Smart City Networks Completes National System Upgrade to Improve Wi-Fi Capacity and Speed

June 9, 2017

Smart City Networks has rolled out a nationwide upgrade of its wireless networking services that will enhance the speed and flexibility of wireless offerings at 39 convention centers and other venues it manages throughout the U.S.

The system-wide implementation of the MikroTik captive portal included installation of 234 new gateway devices at Smart City facilities designed to increase capacity and speed.

The upgrade means convention attendees will be able to log in to the gateway at a convention –  much like they would at a coffee shop or airport – quicker than ever before, ultimately allowing them to connect to the internet faster.

Previously, this was a challenge for venues where the number of devices on the network could lead to a frustrating connectivity experience.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a triple-digit increase in the wireless adoption of events,” explained David Langford, vice president of technology for Smart City, provider of telecommunications services for the convention industry.

He continued, “By investing in this infrastructure, we’re ensuring event attendees can have a multifaceted experience that extends through all their devices, not just their laptops.”

Additionally, the captive portal provides the opportunity for events to have custom splash pages that can be sponsored by event exhibitors, helping to increase revenue for show producers.

The captive portals also are supported with full redundancy, meaning critical components are duplicated to allow maintenance on the system without causing any service interruptions.

All 234 gateways were configured in and are monitored from Smart City’s Network Operations Center in Las Vegas.

“This is another illustration of Smart City’s commitment to providing more complex technologic solutions for our clients and industry partners,” Langford said.

He added, “This installation will ensure (that) attendees at our clients’ events have an experience that meets, if not exceeds, all of their expectations.”

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