Telecom Lead India: Ericsson has unveiled stadium-optimized Wi-Fi access point to address user density and interference challenges to deliver high-performance coverage for mobile video and data apps.
The new cellular standard interface Wi-Fi controller simplifies Wi-Fi integration with mobile networks via a highly scalable platform.
This solution consists of two products: the AP 5114 stadium-optimized Wi-Fi access point and the WIC 8000 Wi-Fi controller. Together, they create a Wi-Fi network that is integrated with the mobile network – in keeping with Ericsson’s unique approach to heterogeneous networks.
The explosive growth of mobile data traffic, combined with the popularity and ubiquity of Wi-Fi on mobile devices, has created a trend toward operators deploying their own Wi-Fi networks. Given that social networking and video apps are used particularly heavily during major events, mobile traffic in stadiums is especially high.
Stadiums, in the view of operators, are like very dense metropolitan “villages” that require a wide range of wireless solutions – such as small cells, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and Wi-Fi as a complement to the existing macro network – to address all of the coverage and capacity requirements.
This Wi-Fi solution is Ericsson’s first Wi-Fi product launch since our acquisition of BelAir Networks in April this year. The solution enables stadium owners and managers to provide fans with the same options that they have when watching events at home, including instant replays and multi-view content feeds.
With Wi-Fi fully integrated into mobile access and core networks, users will enjoy seamless access to high-performance mobile broadband, whether they are connected over 3GPP or Wi-Fi, and operators will be able to choose connectivity to optimize the user experience.
