On the tradeshow floor, the growing challenge has become how to accommodate all of the wireless devices that seek to connect to the Internet.  In addition to tablets, smart phones, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices, there are cellular aircards, 3G Mi-Fi devices and third party 3G routers that connect to the Internet via a 3G signal and then rebroadcast in the 802.11 spectrum.  When thousands of these devices are trying to connect simultaneously to Wi-Fi on the convention floor, the result is interference that can hinder the ability for everyone to actually connect to the Internet.  Complicating matters further, Mi-Fi’s and routers are often set to emit the highest volume and can completely displace the signal of neighboring exhibitors. 

The goal of Smart City Networks and any convention center is to control this interference so that everyone can connect to the network. To ensure a high quality experience for everyone, Smart City builds and manages robust Wi-Fi networks and must work to limit interference issues.

While it may seem to be everywhere, Wi-Fi is a product of significant infrastructure, wiring and maintenance. For example, a convention center needs a Wi-Fi network with numerous wireless access points, since a single access point can only handle a finite number of users effectively.  Convention centers need to provide and maintain a network that has adequate bandwidth for every event – small, medium, large or mega. 

And not every network is created equal. A basic 256K connection is fine for checking email but not fast enough for streaming video.  As our dependency on technology grows so too does the demand for faster and more robust wireless connectivity.

In most every facility that Smart City Networks services, a basic level of free Wi-Fi exists allowing customers to check email and surf the web. Yet, on the tradeshow floor, where thousands of people congregate, demand for connectivity is great.  Additionally, exhibitors typically need a higher level of connectivity. They may be streaming video presentations, downloading large multimedia files or engaging in videoconferencing over the web.  These activities, often critical to an exhibitor’s presentation or business, require a faster Wi-Fi service, such as a 5Ghz spectrum instead of a basic 2.4Ghz spectrum.

Our goal is to provide a reliable Wi-Fi network that can meet everyone’s varied needs.  Yet, a convention center’s Wi-Fi network is much more complex, and costly, than the Wi-Fi found at your home or neighborhood Starbucks.

We continue to work with our building partners to create wireless networks that offer a reliable, quality service. We also want to encourage dialogue on these challenging technology issues within the event industry, as we remain committed to providing reliable Internet services that keep pace with the changing needs of our customers.