New 4×4:4 formation designed for dense environments
Cloud networking Extreme Network has released what it claims to be the industry’s first outdoor Wi-Fi 6E Outdoor Access Point (AP), which aims to simplify the networking of outdoor venues, convention centres, hospitals, university campuses and big stadiums. The vendor claims it could even improve the customer experience in notoriously dense environments, such as the Old Trafford Stadium.
The Extreme AP5050 promises better wireless experiences, faster speeds and less interference. The manufacturer says outdoor venues could get three times as much spectrum as previous generations of Wi-Fi. Even industrial processes needing high bandwidth applications could use this, such as manufacturers employing production line robots, according to Extreme. Devices on the Internet of Things (IoT) could ‘dramatically improve operations and consumer experiences while creating a foundation to monetise new mobile services’, Extreme claimed.
Aaron Amendolia, the VP of IT at the US National Football League bore witness to the benefits of high-speed Wi-Fi. Removing latency and congestion is like that moment when the line-backers clear the field so that the wide receiver can get a clear path to the end zone. This is like a metaphorical home run and Extreme is the linebacker that is key to creating the absolute best fan experience. “Wi-Fi 6E will allow the NFL to build best in class digital engagements,” said Amendolia. Wi-Fi 6E has access to up to 1,200 MHz of spectrum which improves quality of service (QoS) in dense environments, optimizes the performance of new applications and creates better user experiences.
In Canada Ryan Partridge, CIO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre used the kit to create new mobile services. It allowed the centre to provide exhibitors and visitors with a level of connectivity and speed that they’ve never experienced. “This is a complete game changer,” said Partridge, who confirmed that the cloud influence has made the system flexible, efficient and easy to install. The system was designed for high-density venues like the Metro, since the new AP5050 has three 4×4:4 radios which offer 802.11ax aggregate data rates up to 10 Gpbs.
The AP5050 also supports the latest Wi-Fi Alliance WPA3 security certification in order to make it comply with the security demands of IoT installations.
Old Trafford Stadium in the UK could one day benefit from the potential to create new monetisation opportunities, according to Dan DeBacker, SVP of Products, Extreme Networks, who promised “a better, more consistent customer experience.” Manchester United fans would welcome any new signings at the moment.