Mediacom Brings Innovative Wi-Fi Network to Xtream Arena
Iowa City, IA – October 8, 2020 – Mediacom Communications and CommScope, a leading network technology company, today announced the deployment of Wi-Fi 6 technology in Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Fieldhouse, a move that makes eastern Iowa’s newly-opened event center one of the first venues in America to deploy the newest innovation in wireless technology.
As part of its sponsorship agreement with ArenaCo, Mediacom installed a new-generation Wi-Fi network to ensure a user experience that meets high-capacity demands without bottlenecks or signal degradation. Mediacom chose CommScope to deploy its innovative RUCKUS R730 access points throughout the arena. The solution uses the multi-gigabit capabilities of newly-developed Wi-Fi 6 technology to provide users in dense settings with a seamless experience even while using high-bandwidth applications like 4K video streaming.
Xtream Arena in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing is a 5,100 fixed-seat arena that can expand to a capacity of 6,600 for concerts. Venue operators wanted a robust Wi-Fi network to stay ahead of a growing trend among patrons who want to enrich their event experiences by streaming media on mobile applications. Across a range of wireless devices, the newest versions now support, or soon will support, Wi-Fi 6 technology.
“We invited the public to come in and tour the facility to see for themselves that Xtream Arena is a best-in-class venue to serve residents in Johnson County, the Eastern Iowa Corridor, and visitors from throughout the Midwest and beyond,” said Jack Ligon, general manager for Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Fieldhouse.
“Our partnership with Mediacom and their vendor, CommScope, advances our vision for a premier, state-of-the-art venue. We’re especially excited to be one of the first adopters of Wi-Fi 6 to enable fans who spend time in our facility to connect, share and do more while enjoying events.”
“Consumers, especially techies, will ask if Wi-Fi 6 is better. Yes, visitors to Xtream Arena will experience faster and more reliable data uploads and downloads,” said Mediacom Senior Vice President Ed Pardini. “But the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 go well beyond speed.”
He explained that Wi-Fi 6 technology re-shapes the way Wi-Fi access points handle a high number of internet-connected devices. The improvements result in low latency, which means users will have less jitter and lag time when streaming. Users also gain extended device usage due to improved power efficiency. In the near future, Wi-Fi 6 will become more prevalent in dense, crowded spaces like airports, arenas and stadiums.
“But people who visit Xtream Arena don’t have to wait – the high-bandwidth connectivity needed for a truly compelling and interactive fan experience is deployed and active today,” Pardini said.
Mediacom’s fiber-optic network is widely deployed throughout Coralville and areas of recent development. While planning for expanded broadband needs in those areas, Mediacom added more fiber to its backbone and built 16 miles of diverse redundant fiber to reach the Iowa River Landing from separate directions.
In July, the company installed a pair of 100-Gigabit fiber connections to the Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Field House. In addition to powering the Xtream Wi-Fi network, the 100-Gigabit platform provides connectivity for critical facility systems and applications such as high-resolution security cameras, fire and safety monitors, HVAC and lighting controls, ticketing, concessions.
Contact:
Phyllis PetersSenior Director, Communicationsppeters@mediacomcc.comAbout Mediacom Communications
Mediacom Communications Corporation is the 5th largest cable operator in the United States and the leading gigabit broadband provider to smaller markets primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. Through its fiber-rich network, Mediacom offers high-speed data, video, phone, and mobile services to over 3 million households and businesses across 22 states. The company delivers scalable broadband solutions to commercial and public-sector customers of all sizes through Mediacom Business and sells advertising and production services under the OnMedia brand. More information about Mediacom is available at mediacomcable.com.