Viewpoints
A seamless blend of physical infrastructure and digital intelligence is no longer futuristic. It’s what residents expect.
Imagine walking into a new apartment where the lights adjust as you enter, the air temperature is just right, and the Wi-Fi is already up and running before you even unpack.
No installation. No troubleshooting — no waiting.
That is the power of a truly connected community — a seamless blend of physical infrastructure and digital intelligence designed to enhance everyday living.
This vision is no longer futuristic. It is quickly becoming the standard for what residents expect and what operators must deliver to stay competitive in the evolving rental market.
From fragmentation to connected living
For years, the promise of smart buildings has been hindered by complexity: too many vendors, disconnected dashboards, and devices that do not work together. The result is frustrated residents, overwhelmed staff, and underperforming technology investments.
Today, the industry is shifting from fragmented point solutions to unified platforms that bring entire ecosystems together. These platforms integrate devices, automate operations, and deliver seamless digital experiences for residents, guests and operators. This transformation is not just about technology; it is about meeting modern expectations and improving performance across every dimension of multifamily operations.
Connectivity is the backbone
Reliable, always-on, property-wide internet access is no longer a perk. It is infrastructure.
Connectivity forms the foundation that every smart building system depends on.
- According to a July 22, 2025 article in HousingWire, referencing the 2024 NMHC/Grace Hill survey, 87% of renters expect Wi-Fi to be live the moment they move in.
- Multifamily Executive highlights data from Parks Associates’ “Community WiFi: A Tactical Guide for the Multifamily Market,” finding that 79% of renters are interested in seamless connectivity throughout their community.
- The Parks Associates study reveals that just 1% of renters currently have the freedom to roam their apartment community with uninterrupted Wi-Fi service, despite high demand for seamless connectivity.
From thermostats and leak sensors to mobile access control and streaming services, every touchpoint depends on a strong and secure network.
The smart building stack — from devices to experience
The most effective smart building strategies are built on four interlocking layers:
- Connected devices
Smart locks, thermostats, meters, and other devices are the foundation, but without orchestration, they remain isolated. - Network infrastructure
A high-speed, managed Wi-Fi network ensures all devices stay online and responsive across the entire property. - Software intelligence
Central platforms enable automation, analytics, and remote management, turning raw device data into actionable insights. - Resident interface
A unified mobile experience gives residents seamless control over their space and interactions with the property.
With this architecture in place, smart buildings can move from isolated automation to intelligent, adaptive living environments.
Benefits for operators and residents
Smart building technology drives meaningful gains for both operational teams and residents.
For operators:
-
- Centralized network and device management
- Real-time diagnostics and bandwidth analytics
- Lower operating costs through automation
- Simplified deployment and scalability
- Enhanced property value and NOI growth
For residents:
-
- Always-on, high-speed internet access across the property
- Secure, keyless entry through mobile apps
- Personalized control of lighting, temperature, and services
- Privacy-first design with enterprise-grade data protection
- Streamlined communication and service requests
With more than 85% of residents expecting a strong digital experience, and 97% saying it influences lease renewal, the impact on satisfaction and retention is significant.
A smarter investment for the future
Smart building technology is more than an upgrade; it is a strategic investment with measurable ROI.
- Operating costs can be reduced by 15% or more
- Properties typically see a 3% to 5% increase in valuation
- Smart building investments return an average of 30%
- Managed Wi-Fi can generate $50 to $70 in new monthly revenue per unit
These results demonstrate that connected living does not just benefit residents, it strengthens the entire asset lifecycle, from acquisition and operations to renewal and resale.
Why RealPage is leading the smart building evolution
RealPage has built a smart building platform specifically designed for the multifamily industry. Instead of relying on a patchwork of technologies, the RealPage Smart Building solution brings together all the essential components: hardware, software, and connectivity into a single, integrated system.
Key capabilities include:
- STRATIS: Orchestrates device communication and automation
- Chirp: Mobile-first access control across all entry points
- Lumina AI: Turns data into predictive insights and proactive operations
- Resident App: Offers an intuitive, all-in-one digital experience
- Whitesky: Provides the managed Wi-Fi backbone that powers everything
By centralizing control and delivering consistent performance across portfolios, RealPage enables operators to reduce complexity and unlock new levels of efficiency, while giving residents the connected lifestyle they now expect.
Partnering for performance — RUCKUS at the core
Delivering this level of performance and reliability requires best-in-class networking infrastructure. That is why RealPage Whitesky partnered with RUCKUS Networks to build and scale smart building connectivity.
RUCKUS brings proven capabilities in enterprise-grade access points, switching, and cloud management. Their technology is purpose-built to handle the demands of multifamily environments where device density, peak usage, and wireless interference are everyday challenges.
Through this partnership:
- Infrastructure is built to scale with high performance and reliability
- Deployments are tailored and optimized by experienced engineering teams
- Monitoring is proactive with smart diagnostics resolving issues before residents
even notice - Energy efficient hardware, centralized cloud management and AI-powered
automation tools help reduce costs and environmental impact
Together, RealPage Whitesky and RUCKUS create a seamless foundation for connected communities that is robust, secure, and future-ready.
Building the future of multifamily living
Smart buildings are no longer aspirational. They are expected. Residents demand seamless digital experiences. Operators need scalable, efficient, and secure solutions.
Owners want investments that boost NOI and reduce risk.
RealPage Smart Building, powered by Whitesky Wi-Fi and built on RUCKUS infrastructure, delivers on all fronts. This end-to-end ecosystem turns properties into intelligent communities that are built to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Explore how RealPage Smart Building can help you future-proof your properties and create truly connected communities.
This content was contributed by RealPage. To run sponsored content on BBCMag.com, email us today!
Get it delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter.
Learn more about Broadband Communities Summit 2026 in Houston.
