Free tool for IT managers & CTOs
Network budget calculator
Estimate the cost of a business network in two minutes: Wi-Fi, PoE switches, gateways, CCTV, phones, cabling and installation, plus yearly running costs and the 5-year total cost of ownership. Change any number; nothing is stored or sent.
1. Your organisation
2. Prices
Example planning prices, not quotations. Replace them with your own quotes; prices are entered in the currency you choose.
About USD 133 per user per year over 5 years.
Breakdown
| Item | Qty | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi access points | 6 | USD 1,500 |
| 24-port PoE access switches | 5 | USD 2,250 |
| Aggregation / core switches | 1 | USD 1,200 |
| Gateways / firewalls | 1 | USD 600 |
| IP cameras | 8 | USD 960 |
| NVRs (up to 32 cameras each) | 1 | USD 900 |
| IP phones | 20 | USD 1,800 |
| Structured cabling (per drop) | 90 | USD 7,200 |
| Installation & configuration | USD 1,382 | |
| Contingency | USD 1,779 | |
| One-time total | USD 19,571 | |
| Cloud management (13 devices) | USD 195 / yr | |
| Internet links | USD 1,800 / yr | |
| Support & warranty | USD 737 / yr |
Sizing rules: one access point per the m² you set (at least one per site); ports = all wired devices + access points + 10% spare, in 24-port PoE switches; one NVR per 32 cameras; one aggregation switch per site above 50 users.
How to use the estimate
- Use it for early planning and to compare options (for example one or two gateways per site).
- Replace the example prices with quotes from your suppliers before you present a budget.
- Add the cost of downtime and security risk to your business case; read the budget planning guide.
- Compare cloud-managed and on-premises options with the TCO guide.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this network budget calculator?
It gives a first planning estimate from common sizing rules and the prices you enter. For a real budget, replace the example prices with quotes and confirm the design with a site survey.
How many access points do I need?
A common planning figure is one access point per 150–250 m² of office space. Dense areas such as meeting rooms, classrooms and halls need more. A Wi-Fi site survey gives the exact number.
What is the difference between CAPEX and OPEX?
CAPEX is the one-time cost of equipment, cabling and installation. OPEX is the recurring cost: Internet links, cloud management, licences and support contracts.
What is total cost of ownership (TCO)?
TCO is the full cost over the life of the network: the one-time investment plus all running costs. This calculator shows a 5-year TCO, the typical life of access points and gateways.
Does Navijin provide quotations?
Yes. Use the quotation form with your numbers and a Navijin engineer or partner will prepare a design and a priced proposal.