ACP Managed Internet and WiFi Connectivity Solution

The ACP event WiFi Solution offer is designed using a standalone methodology. For our core infrastructure, all equipment, mountings and power provision is freestanding. This means that provided that telephne lines are available it is possible for us to set up a robust and reliable WiFi servide onsite, prior to any other structure or power source being provided by the event organisers.

The ACP Solution features swift-erect mast mounted antennas and access points. These can be driven by independent power supplies that are both portable and silent

Our build is not dependent upon power being available onsite. ADSL broadband connectivity in general requries several days to settle to its optimum bandwidth. ACP will provision ADSL to allow at least 5 days prior to the event for this ADSL 'training'.

The core ACP Solutions does not require the use of lifting equipment. With many WiFI infrastructure at public events, any repair, replacement or repositioning of an antenna or access point device has to be delayed until the end of the event day when the location becomes free of guests.

With the ACP Solution, antennae or access points can be accessed easily with repairs or replacements being undertaken in a matter of minutes with minimal distruption to event goers, traders or organisers.

ACP IT Solutions Key Elements

ACP deploy mast mounted, high gain, dual channel wireless access points to provide wireless coverage to central site. Wireless bridge repeaters may also be mast mounted to provide ample coverage to more remote zones. With ADSL broadband readily available, we recommend managed ADSL as the most flexible, efficient and cost effective medium to facilitate data transit within the event site and out to the internet. For efficiency and optimum performance, these ADSL lines would be presented as a cluster of either bonded or single circuits as is appropriate.

Central Hub and Bandwidth Control

Utilising load balancing technology, ACP Solutions can monitor and manage the allocation of bandwidth across our infrastructure. We are able to control the distribution of total available bandwidth between the user groups or ‘zones’. For example should a zone have a period of high bandwidth usage due to a VIP appearance, it is possible to reallocate bandwidth from a ‘quieter’ zone.

Traders: Dedicated Hi Gain Wireless Network

At other major soft terrain events such as Badminton Horse Trials wired or wireless connectivity has been made available to the trader communities for the duration of the event. An option to purchase was offered initially. In more recent years, connectivity has been made available to all traders. The cost being covered by a reasonable uplift in general trade stand cost.

Event Organisers: Dedicated Wireless Network

ACP are able to set up and manage a wireless network restricted purely for use by event organisers and authorised VIP’s. Wireless, password protected access can be available across the event area for the organisers. Should any authorised user not have WiFi enabled equipment such as an ‘older’ laptop, a number of Cat 5 cables would be available to enable connection. ACP are also able to assist with general support for the event team and VIPs.

Traffic Control for authorised Users

Traffic would be ‘shaped’ to restrict access to particular bandwidth intensive sites. We recommend that certain sites are either blocked or throttled:

1. Streaming video and audio (BBC iPlayer, ITV Player)
2. TV and video on demand (Sky Anytime and 4oD)
3. Large files hosted on Rapidshare and similar sites
4. Peer 2 Peer file sharing systems (e.g. BitTorrent, eMule, LimeWire)

Public Access

We do not recommend the provision of a network for use by the general public. In our experience, such services when provided are abused rather than used. It is possible to control and restrict the type of web traffic carried over a network but in our experience at locations where connectivity is at a premium, restricted access to bandwidth intensive sites such as youtube, iPlayer and Skype causes irritation. Public perception is that WiFi provided at a remote, rural location and available and shared by thousands of people will deliver the same user experience as they enjoy in the private home or office. This is certainly not the case. Catering for the public en masse, will overburden a local network and is likely to have a detrimental effect on the networks provided for the traders and event organisers due to circuit contention at the local exchange.

To cater for the anticipated demand of the public, it would be feasible to set up a revenue generating ‘pay to use’ WiFi service where time limited access is available for a controlled number of simultaneous users. An Acceptable Usage Policy is advised. We are also planning a rollout of cached services of event organisers' apps.

Next Steps

ACP would welcome the opportunity to present a suitable solution for your event. Such a meeting would facilitate a Q&A session to enable us to address any questions that you may have. Call us on 01453 834883 or email us at info@acpsolutions.co.uk to see how we can help at your next event