How KERN IT transformed the IKOAB network

• From 10 to 60 houses
• Over 600 devices
• A professional network infrastructure for coliving

KERN IT is a software engineering firm capable of intervening across the entire technical chain: from the application layer to physical equipment.
This cross-disciplinary capability allows us to solve complex issues, standardize technical environments, and support fast-growing organizations like IKOAB, a leading coliving player in Belgium.

Initial situation: a fragmented and difficult-to-maintain network

In 2017, IKOAB managed around ten houses, each equipped with a VDSL box and a consumer-grade router.
As the number of roommates grew and new houses opened, several recurring issues began to emerge:

• Inconsistent performance
• Hardware unsuited for the number of connected devices
• No centralized management
• Frequent urgent on-site interventions required
• Makeshift network fixes

When the portfolio expanded to over 60 houses, this model was no longer viable.

Our approach: a modern, unified infrastructure tailored for coliving

KERN IT masters both virtualized environments and physical networks. We therefore supported IKOAB in a complete overhaul of its network infrastructure.

1. Audit and technology choice

After analysis, in 2019 we selected the TP-Link Omada range, which offers the following key strengths:

• Centralized management
• Multi-site operation
• High performance and reliability, even with a high number of connected devices
• Excellent performance-to-cost ratio

2. Standardized architecture design

We defined a consistent network model:

• Managed switches
• Professional Wi-Fi access points
• Traffic segmentation
• Unified controller
• Standard configuration per house

We also documented installation best practices.

3. Migration to Omada 5

Over time, we managed the migration of existing installations from Omada 3 to Omada 5, ensuring an up-to-date, more stable, and higher-performing platform.

Full-scale deployment and operational management

KERN IT supported IKOAB in equipping their entire portfolio: over 60 houses and more than 600 devices (Wi-Fi access points, switches, controllers), all configured according to our architecture.

Our role includes:

• Technology selection and validation
• Network design
• Hardware configuration
• Deployment support for each house
• Ongoing operational management of the network

We provide configuration, standard monitoring, controller management, and essential interventions.
Premium services (advanced monitoring, full redundancy, smart dashboards) are not part of the current scope.

Results: a more stable network and a better-managed portfolio

• Significant reduction in incidents
• Increased stability across the entire portfolio
• Better Wi-Fi experience for roommates
• Consistent and scalable infrastructure
• More predictable installations

The network has become a solid foundation, enabling IKOAB to continue its growth.

Our positioning

At KERN IT, we are neither a simple network integrator nor just a software developer.

We operate at the intersection of software and hardware, where architectural decisions have a direct impact on the stability, scalability, and performance of a multi-site portfolio.

Our value lies in:

• Architecture and technology selection
• Standardizing complex environments
• Structuring multi-site infrastructures
• Optimizing existing ecosystems
• Adding intelligent software layers on top of network infrastructure

We design robust architectures and then develop the tools needed to operate them efficiently.

Target Audience

Who we support:

• TP-Link integrators looking to structure or industrialize their deployments
• Coliving, hotel, or smart-living managers in need of a clear and scalable architecture
• Multi-site operators facing standardization challenges
• Companies looking to develop intelligent software layers around Omada
• Organizations seeking to innovate based on an existing network

Our role is not simply to install.
Our role is to design, structure, and evolve complex technical environments.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a partner capable of viewing your network as a global system, combining infrastructure, architecture, and custom development, KERN IT is here to support you.

We bring engineering vision, architectural expertise, and software mastery that allow us to go far beyond standard installation.