Many multifamily properties lack modern Ethernet wiring, making it costly and disruptive to provide high-speed internet due to the need for rewiring. G.hn technology offers a cost-efficient and convenient solution, allowing property owners to access high-speed internet in older buildings without the hassle of extensive renovations.
We spoke with Rafael van den Berg, Chief Technology Officer at Touchstone 1, to learn more about how G.hn is helping multifamily property owners unlock ultra-fast internet without the headaches and costs associated with traditional rewiring.
What Is G.hn?
G.hn, also known as “GHN,” is a standard set by the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector). The “G” in GHN stands for “G series,” referring to the ITU-T’s specific group of standards for general telecommunication data transmission. The “HN” in GHN stands for “home networking,” meaning the technology is intended for use in residential environments, such as multi-dwelling unit (MDU) properties.
G.hn is a networking technology that sends high-speed internet data over older wiring in home environments, such as coaxial cables used for cable TV or twisted-pair cables used for telephone lines. This allows properties that lack Ethernet cable to utilize their existing cabling resources to upgrade their internet services.
“G.hn technology provides high-speed internet without the expense and disruption involved in running new cabling,” says Rafael. “It eliminates the need for costly demolition and rewiring, which can be noisy and inconvenient for tenants, especially those working from home.”
Gigawire vs. Gigaline and GHN
When researching G.hn for your property, you might run into the terms GiGAWire and Gigaline.
GiGAWire is the official standardized access profile for G.hn in multifamily buildings, developed by the HomeGrid Forum — an industry alliance that promotes and certifies the G.hn standard for reliable performance over existing wiring. Gigaline, on the other hand, is Actelis Networks’ branded line of G.hn-based hardware solutions specifically engineered for rapid deployment in MDUs.
Both leverage the G.hn standard to deliver high-speed broadband using your building’s existing cabling (such as coaxial or telephone lines), making upgrades far easier and more cost-effective in older multifamily properties.
“Gigaline and GiGAWire both leverage existing wiring to send data at high speeds,” says Rafael. “They enable property owners to deliver reliable Gigabit-class performance without the need for extensive new cabling.”
Benefits of G.hn Technology for Older Multifamily Buildings
Many buildings constructed before Ethernet cabling became widespread — especially those built prior to 2000 — may not have the right wiring to support modern high-speed internet. Since it gives managers a way to use their building’s existing cabling to offer high-bandwidth internet to residents, G.hn technology is a game-changer for these older multifamily properties. However, the technology is useful for any property owner or manager looking to avoid invasive installation procedures.
Due to its ease of installation, G.hn technology is also cost-effective. Additionally, it is highly scalable, allowing it to meet the growing internet demands of a multifamily property without major infrastructure upgrades.
In addition to these advantages, G.hn offers reliable performance. “G.hn can continuously provide WiFi to multiple devices and units throughout your property while delivering data at extremely high speeds,” Rafael explains. The combination of scalability with high-speed data transfer makes it an ideal choice for multifamily environments, where many tenants need fast, stable internet at the same time.
GHN Installation Process
The installation process for G.hn technology is non-invasive and can be performed by a qualified managed service WiFi provider. Because they won’t need to access the cabling in your property’s walls, G.hn installation is also relatively fast compared to a traditional rewiring, which can be a weeks-long affair for a multifamily property as it requires major construction in each unit.
“If the existing cabling is compatible, the installation process is quick and seamless,” says Rafael. “It typically takes just a few minutes to set up the network in each unit without cutting into walls or requiring surface repairs. This is much faster and less disruptive than rewiring, which could take a full day or more in each unit, depending on the complexity involved.”
Key Factors in Using GHN
Even though G.hn installation tends to be seamless, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. The first step is to double-check that your existing wiring infrastructure — whether it’s made up of telephone lines, coaxial cables, or power lines — is compatible with G.hn technology.
“A lack of cabling compatibility can make the installation process pricier and reduce performance, so it’s something you want to address upfront,” says Rafael.
Next, assess your tenants’ bandwidth needs. G.hn technology supports a wide range of applications, from streaming movies and online gaming to powering smart home devices like lights and thermostats. Understanding how tenants will use the network will help you tailor the system to meet their demands.
“You’ll also need to pay special attention to your network layout,” continues Rafael. “Particularly in older buildings or those with multiple floors, it’s important to consider the placement of G.hn devices to optimize coverage and minimize signal interference.”
Additionally, Rafael points out that the availability of unused wiring can significantly enhance performance. “The more unused phone wire pairs you have on your property, the faster the internet speeds you can achieve with G.hn. Phone lines come in pairs, and if they aren’t all tied up by the phone system, we can repurpose them for high-speed internet.”
An experienced multifamily managed WiFi provider can help you determine if G.hn is a good fit for your property and create the best network design for your unique needs.
Explore the Benefits of GHN for Multifamily Properties
G.hn enables property managers and owners to deliver modern high-speed internet while avoiding the challenges and cost of rewiring, both of which can be substantial. This makes G.hn technology an ideal fit for both older properties and those looking to avoid invasive cabling upgrades.
Ready to elevate your property’s network with G.hn? Contact Touchstone 1 (formerly, MDU Internet Services) today for a free consultation. We can determine whether your building’s cabling infrastructure is compatible with G.hn, optimize the network layout for your MDU property’s unique floor plan, and help you provide reliable high-speed internet throughout your building.