention to the cold-store environment and areas where conventional wireless propagation could be restricted.
3. Cisco and Meraki wireless integration
Cisco networking and Meraki access points formed part of the wider wireless design. Access-point placement was coordinated with the radiating cable infrastructure so that the different technologies worked as one solution rather than as separate systems. This supported centralized network management and a structured approach to wireless coverage across both warehouses.
4. Installation for cold-store and dry-store conditions
Installation planning considered the different operating conditions in the two storage environments. In cold-storage areas, routes and mounting points had to suit insulated structures and temperature-controlled operations. In dry-storage zones, the design accounted for long aisles, high racking and changing stock density. The project was organized to reduce interference with normal warehouse activity while allowing each stage to be checked before completion.
5. Testing and validation
After installation, the solution was reviewed across the intended operational areas. Testing focused on identifying weak zones, validating access-point and radiating-cable coverage, and adjusting the system where required. This final verification helped ensure that the completed network matched the practical needs of the two facilities.
The Delivered Solution
- Wireless coverage design for two warehouses covering approximately 2 million sq. ft.
- Radiating cable infrastructure for difficult cold-store and dry-store areas
- Cisco network components integrated into the warehouse infrastructure
- Meraki wireless access points positioned for operational coverage
- Installation planning suited to insulated rooms, long aisles and high-rack storage
- Coverage testing, verification and final adjustments
Business Value
The completed project provided Ocean Fair International with a more structured wireless foundation across its large and technically challenging warehouse environments. By combining radiating cable with Cisco and Meraki technology, TLS IT Solutions addressed areas where an access-point-only design could be affected by insulation, metal racking and changing inventory.
The solution was designed to support reliable day-to-day connectivity for warehouse operations and to provide a manageable infrastructure that can be reviewed as operational requirements evolve.
Why Radiating Cable Works in Warehouses
Radiating cable can be particularly useful in cold stores, warehouses, tunnels, basements and industrial facilities because it distributes signal along a planned route. Used with properly selected network equipment and wireless access points, it can help reduce difficult coverage zones created by physical obstructions.
Every facility is different. Cable routes, access-point locations and network configuration should be based on the building layout, construction materials, operating environment and the devices that must connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can radiating cable be used with enterprise wireless access points?
Yes. A radiating cable system can form part of a wider enterprise wireless design. The correct architecture depends on the facility, required frequencies, network equipment and coverage objectives.
Is radiating cable suitable for cold-storage facilities?
It can be suitable where insulated walls, cold-room construction and long enclosed areas make ordinary wireless coverage difficult. The cable, connectors, mounting method and supporting equipment must be selected for the intended environment.
Can the same design be used in every warehouse?
No. Warehouse dimensions, rack height, stored materials, insulation and operational routes all influence wireless behaviour. A site-specific assessment and coverage plan are essential.
Plan Your Warehouse Connectivity Project
TLS IT Solutions designs and implements radiating cable solutions, structured cabling and enterprise network infrastructure for warehouses and industrial facilities across the region. Contact our team to discuss your facility requirements or request a quotation.
