Case Studies: UK Football

The Challenge

A UK 60,000 seat capacity sports stadium required wireless distribution for a multi- cast WiFi system providing fans with a unique multi-media service for live game replays, highlights and statistics. A distribution system that can support the TDD WiFi radio system and cover the large distances was required. Further requirements were for the system to be discrete, robust, and durable, and to offer fast deployment time as access to the stadium was limited to non match days.

The Zinwave Solution

An active distribution system over fibre was essential for low cost speedy installation, and to cover the long distances to the antennas that needed to be placed in the roof and walls of the stadium. Zinwave's fibre distribution system was ideal for this project as it has no synchronisation issues despite very long single-mode fibre cable runs. The Zinwave 3000 DAS can utilise fibre for all of its links, allowing fibre cable distribution all the way to the small discrete remote units feeding the antennas. Zinwave 3000 remote units were installed in the roof and walls feeding directional and omni-directional antennas that ensure coverage to all seating areas of the stadium.

Zinwave's 3000 system was also chosen for being the only available active fibre distribution solution that can distribute WiFi signals over a fibre DAS from a central Access Points location. It has the unique capability to distribute TDD services through its non filtered wideband operation.

It would be very costly to distribute TDD over a passive system and disruptive to install with long coax runs, and would have required very high input power levels not available from WiFi Access Points. An easy to install and service solution is key for such large sports grounds because of limited access to the stadium, and the location of the remote units and antennas. Remote management is also an advantageous feature to have when access to the site is limited.

Zinwave worked very closely with the system integrator to ensure an effective installation resulting in the successful provision of coverage for a wide area with its wireless service distribution system.