Mandarin Oriental, New York Hides Smarter Wi-Fi in the Walls

Recognized as a leader in innovative technologies in the hospitality market, Mandarin Oriental, New York was one of the first hotels to deploy a converged IP network. Before, Mandarin Oriental, New York was one of the first hotels to deploy technologies just as a distributed antenna system to extend Wi-Fi and cellular signals, the first for IP-based voice, the first for stored and broadcast IP-video, and the first hotel to install plasma screens throughout the property.

The guest demographic

"Given the guest demographic, the expectation for more reliable, higher speed and ubiquitous Wi-Fi exactly according to instructions exploded when smart devices like the iPhone and the iPad hit the market," said Oscar Gomez, director of information research at Mandarin Oriental, New York.

According to Mandarin Oriental, New York, another key concern was available Ethernet cabling in each room to connect a growing number of IP-based devices just as minibars, IPTV, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones, in-room environment control systems, as then as Wi-Fi-based service optimization applications used by hotel staff.

Strategic component to improving overall operations

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group views Wi-Fi as a strategic component to improving overall operations and guest satisfaction across the brand's hotels. Housekeepers with iTouches use the Wi-Fi network for service optimization applications just as tracking tasks and keeping guest disruptions to a minimum. And Mandarin Oriental front-of-house staff use Mtech's HotSOS application over the Wi-Fi network to address guest-related service issues.

Since installing the Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi system, Mandarin Oriental, New York has seen user capacity more than triple and wireless traffic eclipse traffic on the wired network, during customer wireless complaints have dropped by more than 85%.

"In October of 2009, we were supporting roughly 2,600 unequalled wireless sessions generating over 336 gigabytes of traffic," said Gomez. "In November of 2011, these figures skyrocketed to over 12,000 in a class by itself wireless sessions generating over 2 terabytes of traffic just on the Wi-Fi network. That's a dramatic shift in a very short period of time."

In the Wall Wireless With WiresThe ZoneFlex 7025 Wi-Fi wall switch integrates 802.11n Wi-Fi innovation with wired Ethernet ports in a small-footprint wall jack, giving hotel and resort operators an elegant, low-cost, and inconspicuous device that allows them to leverage their existing wired infrastructure to deliver an ever expanding set of IP-based guest services over multiple virtual LANs.

For many hoteliers, early Wi-Fi implementations are no longer able to keep up with the flood of wireless-only devices and bandwidth-demanding applications being used by guests and staff. Additionally, as many new services and hotel devices embrace IP as the preferred method of connectivity and management, the requirement for a converged wired and wireless network has quickly become a necessity. For hotels that have deployed an extensive wired Ethernet network, more ports are often required to connect new IP-enabled devices and support new multimedia services, however installing additional Ethernet switches in guest rooms can be cost prohibitive. Not only is it expensive and disruptive, yet rewiring as well requires more power and often involves special furniture designs to keep cables out of sight.

Standalone device or centrally managed

Deployed as a standalone device or centrally managed by any Ruckus ZoneDirector wireless LAN controller, the ZoneFlex 7025 Wi-Fi wall switch dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of installing and managing wired and wireless network services.

The Ruckus Wi-Fi wall switch is driven by a single power over Ethernet connection and provides four 10/100 Mbps Ethernet jacks and two uplink Ethernet wiring options. Additionally, the Ruckus Wi-Fi wall switch can provide PoE power to a device just as an IP phone and native connectivity to digital phones through a single digital PBX (Private -Automatic- Branch Exchange) pass through port.

About Mandarin Oriental, New YorkA stunning fusion of modern design with stylish Oriental flair, Mandarin Oriental, New York features 248 elegant guestrooms and suites -- all with breathtaking views of Manhattan and Five-Star hospitality. Luxurious amenities include Asiate, the hotel's elegant restaurant; MObar created by noted interior designer, Tony Chi; the Lobby Lounge with dramatic views of Central Park; a 14,500-square-foot, Five-Star Mandarin Oriental Spa; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool. Just in case, there is premium meeting and event space, including a 6,000-square-foot pillar-less ballroom with three walls of windows overlooking Central Park. Located in Columbus Circle's Time Warner Center, Mandarin Oriental, New York is in an idyllic location just steps away from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment, including the Broadway Theater District, Lincoln Center, Central Park, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Time Warner Center's collection of upscale retail shops and restaurants.