Aruba Networks, a leading provider of next-generation network access solutions for the mobile enterprise, said the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is the first hotel in the Middle East to deploy a 802.11ac wireless network allowing guests to use gigabit wireless across its property.

The implementation, by MDS UAE, a leading IT service company, leverages Aruba Networks’ 802.11ac solution and advanced wireless security, said a statement.

Mehmet Akdeniz, director of IT and AV at Emirates Palace, said: “We remain deeply committed to offering our guests a truly remarkable experience. When we noticed that guest usage of bandwidth-hungry mobile applications was becoming a norm, we committed to deploying a solution that would meet their high expectations for the next four to five years.”

The Aruba 802.11ac solution, which includes the Aruba 220 Series Access Points, Aruba Mobility Controllers and the company’s patented ClientMatch technology, will deliver the capabilities, functionality, high degree of security and effortless integration with the hotel’s newly deployed wired infrastructure that the hotel requires, he said.

Emirates Palace deployed an Aruba 7220 series mobility controller and over 1,000 AP-225 wireless access points across the expansive property for a two-month period to avoid inconvenience to guests. The hotel also implemented Aruba's AirWave Network Management platform, which delivers visibility into all devices and connections on the wireless network thus allowing administrators to proactively plan for capacity, visualise client performance and troubleshoot application issues.

The capacity has increased from 54Mbps to 1.3Gbps, which the mobility controller has completely eliminated manual configuration of individual access points and has even automated software updates of all the Aruba 225 APs.

The solution features a white list co-ordination, valid AP lists, control plane security (CPsec) certificates and wireless intrusion detection and coordination.

Through the controller's intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), administrators can make rapid changes to the network and its security settings. This has enabled a high degree of customisation of the network which is required to meet the specific needs of each meeting and conference that the venue hosts.

The hotel has plans under way to offer IPTV, online gaming for children, Internet music streaming and smart device-controlled operation of in-room entertainment. - TradeArabia News Service