While G.Hn standards and technology aren’t new, the focus on using it for the hospitality industry is a relatively innovative idea. As with most new technology, it takes time to evaluate and adapt the platform to ensure that it’s stable and delivers on its purported capabilities. Given the importance of delivering stable technology to guestrooms, it’s taken some time to have this process evaluated and certified by brands and many of the application and solutions providers. That said, the technology offers some great advantages to existing IP over coax solutions and large deployments are currently underway in all environments.
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Here are just a few key reasons to consider G.Hn:
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1. Limited construction efforts. Leveraging the existing coax limits the amount of invasive construction efforts needed to install new cabling into guestrooms, meeting spaces and other areas where existing coax is installed. In many cases, it also eliminates the need to run additional backbone fiber throughout the building. In campus environments, it can also limit the amount of trenching and conduit work that is required to install new fiber.
2. Cost effective installation. The hotel doesn’t need to take rooms out of service to install this technology. Due to the way the G.Hn spectrum works, the existing cable TV service doesn’t need to be taken offline for the installation, as it can function simultaneously. Unlike DOCSIS, G.Hn doesn’t use any spectrum that overlaps with CATV content. As such, the total available bandwidth of G.Hn isn’t impacted by the number of channels being offered as part of the FTG TV offering. This also means limited disruption to the existing video service while the network is being deployed. The hotel can continue to generate income and room revenue during the system deployment which can offset the expense typically associated with an infrastructure upgrade.
3. Improved technology offering and guest experience. The ability to deploy broadband in the guestroom allows for the installation of newer guestroom technology such as IPTV and guestroom control systems. Additionally, this ability to provide a robust wireless network that allows for broadband throughout the property improves guest satisfaction scores, and allows guests to connect multiple devices and stream content without performance concerns.
4. Capex Renovation budgets. Non-invasive technology allows hotels to upgrade their infrastructure without costly renovations and guestroom construction efforts. The savings on the capital investment means that owners and asset managers are far more likely to approve the expenditure with the knowledge that it will add and improve the bottom line with limited investment. With the rise in interest rates, many construction and renovation projects were placed on hold due to budget constraints. Many hotels were financed with variable interest rate loans. While they have been performing well over the past few years, the rise in interest rates has meant that much of their income is now targeted towards servicing the increased loan debt. The ability to leverage the coax infrastructure and minimize the construction efforts preserves the Capex requirements and allows hotels to move forward with upgrading the technology systems in the guestrooms and other public space areas.
5. Ability to leverage other technologies. Typically, G.Hn network equipment is comprised of carrier grade equipment and due to the 1Gb+ throughput, it provides for a stable environment to leverage other building-wide technologies such as CCTV and exterior Wi-Fi in campus environments. The deployment of these technologies would typically be cost prohibitive due to the need to deploy invasive technology.
6. Stability. G.Hn is proving to be a reliable and stable platform for the delivery of broadband over coax. The use of carrier grade equipment and the robustness of the technology allows system providers to adapt the platform in challenging environments with a high success rate. With many of the network solution providers now involved in G.Hn installations and support, confidence in the technology is growing and the industry is seeing greater deployments.

Hotels and resorts are under increasing pressure to deploy the latest systems and applications to gain a competitive advantage and to deliver a superior guest experience. These systems typically rely on a robust IP network to deliver broadband throughput to meet the performance requirements. Until now, legacy hotels have been at a disadvantage to provide for this technology given the high cost and invasive efforts required to re-cable the buildings. G.Hn offers these properties a compelling, cost-effective and stable platform for delivering new systems and applications while enhancing the guest experience.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A G.HN DEPLOYMENT INTO A LEGACY HOTEL OR RESORT

Due Diligence

• Site Survey. A survey of the property is required to determine the condition of the coax infrastructure and possible remediation
  requirements.
• G.Hn Requirements determination. Determine the extent of the technology platform that needs to reside on the infrastructure – especially in the guestrooms where the location of the TV will likely dictate the deployment of the G.Hn endpoint and wireless AP.
• Importance of selecting experienced solution providers. Partner with an experienced solution partner provider to design the G.Hn network
  and determine where additional distribution frames and infrastructure such as cabling and power may be required.
• Anticipated costs. Develop a budget and official quote for not only the G.Hn network, but also all construction and installation costs. (This is likely a Capex expenditure so allocate sufficient time for getting this into the Capex budget for installation the following year.)

Planning

1. Planning is everything. Develop an overall project implementation plan to ensure that ALL requirements are accounted for. Work with the operations team to develop a strategic implementation plan that includes having any coax remediation, low voltage cabling and construction work completed ahead of the G.Hn network deployment.
2. Use an experienced project manager. Ensure that the property has an experienced project manager who understands all the moving parts to oversee and coordinate all resources including systems, construction, and operations personnel.
3. Coordinate delivery of equipment. Have all the equipment delivered ahead of time to save on costly last-minute emergency shipments.
4. Create a coordinated implementation plan. Ensure that there is a tightly coordinated
   implementation plan developed with the operational team– especially when the hotel is still operational, and guests are staying at the property.

Installation

• Ensuring that experienced resources are dedicated to the project goes a long way towards a smooth implementation.
• Expect the unexpected and work to address adverse issues expeditiously – the resources will only be onsite for a limited amount of time and having an experienced project manager can ensure that the network is deployed in an efficient and timely manner.
• System optimization – allocate sufficient time to optimize the network and systems – especially the wireless coverage.
• Ensure sufficient spare parts are included with the order to account for possible attrition either due to power surges or equipment failures. It’s recommended to have the spare equipment on hand for support.

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