Fuse Architecture

Background

Fuse Architecture, headquartered in Capitola, California, is a premier architecture and construction firm specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Recognized among the top 500 architectural firms nationally, Fuse is renowned for its progressive, minimalist designs frequently featured in Architectural Digest. The company manages end-to-end projects, from conceptual design to full construction, and recently expanded with a new satellite office in Carmel. Their current high-profile projects include rebuilding the iconic Capitola Wharf following significant storm damage.

Prior to implementing UniFi, Fuse faced several network and IT-related challenges. Their previous infrastructure consisted of outdated systems, including an antiquated Windows Vista-based access control solution and a cumbersome VPN setup, complicating remote access for their designers, architects, and construction teams. Network performance struggled under the load of extremely large architectural design files, often ranging from 900 GB to 1.8 TB per project.

Business Requirements

Fuse had three critical needs from their networking solution:

1. High-Speed Connectivity and Reliability: Required robust, high-speed connectivity capable of handling significant file transfers, particularly large CAD and render files.

2. Simplified Access Control and VPN Management: Needed to streamline user access and remote connectivity to enable efficient collaboration between office-based and remote workers.

3. Scalable Infrastructure for Expansion: Required a scalable, unified networking solution that could seamlessly integrate new offices and future expansions without complexity or significant additional licensing costs.

Why UniFi

Fuse chose UniFi because it provided an integrated, license-free solution with robust scalability, simplified remote access, and streamlined management capabilities. UniFi Identity’s ease-of-use for VPN and access control was a deciding factor, offering simple, one-click secure access for remote teams. Additionally, UniFi’s cost-effective licensing model and rapid equipment availability made it ideal for Fuse’s growth trajectory.

Deployment and Key Features

Rapid Deployment with Minimal Disruption

Fuse deployed UniFi swiftly across their headquarters and Carmel satellite office without significant operational downtime. The standardized UniFi stack allowed the internal IT team to rapidly configure and install equipment with minimal disruption to daily operations.

Key Hardware Components

The core Fuse network includes:

• UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max: Two UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max gateways configured for high availability (HA).
• UniFi Pro Aggregation Switches: Two UniFi Pro Aggregation switches enabling high-performance 10Gb connectivity.
• UniFi PoE Switches: Three UniFi USW 48-port PoE Pro switches and several 8-port managed PoE switches strategically placed for optimized connectivity.
• UniFi Access Points: U6 LR access points deployed throughout remodeled floors, ensuring strong, reliable Wi-Fi coverage essential for high-density device environments.

Management and Visibility

UniFi Site Manager and UniFi Identity drastically simplified Fuse’s network management. Site Manager provides clear visibility into network performance, enabling quick troubleshooting and optimization. UniFi Identity simplified remote access and security, allowing staff seamless VPN connectivity and access to internal resources from anywhere.

Performance, Reliability, and Redundancy

The network handles 650-700 active client devices daily, including desktops, laptops, corporate-issued iPads, smartphones, and smartwatches. Fuse’s remote construction teams rely on the robust UniFi VPN for secure access to large design files stored on Synology flash-array servers. The deployment of dual internet connections—a primary 4 Gbps symmetrical fiber link and a secondary 1 Gbps coax backup—ensures near-zero downtime and redundancy.

Additional Solutions and Expansion

UniFi Access

Fuse implemented UniFi Access to replace their outdated access control system, using G2 Pro readers for simplified, secure, one-click door access. The minimalist design complements Fuse’s aesthetic, blending seamlessly into their modern office spaces.

Future Expansion: UniFi Protect and UniFi Connect

Fuse is planning a transition to UniFi Protect for advanced security camera management and UniFi Connect for streamlined digital signage. The modularity and ease of integration within the existing UniFi ecosystem make these expansions highly attractive.