Introduction:

Ole Miss’s basketball arena, known as the Pavilion, has been the heart of college basketball excitement on campus since its inauguration in 2016. 

However, as we enter 2023, an issue that shouldn’t persist in this digital age remains unresolved – inadequate Wi-Fi coverage. 

With a seating capacity of approximately 9,500 spectators, providing seamless connectivity is paramount to enhance the overall fan experience.

The Wi-Fi Challenge:

Reliable Wi-Fi coverage is fundamental for modern sports arenas. It enables fans to share their experiences in real-time and immerse themselves in the excitement of the game. 

With the pavilion being the house to Raising Cane’s and Steak ‘n Shake students are often going in and out trying to do school and grab lunch/dinner between schooling activities. Due to the poor WiFi, students are often frustrated and unable to accomplish their task.

To address this challenge comprehensively, we propose a sophisticated Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrade.

Wi-Fi Infrastructure Upgrade:

Base Station:

To ensure fans in the stands enjoy uninterrupted access to high-speed Wi-Fi, we recommend the deployment of Ubiquiti’s WiFi Base Station XG (Mega Capacity). With a device capacity exceeding 1,500+ and powered by PoE++ technology, this solution guarantees lightning-fast Wi-Fi access for everyone in the stands.

Link to the Base Station: Ubiquiti’s Mega Capacity Base Station

Data + Power Connection – Base Station:

To distribute data effectively to all eight Base Stations, we will utilize the EnterpriseXG 24 switch, boasting 24 10 Gbps Ethernet ports exclusively for data transportation; we will be utilizing another switch for power only.

Link to the Switch: EnterpriseXG 24 Switch

Furthermore, to power these Base Stations efficiently, we will employ the Professional 24 PoE Switch, offering 8 Gigabit PoE++ ports, exclusively for power supply, with no data transport.

Link to the Switch: Professional 24 PoE Switch

Access Points:

Additionally, to address connectivity challenges in non-stand areas of the Pavilion, particularly the concessions, we propose the installation of 12 strategically placed access points, featuring the U6 Enterprise Access Point. These access points can handle over 600 devices, support Wi-Fi 6, and are powered via PoE+ technology, ensuring uninterrupted service.

Link to the Access Point: U6 Enterprise Access Point

Data + Power Connection – Access Points

To efficiently power and provide data connectivity to these access points, we recommend the use of the Enterprise 24 PoE switch, offering 12 PoE+ outputs with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet capabilities.

Link to the Switch: Enterprise 24 PoE

Simplified Parts List:

• 8 x WiFi BaseStation XG: Strategically placed beneath the scoreboard/jumbotron to provide complete Wi-Fi coverage for spectators in the stands.
• 12 x U6 Enterprise Access Points: Strategically installed in high-traffic areas, facilitating communication and enhancing the overall fan experience.
• 1 x EnterpriseXG 24: 10 Gbps Ethernet switch exclusively for data transport to the 8 Base Stations.
• 1 x Professional 24 PoE: Provides PoE++ power supply to the 8 Base Stations, with no data transport.
• 1 x Enterprise 24 PoE: Facilitates 2.5 Gbps data transfer and PoE+ power for the 12 Access Points.
• NOTE: This does not include any back hauls or any other technical uplinks, which are assumed to be already included in the existing infrastructure.

Estimated Cost (Parts Only):

The estimated cost for the necessary parts is approximately $18,000, representing a valuable investment in improving the Pavilion’s connectivity infrastructure and ensuring a memorable experience for all those who enter the pavilion.