Organising an outdoor event requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to ensuring reliable WiFi connectivity. Here are some strategies to help you optimise WiFi performance for outdoor events and provide a smooth experience for your attendees.
Hardware Setup
Having the right equipment is crucial for ensuring strong and stable WiFi for your event. Wireless routers and access points should be strategically placed around the event area to cover all critical spots with a strong signal. Consider using weatherproof models if the equipment needs to be placed outdoors. Signal boosters can be used to extend the reach of your WiFi to areas where the signal might be weak, ensuring that every attendee and vendor has internet access. It’s also helpful to have backup routers and access points on hand in case any equipment fails during the event.
Case Study: Overcoming Connectivity Challenges for Pandora’s Pop-Up Store
Let’s take a look at a real-life example of how to effectively deal with connectivity issues in outdoor settings. When a team of WiFi experts from Fli-Fi supported a pop-up store for Pandora at Potters Fields Park, situated beside Tower Bridge, they faced several obstacles. The area had variable mobile network signals due to high foot traffic plus, they were on a tight schedule for hardware installation and testing.
To address these challenges, the team used a dual WAN 5G solution capable of operating on multiple networks simultaneously. This minimised the risk of signal degradation. The teams’ comprehensive approach included pre-installation technical calls with build partners and real-time support through remote monitoring and direct communication channels. Ultimately, their efforts ensured a stable 30Mbps synchronous connection, allowing Pandora to showcase their impressive LED displays and unique pop-up store without connectivity disruptions.
Site Survey and Planning
Before the event, conduct a site survey to identify potential challenges to WiFi performance, such as physical obstructions, reflective surfaces and high usage zones. Tools like WiFi analysers can help map out signal strength and interference sources across the event area. By understanding these factors, you can plan the placement of routers, access points, and signal boosters to ensure comprehensive coverage. This proactive step helps in foreseeing and mitigating potential issues before they disrupt the event and optimise WiFi performance.
Channel Congestion
Too many devices using the same WiFi channel can cause slow internet speeds. To avoid this, adjust your routers to different channels to minimise overlap and interference. Modern routers often come with channel selection features that can automatically pick the best channels. Monitoring the usage of each channel can help you keep an eye on which channels are getting crowded, allowing you to switch channels as needed to maintain optimal speeds.
Bandwidth Management
Managing bandwidth effectively ensures that all attendees have a quality internet experience. Prioritise essential services and applications by allocating more bandwidth to them, using Quality of Service (QoS) settings available in most routers. This ensures that critical applications, like event streaming or vendor transactions, have enough bandwidth. Consider implementing limits on non-essential services, such as video streaming or large file downloads, to prevent them from consuming too much bandwidth and disrupting the overall performance.
Security Measures
Keeping your event’s WiFi secure is essential to protect both your data and that of your attendees and vendors. Use strong, complicated passwords that are hard to guess for accessing the WiFi. These passwords should be changed regularly and shared securely with attendees and vendors. Setting up a separate guest network for attendees ensures that the primary event network remains secure and is reserved for critical event operations. Enable encryption protocols like WPA3 to enhance security further. Additionally, consider using a captive portal for guest access, requiring users to accept terms of service or enter an event code to log in.
Performance Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of WiFi performance throughout the event allows you to quickly identify and address any issues that arise. Use network management tools to keep track of performance metrics such as signal strength, bandwidth usage, and device connections. These tools often provide real-time alerts about potential problems, enabling you to take immediate action to resolve them. Having IT staff on-site or on-call during the event ensures any technical issues can be promptly addressed, maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted WiFi experience for all attendees.
Ten Top Tips
- Place wireless routers and access points strategically to cover all critical spots.
- Use signal boosters to extend WiFi reach to weaker areas.
- Adjust router channels to minimise interference and avoid congestion.
- Monitor channel usage and switch channels if necessary.
- Conduct a site survey before setting up to identify potential coverage issues.
- Prioritise bandwidth for essential services and limit non-essential services.
- Use strong WiFi passwords to enhance security.
- Create a separate guest network for attendees.
- Continuously monitor WiFi performance throughout the event using network management tools.
- Have backup equipment ready to replace any faulty gear immediately.
Getting the right WiFi setup for your outdoor event doesn’t have to be daunting. By planning ahead and using these tips, you can ensure that your attendees stay connected and your event runs smoothly. Enabling you to optimise your WiFi performance.
Need, expert help?
Contact our experienced and friendly team to find out how we can help you optimise your Wifi performance at your next outdoor event. Email us at mailto:enquiries@fli-fi.com or call 020 3778 0454.
