On-Communications Install Extricom Blanket Wi-Fi Technology Into Europe's Biggest Indoor Arena

On-Communications Install Extricom Blanket Wi-Fi Technology Into Europe's Biggest Indoor Arena

NEW YORK, July 19, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

Extricom Ltd., a designer and manufacturer of high-performance, next
generation wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure solutions have today announced
their collaboration with SMG Europe and On-Communications to provide their
seamless wireless solution [http://www.extricom.com ] to the Manchester
Evening News Arena - the largest indoor concert arena in Europe.

Ticket holders and performers will now be able to access a seamless high
speed Wi-Fi network [http://www.extricom.com/category/wifi-certified-n ]
using Extricom's unique blanket wireless technology across all public areas
plus the back stage and loading areas of Manchester's M.E.N Arena.

Steve Merrick, On-Communications Technical Director explained 'Working
with SMG Europe, the M.E.N Arena's operators, it was clear that there were a
number of stakeholders who would need access to and use of the Wi-Fi
network. Installing and enabling such a network in a venue as large as the
M.E.N Arena, with multiple floors, concrete walls and very large audience
numbers is a challenging exercise.

It quickly became clear that only one manufacturer was able to meet all
the technical requirements of the project. Extricom was the only system that
offered guaranteed, seamless mobility without co-channel interference or
holes in the coverage. Extricom's channel blanket architecture delivers a
continuous service to very high numbers of simultaneous users with no loss
of bandwidth or throughput. The Extricom service guarantee, along with the
minimal ongoing maintenance the solution requires made them the natural
choice for us.

The build required over sixty Wi-Fi access points
[http://www.extricom.com/category/access-points ], thirty range extenders and
half a dozen switches. Connecting them all up took more than three
kilometers of fibre, five kilometres of Cat5 cabling and various networking
and routing devices.

The infrastructure means the Wi-Fi network can be accessed at every
level of the M.E.N Arena bowl, around the concourses, throughout the
executive suites, back stage, dressing rooms and loading bay areas of the
venue. Both download and upload speeds to WiFi enabled mobiles and hand held
devices are an impressive double digit Mb/s throughout.

We have bought dual and diversely routed Internet feeds into the arena,
one via fibre, the other using fixed wireless access, meaning we can light
up to 130Mb of Internet access if required and more can be added later if
required. Additionally, we are planning to run some services and
applications over the Wi-Fi network locally.

We are releasing Wi-Fi network access in stages, first to promoters and
performers, then to ticketholders and finally for other user groups and
applications.'

Dave Batty, Facilities Manager at the M.E.N Arena added 'We spent more
than a year examining and specifying this project and we worked with
On-Communications throughout that time. It was clear we shared the same
values and had the same vision of how we could use communications technology
to maintain the M.E.N Arena's reputation as a leading global venue for
artists, shows, promoters and audiences. I'm delighted we have now gone
live, with the first night being the WNBA's debut European match. I look
forward to continuing our work with On-Communications, extending network
access and adding exciting new services.'

Extricom's Vice President Sales, International, Edu Meytal, was full of
praise for the foresight shown by SMG Europe in their decision to deploy
blanket Wi-Fi technology [http://www.extricom.com/category/wifi-certified-n
. He confirmed 'SMG and On-Communications have understood the need to be able
to manage Wi-Fi airspace and have it operate like a seamless mobile network.
The unique and patented Extricom solution is the only WLAN that offers
completely seamless mobility and we're naturally delighted that our
technology has been recognised as the product of choice to help SMG achieve
its technology and communication goals not only now but for their future
requirements too: Ultimately, Extricom delivers'.

About SMG Europe:

SMG Europe is the largest operator of sports and entertainment venues in
the United Kingdom and Europe, controlling over 75,000 seats in ten
operational facilities.

The 20,000 seater Manchester Evening News Arena is the largest indoor
concert arena in Europe and the flagship of the group which includes: The
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester; Metro Radio Arena and The Journal Tyne
Theatre, Newcastle; Playhouse, Whitley Bay and Odyssey Arena, Belfast.

SMG Europe has been selected to operate Leeds Arena which will become
Britain's most exciting new concert venue.

The York Barbican re-opened as an SMG Europe managed venue following the
completion of a major refurbishment program in May 2011.

Expanding into mainland Europe the group also manages The Konig-Pilsener
Arena and Odysseum in Germany, plus has a presence in Scandinavia at the
Oslo Spektrum in Norway's capital.

The newly formed subsidiary SMG Polska has signed a 12 year contract for
the management of the 42,000 capacity Wroclaw Stadium currently under
construction.

SMG Europe has also been appointed by Ora Istanbul to manage the Ora
Arena, the first multi-purpose venue of its kind in the country, and the Ora
Convention Centre - scheduled to open in 2011.

For more information please contact:
Ben Williams,
DL: +44(0)161-950-5130,
E: ben.williams@smg-europe.com
http://www.smg-europe.com

About On-Communications:

On-Communications is a business to business IP Telco supplying voice,
data and value added services to fast growing, upper quartile businesses and
public sector organizations in the UK.

The company is a pioneer in Ethernet enabled connectivity. A combination
of fibre, copper and wireless Ethernet circuits and networks are provided as
a platform for customers to support next generation IP voice, data and cloud
services.

On-Communications is also a specialist in the design, deployment and
management of large scale Enterprise Class Wireless and WiFi networks for
arenas and major indoor venues.

http://www.on-communications.com

About Extricom:

Extricom is a manufacturer of 4th generation enterprise wireless LAN
[http://www.extricom.com ] solutions, based on its Channel BlanketTM
technology architecture. The Channel Blanket architecture provides wire-like
reliability, high throughput, seamless mobility, unparalleled noise
immunity, and is easy to install and maintain. In an era of intensive
wireless usage powered by the market explosion of smart phones, iPads,
iPods, tablets and other communication devices, voice, data, video, and
location services are delivered with an always-on, robust and mobile Wi-Fi
connection to any client, in any environment. Extricom Interference-Free?
WLAN is purpose-built to slash wireless complexity and future-proof your
network for tomorrow's multi-service demands.

Extricom solutions are in use by customers operating in numerous
industries worldwide, including Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing,
Logistics and Warehousing, Retail and public venues. They have discovered
the uncompromising performance, reliability and ease of ownership that are
the hallmark of the Extricom WLAN.

Extricom serves its growing global customer base through offices in the
USA, Europe and Japan, and by working with a global network of distributors
and partners. For more information, visit us at http://www.extricom.com.

Extricom Media Contacts:

Corporate
Lynn Kolevsohn
Extricom
E-mail: Corp.marketing@extricom.com

Americas
E-mail: USA.Marketing@extricom.com

EMEA
E-mail: EMEA.Marketing@extricom.com

APAC
E-mail: AP.Marketing@extricom.com

Source: Extricom Ltd

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