HotelsMag November 2013 | Page 76

TECHNOLOGY : ENTERTAINMENT

THE BATTLE FOR BANDWIDTH

If there ’ s a clear downside to today ’ s mobile , multi-device world , it ’ s the increasing strain on available bandwidth , which in the context of a hotel can become quite problematic if not managed properly . With guests all trying to access , stream and move data simultaneously on several different devices , hotels need to be sure the connectivity is there for those who want it .
Hotels are taking a comprehensive strategy that ensures all the necessary hardware is in place — from the pipe entering the building to the central hubs and access points — and also accounts for dedicated monitoring systems and data analysis tools that help identify problem areas .
“ You ’ ve got to have good bandwidth coming in , and when I say good , nobody really knows what ’ s good until they get into the game and see what ’ s being used ,” says Don O ’ Neal , president of Dallas-based O ’ Neal Consultants . “ One of the basic requirements is to have good equipment that can monitor your bandwidth on a daily basis , and then the know-how to make changes when needed .”
In addition to hardware upgrades like installing 100Mbps fiber cable in some hotels , Accor is also centralizing in response to the issue . Rather than having multiple networks that support all technologies , hotels will contain a converged network that supports all components : TV , Web , digital signage and guest-facing highspeed Internet access . The new infrastructure will enable hotels to adjust bandwidth to meet shifting needs .
“ For instance , if participants in a technology conference in the meeting areas consume an inordinate amount of bandwidth , the hotel will be able to increase capacity to the meeting while ensuring that other systems , like IPTV , maintain adequate bandwidth ,” explains David Esseryk , vice president of consumer technology for Accor . “ You can do what you want if you have the right network .”
Carlson is working to implement as much as 100Mbps throughput capacity at hotels , depending on the brand , even though in many cases bandwidth provisions are often capped at 50Mbps . Carlson executives say usage often peaks around 30Mbps ; providing for 100Mbps is more of a forwardlooking strategy .
“ We expect our guests to bring
“ WE PREFER TO GO FIBER VERSUS COPPER , BUT IF YOU ’ VE GOT A MORE REMOTE HOTEL , THE ONLY OPTION IN THAT AREA MIGHT BE COPPER .”
– BILL BALTES , CARLSON anywhere from three to five devices into the room , so it ’ s not just the throughput , but the density : How many devices will be operational in that hotel , and can they all get on and be used ?” says Bill Baltes , vice president of IT for Carlson . “ We ’ re starting with a standard that puts lots of throughput capability in rooms .”
The availability and cost of bandwidth is an added concern depending on a hotel ’ s geographical location , whether it ’ s an existing or new-build property and whether it operates in an urban , suburban or remote setting . Nonetheless , experts say a strong fiber-optic pipe is generally the best route , with all the necessary hardware and software added from there .
“ It depends on location — if you ’ re in a larger city , we want to go with fiber into the buildings ,” Baltes says . “ We prefer to go fiber versus copper , but if you ’ ve got a more remote hotel , the only option in that area might be copper . Fiber ’ s better , but copper ’ s still great . It just comes down to how much you want to pay for it .”
74 HOTELS November 2013 www . hotelsmag . com