Data-Driven Wi‑Fi Design at Scale with Ekahau

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From assumption to accuracy: using Ekahau-led Wi‑Fi surveys, Celestra transformed network design across one of the UK’s largest hospitality estates. 

What is Ekahau and Why It Matters 

Ekahau is a specialist Wi‑Fi design and survey tool used by Celestra to plan, validate and optimise wireless networks. 

  • It enables detailed Wi‑Fi coverage surveys, giving a clear view of signal strength across a site  
  • It helps identify coverage gaps and performance issues before installation  
  • It allows engineers to create precise, data-driven network designs tailored to each environment  

Why This Benefits Customers and Businesses 

Using Ekahau shifts Wi‑Fi deployment from assumption-based to data-led design, which delivers: 

  • Better coverage from day one
    Networks are designed based on real-world survey data, not estimates 
  • Reduced risk during rollout
    Potential issues are identified and resolved during the planning phase 
  • Consistent performance across multiple sites
    Every location is designed to the same standard, regardless of size or complexity 
  • Stronger long-term ROI
    Optimised placement of access points reduces rework, disruption and additional costs 

In short, Ekahau ensures the network is right first time, which is critical in large-scale, multi-site hospitality environments. 

 

Using Ekahau in one of the biggest projects Celestra has completed to date 

Whitbread, one of the UK’s largest hospitality businesses, required a comprehensive upgrade to the network infrastructure across its Premier Inn estate. With a diverse portfolio of locations, including high-demand sites such as Gatwick Airport, the objective was to deliver a modern, high-performance Wi‑Fi solution that could support growing digital demands and enhance the guest experience.  

The scale of the programme was significant, with hundreds of sites in scope and a requirement to deliver consistently across both existing locations and new builds.  

Celestra was appointed to design, deploy and manage the rollout, ensuring each site was optimised for performance while maintaining operational continuity across the estate. 

 

What We Did  

Celestra delivered a fully integrated, end-to-end solution, anchored by data-driven Wi‑Fi design using Ekahau. 

  • Conducted comprehensive Wi‑Fi surveys across the estate, completing an average of 26 surveys per week over a ten-week period
  • Used Ekahau software to identify coverage gaps and analyse site-specific challenges 
  • Create precise, optimised network designs for each location  
  • Produced bespoke network designs tailored to the unique layout and operational requirements of every site  
  • Delivered full infrastructure deployment, including power and data cabling and shopfitting works 
  • Installation of new network hardware  
  • Executed controlled two-day migrations per site, minimising disruption to hotel operations  
  • Managed end-to-end lifecycle services, including configuration and deployment, secure decommissioning of legacy infrastructure and WEEE-compliant recycling of old equipment  

At peak delivery, the programme was supported by 19 field teams and dedicated technical specialists, enabling Celestra to deliver the project entirely in-house.  

Before and After 

Before 

  • Legacy Wi‑Fi infrastructure with inconsistent coverage across sites 
  • Limited visibility of coverage gaps and performance issues 
  • Network designs not fully aligned to site layout or operational demands 
  • Risk of disruption during upgrades in high-traffic hospitality environments 

After 

  • Data-led Wi‑Fi design using Ekahau, ensuring accuracy at every site 
  • Optimised coverage and consistent performance across the entire estate  
  • Bespoke network layouts tailored to each building’s structure and usage 
  • Seamless rollout with minimal operational disruption via a structured migration approach  
  • A future-ready, scalable infrastructure supporting long-term digital strategy  

How Premier Inn Benefited 

Celestra’s approach delivered measurable improvements across performance, efficiency, and scalability. 

  • Improved Wi‑Fi coverage and reliability across a diverse estate  
  • Consistent user experience for both guests and operations teams 
  • Increased confidence through data-driven design and validated coverage 
  • Reduced risk and disruption through structured, repeatable rollout processes  
  • Enhanced sustainability through secure decommissioning and recycling of legacy equipment  

The result is a high-performing network infrastructure that supports both current operational needs and future growth. 

How you can benefit from Celestra and Ekahau 

For businesses operating across single or multiple sites, Celestra’s Ekahau-led approach helps create wireless networks that are designed around real operational needs, not assumptions. The result is stronger coverage, lower rollout risk, and a more reliable experience for employees, customers and guests. 

  • Improve network performance from the outset with data-led surveys and designs tailored to each site 
  • Reduce costly rework and disruption by identifying issues before installation and rollout 
  • Deliver consistency across multiple locations with repeatable standards and scalable deployment 
  • Support business growth with confidence through infrastructure designed for long-term performance and change 
  • Benefit from an end-to-end service spanning survey, design, installation, migration and ongoing lifecycle support 

 

Ready to deliver stronger, smarter Wi‑Fi across your sites? Contact Celestra to find out how our Ekahau services can help you design, deploy and optimise high-performance networks with confidence. Contact Us top right.