High-density WiFi deployment can make or break a large venue or event. Here’s how to make sure you get it right.
Whether you’re connecting a campus, an event center, a stadium, a theater or any other large public venue, there’s no denying that high-density WiFi design is a major challenge. There’s also no denying that it’s absolutely crucial to the success of large public events in today’s era of instant connectivity.
Connectivity has become as indispensable to our culture as the air we breathe, and failing to ensure strong WiFi in high-density situations is a non-starter for today’s audiences. However, the technology and infrastructure required to deploy robust WiFi into high-density event spaces can be overwhelming. With a range of specialized tools like high-density access points and purpose-built endpoint management systems, selecting the right hardware for high-density scenarios represents a monumental challenge.
That’s why knowing which products to employ, which design approach is best, and who to partner with are so critical to success. Here are five tips to help you navigate your high-density WiFi deployment with ease, confidence, and (ultimately) success.
The trickiest thing about high-density WiFi deployment? The fact that no two venues are the same. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to WiFi for large venues and events. From the size and shape of the location to the vast number of unique infrastructure considerations, high-density WiFi solutions will vary widely from one deployment to the next.
The dimensions of the building(s) and/or outdoor spaces, the construction materials used, the shape of the area, and even the juxtaposition of architectural and structural components will impact your network’s design and equipment needs. Maximizing signal strength and bandwidth requires a full understanding of the layout and characteristics of your space — without it, you can’t provide your networking partner with the information necessary to execute a quality deployment.
That’s what makes an initial site survey of the radio frequency (RF) environment so essential to achieving a high-density WiFi network that performs in accordance with your needs. The first step of any high-density WiFi solution should begin with floor plans and/or aerial views of the location, which can then be utilized to:
Equipped with this foundation of basic knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed transition into the deployment process.
There are bound to be circumstances that can hinder your ability to deliver an optimal WiFi experience in high-density scenarios. As such, you should evaluate your venue’s limits and work to identify the most suitable solutions. You should begin by determining your capacity and bandwidth needs — not just for now, but also taking possible future needs into consideration.
Ask probing questions that shed light on your limits:
By thoroughly investigating these limits, you’ll be able to identify any potentially problematic factors and determine how to design your high-density WiFI network for maximum connectivity. Today’s users expect anytime, anywhere WiFi access, and you’ll only be able to offer that with a deep understanding of the unique environment in which your high-density WiFi network is deployed.
Security is paramount to any high-density deployment, which means it should be top of mind with every decision you make. With so many devices accessing the network simultaneously, you’ll need to incorporate robust security features to protect both your end users and your own organization from cybercriminals and other cybersecurity threats.
Remember, the best cybersecurity approach is a proactive one. Think about what kind of partnerships and supporting technologies will be needed to deliver a secure WiFi experience. A well-protected network will take the form of a multi-layered security architecture that includes:
Don’t make the mistake of taking a “wait and see” approach to network security. Opting to address issues reactively can open up your organization to data exfiltration, reputational damage, and other costly consequences. Make security an integral component of your WiFI deployment, weaving it into each and every step of the planning and implementation processes.
You don’t have to make decisions about your network in a silo; take the time to make use of your resources, research industry best practices, and evaluate how your partners and/or competitors have succeeded or failed with similar high-density WiFi projects. Speaking with experts in your position at similar organizations or venues can help you uncover answers to some of these key questions. Ask:
Learning from the experiences, mistakes, and successes of others can give you a significant advantage as you deploy your own high-density wireless network. Communicating with others can take much of the guesswork out of the process and position you for a successful implementation.
Without a doubt, the most effective way to ensure your WiFi deployment is a successful one is to choose a partner with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to identify and meet your venue’s unique requirements. It’s critical to find a network provider that features scalable, future-proof, and easy-to-use solutions — one that can support your high-density WiFi needs as they scale. Your high-density WiFi provider should:
Finding providers capable of helping you take your high-density WiFi deployment from a bullet point on a scope of work to a finished product can be a frustrating endeavor. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. With nearly three decades of experience designing and installing high-performing WiFi network for high-density environments, the experts at TTI are prepared to help you deliver a flawless wireless experience to your audiences. Get in touch to learn how partnering with TTI could give you the resources you need to succeed in your next high-density WiFi deployment.
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