Earls Court and Olympia (EC&O) has implemented a new wireless system in a bid to provide better wireless connectivity for exhibitions.
 
The system has been supplied by Ruckus Wireless and its reseller React Technologies and works on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies to cater to both old and new wireless devices. The cost of installation has not been disclosed.
 
Wi-Fi connectivity on the show floor has become a significant issue for the exhibition industry as demand for better connectivity rises. The influx of iPhones and show-specific visitor smartphone apps coupled with multimedia and real-time content on exhibition stands all contribute to the need for better wireless infrastructure in venues.
 
One of the major stumbling blocks to delivering better Wi-Fi however has been who should foot the bill – venues, organisers, suppliers or exhibitors.
 
“We have spent many years listening to the industry and want to address growing demand for improved technology at venues,” EC&O IT director Graham Gee said. “As a result we have invested in our IT infrastructure in recent years. Technology doesn’t stand still and we are constantly looking at ways we can plan for the future.
 
“The installation of our Ruckus Wireless system demonstrates our genuine desire to assist organisers with their ever-changing technology requirements.”
 
EC&O’s new Wi-Fi technology is available across all halls and employs client load balancing and dynamic functionality to react to users connecting and disconnecting from access points and the wireless network in real-time.
 
The new system was trialled at a series of recent tech-based shows including ad:tech, Infosec, Internet World, PLASA and the Cloud Computing Forum. In one trial, up to 600 connections were achieved simultaneously.
 
Gee said EC&O will work with organisers and exhibitors to come up with the right pricing structure and access schemes.
 
“We have taken the step to find the right system, put it in, and now we’ll work with exhibitors and organisers to understand what they want to offer at events,” he said. “We need to learn more about the new show apps being made available and what demands there are for wireless services.
 
“As an industry, we need to be upfront and honest about what we can provide.”
 
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