Anaheim Convention Center to Boast Powerful New Wi-Fi Network

The Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) and Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) announced a $2.5 million investment by Smart City Networks into the convention center’s Wi-Fi network system capability, making it one of the most technically advanced convention centers in the U.S. As one of the first convention centers to offer free wireless in all areas of the facility, the ACC is partnering with Smart City to install this new Cisco-based high density network, which will allow for faster, more streamlined wireless service, accommodating the increasing number of mobile users and devices. The new system is set to be completed by fall 2015.

The Cisco high density network currently being installed in the convention center will consist of nearly 700 access points throughout the facility — a configuration used strictly for stadiums up until now. The first-of-its-kind system increases the amount of coverage and bandwidth available to ACC meeting and event attendees. The Smart City-designed configuration also will include Cisco’s Mobility Service Engine (MSE) and Cisco’s Prime Infrastructure and will enable Location-Based Services (LBS).

“Installing this new, fully redundant, high density Wi-Fi network positions the ACC as a national leader in wireless connectivity,” said Tom Morton, executive director, City of Anaheim, Convention, Sports & Entertainment. “This will enable event planners, exhibitors and attendees to fully engage the largest of mega bandwidth needs.”

The projected upgrades also will position the ACC as the first convention center on the West Coast with 10 gigabit Internet connectivity. Some additional upgrades include:

• Redundancy of core equipment throughout the network
• Cisco Mobility Service Engine (MSE) and Cisco Prime Infrastructure
• Cisco Prime and MSE enable Location-Based Services (LBS)
• 10 gigabit circuit with a 1 gigabit backup circuit
• Dual UPS systems to backup core switch and power and back-up system redundancy (including UPS systems in every IDF)
• Cisco-certified wireless design

“We are thrilled to extend our existing 25-plus year partnership with the City of Anaheim at the Convention Center,” said Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks. “The network in Anaheim will be second to none along with the features and services we provide with it.”

Smart City has already begun work on installing the Cisco system with a projected completion date of fall 2015.

www.anaheimconventioncenter.com