Let's talk about something we take for granted until it fails: connectivity. I'm not just talking about Wi-Fi for people to upload their Instagram stories. I'm talking about the backbone of your operation, the one that allows access control to function, accreditations to be processed, staff to communicate, and ultimately, for your event not to fall apart.
We think of events as big shows or conferences, but behind the scenes, there's a complex technological orchestra. And one of the most delicate instruments is the network. What happens when the Wi-Fi or the main wired network at a venue isn't enough, or worse, fails? That's where network redundancy strategy comes into play.
Beyond Wi-Fi: The Need for a Plan B
Imagine a festival or a corporate convention. You have thousands of people arriving, scanning tickets, getting accredited, buying drinks at bars, or interacting at activations. All of this depends on a stable and robust internet connection. If that connection falters or disappears, the domino effect can be catastrophic: endless queues, disoriented staff, lost data, and a frustrating experience for everyone.
Most venues offer Wi-Fi, and many have wired network infrastructure. But is it enough for the specific demands of a large-scale event or one with critical operational points? Often, no. Or at least, not without a backup.
The Case for Redundancy: Shell and Face ID
We faced a very particular challenge with Shell at one of their corporate operations. The requirement was to implement a facial recognition system (Face ID) for the access of their 1,500 guests. This sounds cutting-edge, and it is, but it also brings extremely high connectivity demands. Each registration and each access had to be instantaneous to avoid bottlenecks and ensure a smooth and exclusive experience.
Face ID is a technology that consumes bandwidth and requires minimal latency. We couldn't rely on a single internet source, no matter how good it was. What did we do? We developed a triple redundancy strategy:
- Main wired network: This is always the most stable option and the foundation of any good infrastructure. We installed and thoroughly tested it.
- Dedicated Wi-Fi network: Although the main network is wired, we always have Wi-Fi as support for mobile devices or points where cabling is unfeasible. But not just any Wi-Fi, rather a network dedicated to the event, with high-capacity equipment.
- 4G/5G modem backup: This is where the robust "Plan B" comes in. In the event of any interruption to the fixed networks, the system had to automatically switch to 4G/5G modems. Not just one, but several, strategically distributed and with sufficient capacity to support the critical load of accesses.
The implementation was meticulous. We tested every failure scenario: disconnecting the main cable, turning off the Wi-Fi, simulating signal drops. The goal was for the transition to be imperceptible to the user and, most importantly, for the Face ID operation never to stop.
The result was a resounding success. All 1,500 guests accessed without problems, and the Face ID system worked wonderfully, demonstrating that investing in redundancy is not a luxury, but a necessity when connectivity is critical to your operation.
Thinking Ahead: Why Is This Key for Your Brand?
As marketing directors, procurement managers, or agencies producing events, thinking about connectivity goes beyond an item on a checklist. It's the guarantee that the experience you designed for your audience will materialize without friction. It's the peace of mind that an investment in access, accreditation, or cashless technology won't be thwarted by a network failure.
At SOMOS DER, we have managed over 150,000 attendees and carried out more than 100 operations in 6 countries. From Abel Pintos's 30,000 accesses across 30 dates, to Buenos Aires Trap's 120,000, or corporate events with very specific technical requirements like Shell's, each one teaches us that anticipating connectivity challenges is as important as the show itself.
When you think about your next event, ask yourself: Does my connectivity plan have a Plan B, a Plan C? Because when we talk about the B-side of connectivity, we're talking about the peace of mind that your event, and your brand's experience, are always online.