Retirement Community Upgrades Communications System While Saving $100K and Eliminating Operational Disruption with Modern PoE Innovations

Retirement Community Avoids $100K in Network Infrastructure Costs and Minimizes Electronic Waste by Leveraging PoLRE Innovations 

3-minute read time

Summary 

• A continuing care retirement community needed to upgrade its outdated telecommunication system without incurring prohibitive cabling costs, initially quoted at over $200,000. 
• The retirement community leveraged its existing and proven network infrastructure to deploy a new IP communication solution by using NVT Phybridge’s PoLRE solution. 
• The deployment was completed efficiently in just two days, saving approximately $100,000 in installation costs and avoiding two months of downtime and operational disruption. 
• The PoLRE switch innovation’s extended reach capabilities made it possible to deliver both power and data over single-pair UTP cabling, four times farther than traditional PoE switches. 
• The solution reduced monthly operational costs and aligned with the retirement community’s sustainability goals by minimizing electronic waste and avoiding disruptive construction. 
• Vocal IP, the reseller partner, praised the PoE-powered solution for its ease of installation and ability to resolve significant infrastructure challenges. 

Challenge 

As part of its commitment to resident well-being and operational efficiency, the retirement community sought to upgrade its aging analog communication system with a new IP solution. However, the project faced several challenges: 

1. High Network Readiness Costs: The initial quote for re-cabling the facility’s expansive 83-acre campus exceeded $200,000. 
2. Infrastructure Limitations: The existing system included wall phones without proper termination points in the telecom closets, complicating the IP modernization. 
3. System Reliability: Frequent failures of the current system added operational burdens and the facility director was unable to devote sufficient time to manage these ongoing issues due to other critical responsibilities. 

The retirement community needed a solution that would modernize its telecommunication system without the high costs and disruption associated with traditional networking methodologies. 

Solution 

The retirement community took a modern approach to upgrade its communication infrastructure by implementing the NVT Phybridge PoLRE solution, which delivers Ethernet and PoE power over existing CAT3 cabling, providing a reliable IP network across the entire facility. By leveraging the facility’s existing network infrastructure, the solution avoided the unnecessary network overhaul, significantly reducing installation time. The PoLRE innovation provided reliable power to the new IP phones using the existing wiring, enabling a quick and seamless two-day deployment by just three technicians. 

The PoLRE switch includes an intuitive web-based GUI, simplifying system management and eliminating the need for additional training on a new PBX system. The knowledgeable facilities manager at the retirement community was crucial in coordinating the installation, ensuring punch blocks were correctly aligned with the necessary extensions, and facilitating a smooth and seamless deployment. The PoLRE switch delivers Ethernet and PoE over single-pair UTP cabling with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach—four times farther than standard PoE switches. 

Result 

Implementing NVT Phybridge’s PoLRE solution delivered significant and immediate benefits to retirement community. Financially, the project resulted in approximately $100,000 in installation savings compared to the original network infrastructure quotes. In addition to these upfront savings, the facility experienced reduced monthly operational costs, as the reuse of existing cabling and infrastructure eliminated the need for additional equipment. The PoE-powered IP communication system provided retirement community with a reliable and modern network, resolving the operational challenges caused by the previous analog system.  

“We had a very pleasant experience using NVT Phybridge products. It worked as advertised and solved a large issue we had, which was the inability to run new wiring for the customer.”
Eugene Gutman from Vocal IP, the project’s reseller partner

Gutman also noted that the PoE phones performed precisely as expected, and any minor support needs were promptly addressed by the NVT Phybridge support team, who provided clear guidance and quick resolutions. 

Sustainability 

Retirement Community is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents while minimizing its environmental impact. The NVT Phybridge solution aligned with these sustainability goals by significantly reducing electronic waste. By reusing the existing CAT3, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure, the facility avoided the environmental impact associated with the disposal of old cabling and the installation of new infrastructure. This approach not only preserved the scenic landscape of Retirement Community’s 83-acre campus but also minimized disruptions to daily operations. Additionally, the energy efficiency of the PoLRE solution contributed to a lower overall carbon footprint compared to older analog systems. 

The successful deployment of the NVT Phybridge solution modernized Retirement Community’s communication infrastructure and supported the organization’s broader sustainability initiatives. This project exemplifies how innovative technology can meet operational needs while supporting environmental stewardship. 

About Vocal IP 

Founded in 2006 by telecom engineers, Vocal IP has grown into a nationwide provider of Data, Voice, UCaaS, and Managed Video Surveillance services. The privately owned company has achieved steady organic growth, backed by a reliable network and expert engineering staff. With multi-access transport methods and 24/7/365 technical support, Vocal IP ensures high-quality service and seamless installation. Combining the capabilities of a major carrier with the customer focus of an IT consulting firm, Vocal IP delivers both expertise and reliability. 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.