Stream7 has worked closely with the SQLBits Team for the last few years, and as we already install a data network for streaming, the client asked us to provide a site wide WiFi Network and additional hardwired connections in each of the nine breakout rooms. The connections would be used to distribute internet to delegates not only for the conference but also for the ‘dive deep’ sessions on the 2 days before the general conference.
Delegates take part in live coding sessions so a stable, fast and high capacity data network is crucial to the events success.
For the 2018 event we provided a simple network to provide a wired connection for the presenter in each room. As the brief was substantially bigger this time, we completely re-designed the system and invested heavily in Ubiquiti equipment.
We created a backbone using 10Gb/s Fiber Trunks which fed to Ubiquiti managed switches, these provided wired connections in each of the breakout rooms. We also deployed 12 Unifi High density Wifi Access Points to provide both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connectivity which allowed the 1500+ delegates to work on their virtual servers.
With such a large system in operation we provided two dedicated network engineers who constantly monitored and optimised the system as usage peaked, whilst providing front line support to the delegates and event staff.
Due to the fact the WiFi network was so stable and provided complete coverage over the venue, the additional hardwired connections that were supplied for guests having WiFi issues were not highly utilised .
The highlight of the event was during a session when the presenter ran a demonstration that would place a high demand on our network, the demo ran perfectly leading the presenter to comment ‘I didn’t expect that to work on an event network!’ I think that comment speaks for itself.
