SUMMER | SECTOR FOCUS
SPONSORED BY:
“When it comes
to connectivity
for events, the
requirements
can be incredibly
diverse“
FILLING A STADIUM… WITH WI-FI
Eric Law, VP EMEA, Ruckus Networks
talks to Access about the modern
challenges in providing Wi-Fi .
Providing high-quality connectivity
is now the minimum expectation for
event venues, regardless of whether it is a
purpose-built space like a stadium or not.
When it comes to connectivity for
events, the requirements can be incredibly
diverse and so you need to be innovative
in the way you set your network up. For
example, through our work with our
partners in the Esports market, we’ve
found it necessary to move away from
more typical bowl Wi-Fi network designs
to circular ones.
Requirements can change depending
on a range of factors, such as whether
players have individual screens or
are competing together on a single
screen, and so your network needs to
be designed to accommodate multiple
arena configurations whilst also being
ATTEND2IT.CO.UK
optimised to connect fans who want to
share the event on their social media.
With more and more stadiums and
event venues being designed with
more than one use in mind, the need to
design networks so they are adaptable is
becoming increasingly important, so as
to guarantee quality of service regardless
of the demands on the network and
maximise revenues.
Wi-Fi networks are now being
monetised by venues. Whether
they’re helping optimise energy usage
by supporting Internet of Things
deployments or allowing venue staff to
take mobile payments and improve the
customer experience, Wi-Fi is no longer
just something that is given out for free.
45