RANCHO SANTA FE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
- Deliver broadband throughput across the network – 1GB at minimum.
- Provide a stable and reliable platform that could deliver voice and video applications seamlessly.
- Solution needed to address both the current and future technology requirements.
- Infrastructure and systems needed to be installed in an expedited manner.
- Installation needed to be minimally invasive – (No walls could be re-opened or damaged.)
- Needed to be cost effective.
Given the expedited timeframe for re-opening the resort and recent industry adoption of G.Hn technology, it was determined that the coax infrastructure would present the best option to meet the needs of the resort and address property requirements. In assessing the compressed timeframe and parameters the resort realized that
it needed to partner with experienced industry technology solution providers to be successful. Allbridge was the primary system installation and support partner with the following strategic partners and responsibilities:
- Allbridge: Wireless Network, FTG/IPTV installation, PBX/voice
- MCOMS: GRE/IPTV system platform
- Positron Access: G.Hn IP over Coax platform
- CommScope Ruckus: Network Switches/Wireless Network
New LG TVs also had to be provisioned so Allbridge’s scope was expanded to install new televisions.
IMPLEMENTATION
With deployment within 10 days as a requirement, Allbridge/Positron brought in an experienced coax resource to work with the local low voltage contractor to address the coax concerns and implement a few strategic fiber runs to key distribution frames. At the same time, the equipment was expedited and shipped to the site.
The resort was still operational and was an additional challenge to the implementation team – installing new network and video services while providing existing network and coax cable TV service. The team created an implementation game plan. The initial efforts included setting up a control room to determine how best to install the TVs and layout the active equipment that resides behind the TV – (Positron endpoint, Ruckus AP, and Chromecast). Construction efforts were coordinated as the electrical outlets in some rooms required modification and power to be installed in the new building distribution frames. The new design added network switches and UPSs to each guestroom building distribution frames to provide for the capability of exterior wireless APs and security cameras for campus-wide coverage. In a few cases, the copper feeder cabling for the phone lines had been damaged, so the network was used to install IP to analog gateways to provide voice services as well.
Within a week all structures were installed and the wireless network and associated systems were operational. For the first time, all the guestrooms had
broadband wireless coverage and the MCOMS IPTV/GRE provided guests access to video content and casting or streaming services. The team worked with the low voltage contractor to ensure that the majority of the campus was provisioned with external wireless coverage as well. Ruckus assisted to optimize the network to ensure the entire wireless network was performing to standards. Given the iconic and historical importance of the resort to the local community and guests, all parties were commited to delivering a seamless experience to match lofty expectations.
The installation proved to be extremely cost effective – attributable to an experienced team coming together with strategic partners to make it happen – a demonstrable success story and truly a remarkable effort given the tight timeframe. Fast forward the platform and systems have proven to be extremely stable, continuing to deliver broadband, video and voice services. Without the use of the G.Hn IP over coax platform, this wouldn’t have been possible.
