New Office IT Setup Checklist and Timeline
Check internet feasibility as soon as you shortlist the address. Order the leased line 10 to 12 weeks before move-in, finish cabling before the false ceiling closes, and test everything a week before staff arrive.
For founders, admin, and operations teams planning an office move or a new branch.
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Quick take
- Internet is usually the slowest item: 2 to 4 weeks where fibre is live, 6 to 12 weeks if it has to be extended.
- Design network points and access point locations before interior work starts.
- Run cabling while ceilings and walls are still open.
- Plan two internet links from different providers if downtime stops work.
- Get a network diagram, admin passwords, and licence dates handed over in writing.
The timeline at a glance
Work backwards from your move-in date. Times below are typical for a metro office of 20 to 100 people.
| When | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| When you shortlist the address | Ask 2 to 3 carriers for an internet feasibility check | Feasibility takes 24 to 48 hours and shows whether fibre already reaches the building |
| 10 to 12 weeks before | Order the primary leased line, and a backup link from a different carrier | Installation takes 2 to 4 weeks with live fibre, or 6 to 12 weeks if fibre must be extended |
| 8 to 10 weeks before | Finalise seating, network points, access point spots, and the rack location | Cabling has to be designed before interiors start |
| 6 to 8 weeks before | Order the firewall, switches, access points, UPS, and new laptops | Leaves time for delivery, setup, and replacements |
| 4 to 6 weeks before | Run cabling during interior work | Opening a finished false ceiling later costs time and money |
| 2 to 3 weeks before | Install the rack, switches, firewall, and Wi-Fi. Test and label every point | Leaves time to fix faults before people arrive |
| 1 to 2 weeks before | Internet live. Set up users, email, security policies, printers, and meeting rooms | Staff should find a working office on day one |
| Move-in week | On-site IT support and an issue log | Real users find the small misses quickly |
| First month | Fix gaps, check Wi-Fi in busy hours, collect handover documents | Closes the project properly |
Before you sign the lease
- Ask the landlord which internet carriers already have fibre in the building. In Noida, Sectors 62, 63, 16A, and the 125 to 137 Expressway stretch are generally well served.
- Confirm you will get permission for fibre entry through the building riser or rooftop.
- Check electrical capacity, and arrange a dedicated circuit for the network rack.
- Find a ventilated, lockable space for the rack, not a storeroom with no airflow.
- If cabling already exists, ask for a test report before planning to reuse it.
Internet: plan two links
A leased line gives dedicated, symmetric speed with a service guarantee. In Delhi NCR, typical monthly prices before 18% GST are from ₹6,500 for 10 Mbps, ₹14,000 to ₹22,000 for 30 to 50 Mbps, and ₹27,000 to ₹37,000 for 100 Mbps.
If fibre has to be extended to your building, expect a one-time charge of ₹15,000 to ₹50,000. It is often waived on 24-month contracts. A backup link from a different carrier keeps the office running if the main line goes down. If the line is late, keep 4G/5G routers ready for day one.
Cabling and Wi-Fi
- Network points at every desk, printer area, reception, and meeting room display.
- Ceiling points with PoE for access points, and points for CCTV cameras and access control.
- A few spare points in each area, because seating plans change.
- Every point tested and labelled to match the patch panel.
- Access points placed by layout, walls, and seating density, then tested during busy hours.
- Separate staff, guest, and CCTV networks.
Accounts, devices, and security
- Business email (Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) on your own domain, with multi-factor sign-in for everyone.
- Laptops enrolled in device management, with disk encryption and automatic updates.
- Backups for company files and email, with at least one copy stored outside the office.
- Firewall configured with VPN for remote access and web filtering.
- Admin passwords kept in a company-owned password manager, not with one employee or vendor.
- A simple joiner and leaver process for accounts and devices.
Compliance basics for Indian offices
Two sets of rules shape how a new office should set up logging and security. This is a summary, not legal advice.
CERT-In's 2022 directions require organisations to report cyber incidents within 6 hours of noticing them. They must keep ICT system logs for a rolling 180 days within India, and sync system clocks with NIC or NPL time servers. Set up firewall and server logging and time sync on day one rather than retrofitting it.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the DPDP Rules, 2025 are being phased in. Most business obligations, including security safeguards and breach reporting, apply from 13 May 2027. A new office is a good point to set up access control, logging, and backups with that deadline in mind.
Move-in week
- Have an IT person on site for the first two or three days.
- Keep a shared issue log for weak Wi-Fi corners, dead points, printer problems, and access requests.
- Test video calls in every meeting room with real participants.
- Check that backups ran and the backup internet link takes over when the main line is unplugged.
Documents you should receive at handover
- Network diagram and IP address plan.
- Cabling test report and patch panel labelling chart.
- All admin usernames and passwords, in your password manager.
- Internet circuit IDs, SLA details, and carrier support numbers.
- Warranty, AMC, and licence renewal dates for every device and subscription.
Frequently asked questions
How early should we start IT planning for a new office?
Start internet feasibility as soon as you shortlist the address, and order the leased line 10 to 12 weeks before move-in. Where fibre must be extended to the building, installation alone can take 6 to 12 weeks.
What if the internet line is not ready on move-in day?
Keep a temporary option ready, such as 4G/5G routers or a business broadband connection, so staff can work. Then switch to the leased line when it goes live. This is also why ordering early matters.
Do we need a leased line or is broadband enough?
Broadband can work for very small teams. Offices that depend on video calls, cloud apps, or customer calls usually need a leased line for dedicated speed and a service guarantee, with broadband from a different provider as backup.
What does the IT setup for a new office cost?
For a 20 to 30 person office, network hardware alone is typically about ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 before cabling, installation, and GST. Internet, laptops, and software licences are extra. See our office network setup cost guide for a full breakdown.
Which compliance rules affect a new office's IT setup in India?
CERT-In's 2022 directions require 6-hour incident reporting, 180 days of logs kept in India, and clocks synced with NIC or NPL time servers. Most DPDP Rules obligations, including security safeguards and breach reporting, apply from 13 May 2027.
Lead times and prices were collected in October 2026 from Indian carrier partners and legal commentary. Confirm current terms with carriers and your legal adviser.
Need help with this?
Aarnetix can review your setup and explain the right options in plain language. See our Managed Workspaces & Office Solutions page for what we cover.