Cloud-driven networking company Extreme Networks has agreed a deal to become the official Wi-Fi solutions provider for the Olympiastadion in the German capital of Berlin.
Extreme will work with PKN Datenkommunikations, a long-standing partner of the stadium, to deploy a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 network which meets the standards of UEFA, football’s European governing body.
The Olympiastadion, which opened in 1936 and serves as the home of Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin, is due to be a host venue during the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany.
Extreme said its partnership with the Olympiastadion will result in the first and largest public Wi-Fi 6 deployment in a European stadium and will allow the venue to meet the connectivity requirements of spectators, staff and media attending football tournaments, concerts and other events.
More than 1,000 ExtremeWireless access points will be deployed throughout the stadium and surrounding area, with the aim of ensuring seamless, secure Wi-Fi connectivity and stronger connections for social media sharing, video streaming and mobile app usage for point-of-sale applications and mobile ticketing.
Extreme’s Fabric Connect solution will also be deployed to design, build, manage and troubleshoot networks. The solution will include the automatic configuration of new access points and the ability to segment the network to secure the experience of users and fans.
Additionally, the company’s on-premises management software will seek to enable the stadium to manage its infrastructure via a single pane of glass across virtualised and cloud environments, while its ExtremeAnalytics software will deliver “granular visibility” into how users, devices and applications interact with the Wi-Fi network.
Timo Rohwedder, chief executive of the Olympiastadion, said: “A key requirement for state-of-the-art venues like ours is reliable, fast, and secure wireless network connectivity for tens of thousands of simultaneous users. Extreme has an outstanding pedigree when it comes to solutions and services that deliver safe, high-quality, connected in-venue experiences, and they fully met our high expectations.
“With our new, high-density Wi-Fi 6 network, we can introduce new advanced technologies, such as touchless and cashless payment systems, and are set to continue welcoming some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment to our venue while offering visitors an incredible experience all around.”
Ed Meyercord, president and chief executive of Extreme Networks, added: “Our networking solutions provide the foundation for incredible fan experiences in stadiums all around the world. Olympiastadion Berlin is an iconic venue and will benefit from a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6 network that enriches the fan experience while being simple to manage, operate, and scale. We are honoured to have been chosen as Olympiastadion Berlin’s official Wi-Fi solutions provider and are excited to help the venue elevate the digital experience at live entertainment and sporting events.”
Extreme has been the official Wi-Fi solutions provider of the NFL American football league since 2013. In February, the company signed a six-year deal to become the official Wi-Fi solutions provider of Major League Baseball.
Image: Martijn Mureau/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
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