Extreme Networks to support ‘fast and faultless’ wireless connection for Ricoh Arena

Ricoh Arena, a multi-purpose stadium complex in Coventry, will deploy an Extreme Networks solution to replace its existing wireless solution. Reseller, NET Connections put forward Extreme Networks’ solution to provide a fast and reliable wireless connection for the stadium’s 15,000 sqm of event space, including a 6,000 m2 exhibition hall.

The arena has outgrown its current wireless solution and therefore requires an upgrade in order to meet its customer’s high performance requirements. Currently, customers lose their connection to the network due to bottlenecks building up on the access points, as the wireless network is unable to support the thousands of devices requiring a connection.

Commenting on the current wireless solution, Mark Peacock, Ricoh’s head of IT said: “The internet connection we have been providing has been problematic when we have large events. It hasn’t been coping with demand and sometimes customers felt that it wasn’t even worth having the wireless connection. We’ve received complaints from customers saying that they are unable to connect to the wireless and requesting refunds.”

However, an upgrade has been secured to combat these issues and provide a faultless wireless connection for all customers.

Tony Brar, sales director of NET Connection Systems has been appointed, along with his wireless deployment team to come up with the bespoke design and deployment of the solution to ensure that it will meet the arena’s needs.

Commenting on the deployment, Brar said: “We have been selected to replace a failing system that is costing the arena business. The new solution will provide an additional revenue stream for the hotel and ensure that the staff in the offices within the arena can connect with a wired-like solution.”

NET Connections will deploy two Extreme V2110 virtual wireless gateways, capable of supporting up to 496 APs and 113 AP3705i APs. This will enable the exhibition halls and integral hotel, to support the thousands of devices belonging to the delegates who will be attending events within the exhibition halls on a daily basis.

Following the deployment, Ricoh Arena will benefit from and easily manageable network with a faultless wired-like wireless delivery throughout all three exhibition halls. Additionally, the process for setting up new guest profiles will be simple, and Peacock will be able to call on fast support for any questions he may have.

Mark Pearce, strategic alliance director, Extreme Networks comments: “Ricoh arena will have the ability to quickly set up wireless networks for exhibitions, which was an important consideration. The Extreme solution will provide a problem-free wireless connection for events, which will help the arena retain customers and to win new business.”