Wi-Fi for stadiums and events: thousands of people online at once
A full stadium, an exhibition floor or a conference with thousands of delegates. I design high-density Wi-Fi that keeps working at the busiest moment.
Capacity, not coverage
In an empty stadium coverage is easy. The problem starts when tens of thousands of people share a photo or scan a ticket at the same time. Then the number of users per radio drives the design: small cells, many access points and channels that do not interfere with each other.
That needs different choices than an office: directional antennas, mounting under the seats or above the stands, narrow channels and tight transmit power, following Cisco guidance for large public venues.
Experience
I am currently working as Wireless Architect on the high-density design and commissioning of a new football stadium, and as Lead Solution Engineer on the wireless, Cisco Spaces and collaboration infrastructure of a World Expo campus. More in my portfolio.
What I design
- Capacity per stand, section or hall, based on the expected number of devices
- Under-seat, overhead or handrail mounting, depending on the stand
- Directional antennas and a channel plan with 20 MHz channels
- Networks for the public, press, catering, tills and security
- Design for both the open and the divided hall in conference and exhibition centres
- A validation survey before the first large event
Crowds and visitor flows
With Cisco Spaces you see in real time how busy each zone is, how visitors move through the venue and what impact an event has. That helps with crowd management and with selling sponsor and media space.
Frequently asked questions
How many access points does a stadium need?
It depends on the number of seats, the expected usage and the type of stand. It is often hundreds of access points. I calculate it per section, based on users per radio.
Why does the Wi-Fi fail when the stadium is full?
Usually because the network was designed for coverage: a few access points with a long range. In a full stadium too many devices then share the same radio. Smaller cells and directional antennas solve that.
Do large events still need temporary access points?
Usually not. If capacity is calculated up front for the busiest event, including divided halls, you no longer need to rent temporary access points.
Also of interest
Discuss your project
Send me the floor plans and what you want to achieve. You get a scope and a fixed price back.