Client name withheld for privacy.
Summary
A 50-person Melbourne architecture firm with two connected offices moved to a hybrid 10Gbps network with managed IT support in six weeks. This is a typical example of our IT support for architects across Melbourne.
- Large Revit/CAD model open time: 4 min 10 s down to less than 1 min (74% faster)
- Nightly backup: 11 h 40 min down to 2 h 50 min (76% shorter)
- Server-to-server speed: 940Mbps up to 9.4Gbps (10×)
- Network-related helpdesk tickets: 23 per month down to 4
- Two offices connected, with staff at both accessing the same files
- Secure data backup: snapshots, RAID 1 redundancy and an offsite copy
- Automatic 5G failover if the main internet link drops
- Scalable to 300 users without major infrastructure update
- No lost working hours, with a weekend cutover
1. The client profile
| Industry | Architecture firm |
|---|---|
| Location | Two Melbourne offices, connected so staff at both can access the same project files |
| Staff | 50 users, including 14 CAD/BIM power users |
| Key Systems | File servicer and NAS (network storage) for large Revit and CAV files, Microsoft 365, VoIP phones, Microsoft Teams |
| Goal | Fast project file access and reliable backups, with no disruption to client deadlines |
2. The problem
- Opening a large Revit/CAD model took over four minutes at peak times
- Nightly backups started at 7pm and were still running at 6:40am.
- Teams calls dropped, and VoIP phones crackled during file transfers.
- Cyber insurance questions on segmentation, tested backups and firewall controls could not be answered with confidence.
The firm estimated network delays cost about 20 minutes per person per week.
3. Our solution
Two weeks of monitoring and cabling tests showed the bottleneck was a single 1Gps server link, daisy-chained switches and spinning-disk storage, not the desktops. We fixed those first, with network design docused on where the traffic actually was:
- 10Gbps on servers, storage, backups, switch uplinks and the firewall. 2.5Gbps for six Wi-Fi 6E access points and 8 CAD workstations. Standard desks stayed on 1Gbps.
- SSD cache on the NAS so storage keeps up with the faster network.
- Secure data backup: moved from traditional backup to snapshots, RAID 1 redundancy, tested restores and an offsite copy.
- Cabling tested point by point: only 16 of 74 runs were replaced with Cat6A, and 58 were reused.
- Separate networks (VLANs) for staff, servers, VoIP, guests and smart devices.
- NBN upgrade with 5G failover, so the internet link did not hold the new network back.
- Capability to scale the network for up to 300 users to work efficiently without major infrastructure update.
- Pilot first, weekend cutover, with old equipment kept for two weeks as a rollback option.
4. Measured results
| Metric | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server-to-server speed (iperf3 test) | 940Mbps | 9.4Gbps | 10x |
| Copy a 10GB project folder | 6 min 20 s | 1 min 35 s | 75% faster |
| Open a large Revit/CAD model (peak) | 4 min 10 s | 1 min 5 s | 74% faster |
| Nightly backup duration | 11 h 40 min | 2 h 50 min | 76% shorter |
| Network-related helpdesk tickets | 23 per month | 4 per month | 83% fewer |
| Internet failover | None | Automatic 5G | New |
5. Ongoing managed IT support and security
After the cutover, the firm stayed on our managed IT services. Its network, servers and devices are monitored 24/7, and alerts updates and backups are watched proactively. Staff contact one service desk (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm), with remote support first and on-site attendance when needed. Project files sit on a segmented network with multi-factor authentication and tested backups, including an offsite copy, aligned with the ACSC Essential Eight.
6. Frequently asked questions
Usually not. Put 10Gbps on servers, storage, backups, uplinks and the firewall. Use 2.5Gbps for access points and CAD power users, and 1Gbps for everyone else.
24/7 monitoring of your network, servers and devices, proactive updates and backup checks, a service desk with remote support, and on-site attendance when needed. It means one team accountable for your IT, with a clear monthly cost.
It depends on cabling condition, building layout and equipment. We start with a free consultation and audit, then give a fixed, upfront quote with no surprises.
Not with a pilot, a weekend cutover and a rollback plan. This project took six weeks and staff lost no working hours.
Your network, servers and devices are monitored 24/7, so faults and alerts are picked up outside office hours. Our service desk and engineers are available Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
Need IT support for your Melbourne architecture firm?
We provide a free consultation and give fixed, upfront quotes. Our team handles managed IT, remote technical support, network design and on-site support across Melbourne.
Call +61 3 9570 4742 · info@itepro.com.au · Request a free quote
We are based in Oakleigh and support architecture firms across Melbourne, including the south-east.
IT Engineering Pro, 172 Warrigal Rd, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.