A response to high-traffic environments
Simultaneously connecting several hundred or even thousands of people, as is the case in stadiums during large-scale events, is possible thanks to a high-capacity Wi-Fi solution on site and complete project management of the installation.
High-density, high-capacity Stellar Wi-Fi based on 802.11ax technology provides Internet access and efficient communication for customers and for the Wi-Fi network in place on site.
High-density Stellar Wi-Fi internalizes a multitude of data for visitors (show information, entertainment, online ordering, services, sponsorship, ticketing, promotions, etc.). It complements existing networks such as the DAS system for basic connectivity for visitors (access to social networks, calls, ticketing, location-based services with today's 5G network), private mobile networks for monitoring the show, sports performance, site operations (cameras, security, movements) and networks dedicated to connected objects (Lorawan network for monitoring, location, security cameras or sensors).
The challenges of high-density WLAN networks
Deploying high-density WLAN networks in stadiums presents significant technical challenges, such as high user density and variety, accommodating multiple applications, increased bandwidth requirements, and on-site spectrum control. A high-density native WLAN, a high-performance core network, and advanced security for sensitive data are needed to overcome these obstacles.
The latest Wi-Fi technologies applied to the stadium
With today's 802.11ax standard, Stellar Wi-Fi in Enterprise mode is designed to simultaneously connect thousands of users in well-defined spaces, with very high bandwidth demand and for a variety of applications. The 802.11ax features integrated into OmniAccess Stellar, such as OFDMA, BSS colouring, the evolution of beamforming, the evolution of MU-MIMO, and fast modulations (1024-QAM in 802.11ax), offer numerous advantages and a Wi-Fi network that is fully adapted to high density:
- Efficient use of air-time for high-density applications
- Support for a large number of clients
- Better re-use of channels in the 5GHz band
- Better control of CCI (co-channels interference)
OmniAccess Stellar's 802.11ax portfolio includes 3 new Wi-Fi 6E models, extending the use of Wi-Fi to the 6GHz band and will soon include models supporting the 802.11be standard (Wi-Fi 7), optimizing the use of channels in both the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.
A high-capacity, multi-service OmniSwitch network core
The high-density Stellar Wi-fi is based on an autonomous, multi-service LAN managed by Omnivista 2500 (NMS). ALE's expertise in the deployment of a high-capacity autonomous network has already led to numerous deployments for many customers. For example, the OmniSwitch 6900 dual-core virtual chassis guarantees core traffic of 40 Gbps, with the possibility of scaling up to 100 Gbps, while supporting real-time analysis, control and security of applications passing through the network, including business applications, the captive portal service for visitors and IoT objects connected to Wi-Fi.
- Virtual Chassis technology
- Scalability in terms of number of VLANs and devices (288K MACs and 4995 VLANs)
- Low latency
- Isolation of services
- Visibility & control of applications directly from the APs (L7 application process in real time)
- Application-based access policy management (application enforcement, priority, access control and security, e.g. for captive portal access, etc.).
Omnivista 2500 and Omnivista Cirrus 10 combined for high-density management
Omnivista 2500 in High Availability (HA) mode on site ensures complete management of the Wi-Fi network, with a capacity of up to 4,000 APs for one site and guarantees that no access point is lost in the high-density WLAN in a stadium. Omnivista Cirrus 10 combined with Omnivista 2500 for management focuses on analytical and statistical tasks specifically defined for high density environments, monitoring critical areas of the site. Each Stellar Wi-Fi 6 AP supports advanced analytics and reports all its high-density data to Omnivista Cirrus 10.
Draw on the expertise of a specialist in the sports and entertainment sector
The importance of mastering the design of a high-capacity network such as high-density WLAN in stadiums cannot be achieved without the collaboration of an expert in the sector. This collaboration ensures the analysis of the specific needs of each project, the study and design of the WLAN services and the deployment and operation of the network:
- Needs analysis and plan (applications, capacity plan, choice of hardware)
- Detailed design (predictive RF analysis, architecture, compliance, electrical, BOM)
- Deployment and integration (configuration, design validation)
- Operations (maintenance, network upgrades, performance reports)
This approach requires deliverables such as the BOM, RF site analyses, design agreements, network plans, installation guides, test procedures and training to be provided at all stages of the project and intended for the parties involved in the project (e.g. the stadium manager, concessions and merchants, installers, or the media).
