One network, total control: the case for converged LAN in hotels

As technology continues to redefine hospitality, hoteliers are under growing pressure to deliver frictionless digital experiences. From check-in to check-out, guests expect seamless WiFi, smart room features, and streaming-ready televisions—all without glitches or delays.

But managing all these systems across multiple networks can be both complex and costly. That’s where a converged managed LAN comes in: a future-ready solution that simplifies operations, improves service reliability, and empowers hotels to thrive in a connected world.

What is a converged managed LAN?

At its core, a converged managed Local Area Network brings all your hotel’s digital services—like WiFi, IPTV, telephony, CCTV, and even building management—onto one unified infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate networks for each service, everything is managed centrally over a secure, scalable system.

Wifirst, a European leader in WiFi as a Service, helps hotels implement this strategy by delivering fully managed, bespoke networks designed for the specific demands of the hospitality sector. With their end-to-end expertise, hotels benefit from a seamless deployment and proactive, 24/7 support.

Converging infrastructures is, above all, about minimising risks

Hotel environments are inherently complex, often spanning multiple floors with a diverse range of spaces—guest rooms, lobbies, bars and restaurants, meeting rooms, and fitness centres. Compounding this complexity is the array of network and radio infrastructures required for essential services like reservation systems, WiFi, electronic locks, and room automation.

This diversity of systems can lead to higher costs, increased risk of interference, and greater maintenance challenges. For instance, who takes responsibility if a WiFi issue disrupts the functionality of electronic locks? Or if a network failure affects the tablets staff rely on to manage guest requests?

By adopting a unified infrastructure, hotels can significantly lower costs and simplify technical management. Romain Delguste, Manager Opening & Onboarding – Accor Tech ENA specifies:

Choosing Wifirst's is first of all a simplification of the entire operational aspect: we work with a single supplier who is entirely responsible for the infrastructure. 

Wifirst has developed sophisticated tools for anomaly detection and problem resolution, allowing for rapid identification and correction of potential issues. This reduces service interruptions, ensuring a seamless experience for both guests and staff. 

A UNIFIED NETWORK AT SO/ PARIS

Real-world results from hospitality innovators

More and more forward-thinking hotel groups are turning to converged networks to enhance their service offering and boost efficiency.

Across Europe, Numa Group, a trailblazer in fully digital, contactless hospitality, partnered with Wifirst to standardise its network services. The converged LAN enabled numa to scale quickly, maintain high guest satisfaction scores, and support fully automated hotel operations across multiple countries. 

Aethos Hotels, known for its curated, design-led properties, needed to replace fragmented infrastructure across its sites. Wifirst delivered a converged solution that unified guest WiFi, staff networks, CCTV, and IPTV, providing a more cohesive and secure digital experience for both guests and teams. 

In the UK, major groups like Citadines (part of The Ascott Limited) and Champneys Health Spa have also worked with Wifirst to adopt converged networks. From enhanced IPTV to remote network management, these partnerships have allowed hoteliers to offer more modern experiences while gaining full control over their IT ecosystems. 

Cost-efficient and future-proof

Converged LANs don’t just reduce complexity—they reduce cost. By consolidating digital services onto a single infrastructure, hoteliers avoid duplicate investments, minimise maintenance costs, and eliminate the need for expensive upgrades across multiple systems.

Consolidating infrastructures becomes especially advantageous for newly constructed hotels. Marc Dorel, Key Account Manager for the Accor Group, explains :

During a redeployment, Wifirst accounts for all constraints to prepare the local network for the integration of the converged radio infrastructure. Our teams conduct a thorough audit of the existing network and collaborate with IT teams to optimise the configuration, ensuring the network is fully prepared for the new infrastructure and tailored to the hotel’s specific needs. For properties already equipped with automation systems or connected locks, installation savings alone exceed 30%.

ACCOR X WIFIRST : 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP

As your property grows or guest expectations shift, the network scales with you. Whether adding new IoT features, more rooms, or smarter entertainment, Wifirst’s solution is designed to evolve—without disruption.

The smart choice for a connected future

A converged managed LAN isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic asset. It ensures every guest interaction is smooth, every back-end system is integrated, and your team can operate with clarity and control.

The power of centralised data goes beyond operational efficiency. It enables hotels to gain deeper insights into guest behaviour, streamline operations, and boost revenue through personalised marketing initiatives, such as exclusive offers for loyal customers or tailored recommendations based on preferences.

For hoteliers ready to embrace the future of digital hospitality, Wifirst offers the expertise, technology, and support to make it happen.