“The ever-increasing number of Wi-Fi devices used by fans, their use of streaming video and social media, and their expectation of an experience of such high quality that it’s just like being at home, put massive pressure on us,” stated David Enriquez, senior director of information technology for the Miami Marlins. “We envisioned a network that would deliver a truly flawless Wi-Fi experience and the Meru virtualized wireless LAN architecture was the right choice to meet our needs.”
Marlins Park currently serves as the home of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team. Completed in 2013, the construction was finished just in time for the start of the 2012 Major League Baseball season. The park provides a multi-use facility that also hosts soccer matches, concerts, banquets, and numerous other events.
The Marlins’ new Wi-Fi network will enable fans and staff to access the Internet, capable of delivering top performance for support of the MLB.com At Bat application which provides statistics, game notes, commentary and video, as well as an in-seat food and beverage ordering application. The network utilizes five Meru 4200 series controllers (N+1) and approximately 240 access points to achieve pervasive coverage for the venue. The network system has been designed with a forethought on the future expansion of application deployment and device densities without the complications and frequent equipment replacement often necessitated by microcell Wi-Fi architectures. The Marlins selected Meru over several other vendors for numerous reasons, the most critical being the company’s ability to handle high device densities, according to Enriquez. Additionally, Meru’s E(z)RF wireless network management software, he said, also played a major factor in the decision.
Meru’s E(z)RF Network Manager acts as a centralized network management software application for Meru Wi-Fi networks. The software provides network-wide monitoring, end-to-end visibility, and powerful control of wireless deployments. The software uses an intuitive, web-based interface to deliver superior ease-of-use, making IT more efficient in performing everyday management tasks.
“The ease of management enabled by E(z)RF really was one of the big selling points,” he added. “The mapping capability and visualization of our wireless network, physically knowing where our APs are and how those APs are performing along with the kinds of densities that we’re seeing at game time is crucial. Without the software management tools that E(z)RF gives us, it would really be a very difficult process to manage and monitor the network.”
“The Marlins ballpark is truly ready for the next revolution in fan access and provides the ability for the franchise and owners to use the network for optimal operational efficiency,” commented Srinath Sarang, co-founder and general manager of hospitality and entertainment solutions at Meru. “David’s and his team’s progressive vision for Wi-Fi in sports settings has made Marlins Park one of the more advanced venues in the country.”
For more information on Meru Networks, please visit www.merunetworks.com
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