Why Most Dubai Office Networks Are Built Wrong
Most office network problems we fix in Dubai come from one cause: the network was set up quickly and cheaply, without planning. Here is how to do it right.
Phase 1: Plan Before You Cable
- How many users now? In 3 years?
- How many floors and rooms need coverage?
- Do you need to separate staff, guest, and IoT WiFi?
- Do any users need remote VPN access?
- Do you have compliance requirements?
Phase 2: Structured Cabling
Standard for Dubai offices in 2026: Cat6A minimum for new installations.
What good cabling includes:
- Proper cable management in trunking and conduit
- Labelled patch panels and wall sockets
- Dedicated cable runs per floor
- Rack-mounted patch panel in a proper server cabinet
- Tested and certified with a cable tester
Cost guide: Cat6 per point in Dubai: AED 150 to 300.
Phase 3: Firewall (Non-Negotiable)
| Business Size | Recommended Firewall |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 users | Fortinet FortiGate 40F |
| 25 to 100 users | Fortinet FortiGate 60F/80F |
| 100+ users | Fortinet FortiGate 100F+ |
Minimum features to enable: IPS/IDS, Application Control, Web Filtering, VPN.
Phase 4: VLAN Segmentation
| VLAN | Purpose |
|---|---|
| VLAN 10 | Corporate staff devices |
| VLAN 20 | Network device management |
| VLAN 30 | Guest WiFi |
| VLAN 40 | IoT and CCTV devices |
| VLAN 50 | VoIP phones |
VLAN segmentation prevents ransomware from spreading from a staff device to your CCTV or server.
Phase 5: Wireless Access Points
Consumer WiFi routers are not suitable for office environments.
Coverage guide: 1 AP per 15 to 20 users in open office. 1 AP per meeting room. Recommended brands: Ruckus (best RF performance), UniFi (best value), Aruba (enterprise), Ruijie (budget enterprise).
Office Network Setup Costs in Dubai
| Setup | Typical Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Small office up to 25 users | 3,999 to 8,000 |
| Medium office up to 100 users | 12,999 to 25,000 |
| Large office 100+ users | 35,999+ |
Planning an office network setup in Dubai? Free assessments across all business zones. Contact us | +971-526716178
*Related: Networking & Security Dubai | Structured Cabling Dubai | Server Solutions Dubai*
Tags
SAS IT Services — Dubai
Need expert IT support?
Our certified engineers cover all of Dubai & UAE with same-day response and 24/7 support contracts.