Extreme Networks claims Wi-Fi 6 a game changer for US sports stadiums
Cloud-driven networking technology and services company rolls out Wi-Fi 6 technology for Tennessee Titans, Houston Dynamo and Dash, Leeds Beckett University and West Texas A&M
In a huge boost for the deployment of the new wireless networking standard, Extreme Networks is claiming to be the first to deliver Wi-Fi 6 solutions across National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS) and college sports grounds in the US.
The deployments will see the US NFL’s Tennessee Titans, Professional Soccer’s Houston Dynamo and Dash, Leeds Beckett University and West Texas A&M take technology which the provider says will transform fans’ game-day experience.
Extreme Networks will fit out the grounds with its Wi-Fi 6 access points and ExtremeSwitching technology to offer greater flexibility and increased bandwidth to support more devices, including internet of things (IoT) devices, and advanced immersive applications.
The Wi-Fi 6 access points are claimed to ensure seamless, secure Wi-Fi connectivity at stadiums that is said to be up to 40% faster than the previous Wi-Fi 5 standard, and stronger connections for real-time social media sharing, video streaming and mobile app use, including point-of-sale applications and mobile ticketing.
Extreme Networks is the official Wi-Fi solutions provider of the NFL, delivering high-density Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi analytics solutions to 25 NFL teams, and during the past six Super Bowls. This year marks the seventh season of the Extreme-NFL partnership.
“For us, adopting Wi-Fi 6 is a business imperative, because if our network can’t provide a highly reliable, seamless experience throughout the game, our fans will stay home”
Bob Flynn, Tennessee Titans
Commenting on the technology roll-out at the Tennessee Titans stadium (pictured above), Bob Flynn, vice-president of facilities and game-day operations at the NFL team, said: “Wi-Fi 6 is making a lot of headlines, but it’s about more than just speed. For us, adopting Wi-Fi 6 is a business imperative, because if our network can’t provide a highly reliable, seamless experience throughout the game, our fans will stay home.
“Our strong, five-year partnership with Extreme Networks made the decision a no-brainer to enlist their help for a full network upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 technology.”
John Walker, president of business operations for Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, added: “The rising popularity of soccer in America means that we have more fans packing our stadium than ever before, and we have the opportunity to be true pioneers in creating the MLS stadium of the future.
“With four times greater network capacity to ensure smooth and seamless game-day operations, Extreme’s Wi-Fi 6 solutions enable us to bring our passionate digital-native fans the strongest, most immersive connectivity in the industry. We are paving a path to become the leading destination for Major League Soccer in our country, along with high-level international soccer competitions, and Extreme is an integral part of that.”
