Building on Olympic success, Alexandra Palace meets demands of exhibitors and fans for smartphone and tablet application support
Xirrus, provider of high performance wireless networks, has announced that Alexandra Palace has deployed Xirrus Wireless Arrays to provide clients and its one million annual visitors with a fast and engaging WiFi experience across 10,873 square metres of events space.
Alexandra Palace is an iconic entertainment and leisure destination in North London and has been the centre of music, sport and events for over 130 years. Built as the 'People's Palace' in 1873, the historic seven-acre Grade II listed venue sits in 196 acres of parkland and boasts panoramic views of London.
Emma Dagnes, commercial director at Alexandra Palace, commented: 'We are thrilled that we are now able to provide a first class WiFi service to our clients at Alexandra Palace all year round. In today's market, it is imperative for venues such as us to remain competitive, and having the ability to provide clients with a reliable and integrated wireless service will ensure our iconic venue continues to attract world class live events and premier exhibitions.'
Prior to summer 2012, there was no permanent wireless network infrastructure in place at Alexandra Palace with WiFi only provided on a case by case installation. However, after the deployment of Xirrus' temporary WiFi across Alexandra Palace during the 2012 Dutch Olympic Team's Holland Heineken House, the iconic venue decided to retain and extend the wireless network across its entire event space. The Palace has now deployed 100 Xirrus Wireless Arrays across the Palace to support high bandwidth usage for its maximum capacity of up to 11,000 concurrent users.
Dagnes added: 'Wireless coverage is now considered by event organisers to be as crucial as having the correct lighting or electricity systems in place. During the 2012 Olympics, when Alexandra Palace was the venue for Holland Heineken House, we were able to see first-hand the impact providing such a service can make on an event and how it contributes to delivering an exceptional consumer experience.'
Alexandra Palace chose Xirrus to deliver its integrated, high-performance wireless service because of its reputation as being the leading vendor able to provide this service across large and complex venues, with minimal disruption. As a Grade II listed building, Alexandra Palace needed a solution that not only provided flawless performance in a challenging architectural environment but could be installed in adherence with strict construction guidelines. Due to its experience of delivering sympathetic installations in historic buildings, Xirrus ensured its Arrays were in accordance with the venue's aesthetics, causing minimal disruption and requiring less networking infrastructure than other vendors.
Sean Larner, VP of International Sales at Xirrus, said: 'With its wireless installation, Alexandra Palace alleviates modern day connectivity issues for both consumers and businesses through providing fast, high-performance wireless coverage. Following the success of Holland Heineken House, Alexandra Palace recognised the positive influence implementing a robust Wi-Fi solution would have on enhancing both the visitor and exhibitor experience now and in the future, as well as future-proofing development plans and creating exciting new revenue streams.'
