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Jessica Schwec

FCC: Marriott used Wi-Fi jammers to block customers' personal hotspots - Tech News and ... - 0 views

  • The FCC announced the results of its yearlong investigation on Friday, concluding that Marriott “intentionally interfered with and disabled Wi-Fi” networks at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. As a result of the investigation, Marriott will pay a $600,000 penalty to settle the complaint.
  • The investigation found that Marriott’s Wi-Fi monitoring system sent de-authentication packets to Wi-Fi hotspots. This use of radio frequencies to disrupt personal hotspots violated FCC spectrum use regulations.
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    Follow this link to learn how a jammer works: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone-jammer1.htm Recently, Marriott was found to be noncompliant with FCC regulations that ban the use of any "Jammer"-to include cell, radio, Wi-Fi and others-by any individual or entity that is not an approved federal agent. The result? A $600,000 fine and removal of the jamming equipment from any Marriott property currently participating in the illegal activity. In a regular Wi-Fi network, a user connects to the Internet by connecting to the ISP, which could be a wired modem and separate Wi-Fi router or a combined wireless modem/router that will connect the computer to the ISP server and allow the user to launch their browser where they can search the web or access a particular URL. In Marriott's case, the company utilized a Jammer to prevent users from accessing their chosen ISP-their personal Wi-Fi networks, typically provided via cell phone companies. The jammer functioned by interrupting Wi-Fi signals that operated on a particular frequency. By placing their own Wi-Fi on a different frequency, Marriott's service was the only signal capable of connecting a user to an ISP service and the Internet and was therefore offered at a premium price. The management decision to utilize this technology was short sighted and over all a very poor decision. The decision was made based on the greed of money. By jamming competitors' signals, Marriott was attempting to force patrons into paying premium prices for Wi-Fi service during their stay, including large business accounts (meetings and events). What Marriott either failed to research or decided to ignore was the legality of such a decision. According to the FCC, Jammers of all types are strictly illegal except by approved Federal Entities and Agents. The Marriott management team made their own bed by making a poorly evaluated decision that has since come back to bite them in the rear.
yvenisem

How Wi-Fi 6 is changing the hospitality landscape | CommScope - 0 views

  • Wi-Fi was originally designed to support basic network connectivity for limited services such as retail point of sale (POS) transactions in proprietary business environments.
  • Intel’s endorsement and integration significantly simplified connecting wireless clients and helped make Wi-Fi a standard requirement at hospitality suites across the world.
    • yvenisem
       
      Faster internet = happier customers in the 21st century
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  • arly iterations of the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard were relatively limited in terms of speed, spectrum utilization and the efficiency of communications
  • The latest Wi-Fi iteration – Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) – offers a four-fold increase in speed over its Wi-Fi 5 predecessor, enabling hotels to smoothly stream a range of guest applications
  • This provides higher throughput and performance for networks, allowing everyone to move at 15 miles an hour instead of 10. 
    • yvenisem
       
      REVOLUTIONARY, changing the game, prioritizing efficiency
  • it is smarter (deterministic) and moves away from a ‘first come, first served’ model
  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is revolutionary, rather than simply evolutionary.
    • yvenisem
       
      Efficiency
  • the dominant enterprise Wi-Fi standard by 2021
    • yvenisem
       
      shows how quickly technology can go
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    This article was surprisingly a very interesting read due to how fast things actually are in the world of technology as it relates to the hospitality industry. In this article, I read about the origins of Wi-Fi when it was primarily used as basic network connections for POS software to where we are now with an expectation of the revolutionary technology that is Wi-Fi 6 to roll out in 2021. Currently, we as a society are only really familiar with Wi-Fi 5 that functions on a first-come, first-served basis. Wi-Fi 6, moves past the focus of getting faster internet to getting more efficient internet. While this is a factor of the technology in that it is 4-5 times faster, it actually goes about giving people better internet acces in a more intelligent manner. Based on the article, this intelligence means that instead of someone benefitting from 100MB download speeds when they're watching a short YouTube video since they logged onto the hotel internet first, a person that is streaming a live convention with several cameras and computers would benefit more because it would be more efficient than a simple YouTube video. Something that the author of this article makes very known is that this technology is not getting "better" interms of evolution of product. Wi-Fi 6 is actually entering a new era of intelligence, making it a more revolutionary development in the tech industry and hospitality. In the 21st century, new technology like this is essential because we see so many things moving onto online services when it comes to booking a hotel, buying event tickets, interacting with other people, etc. In a hotel setting, this new technology would lead to increased satisfaction since their Snapchat and Instagram stories are being uploaded at nearly instantaneous speeds, same with their YouTube videos, and Facebook photos. While this may not be the best thingsto do when considering how much of our lives we spend online, it is best to go along and welcome it since the advancemen
yiran DING

9 Tips To Block Hotel Wi-Fi Malware - Security - Mobile Security - - 0 views

  • 9 Tips To Block Hotel Wi-Fi Malware
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    FBI issues warning to people traveling abroad that free Wi-Fi systems can pose a threat. Malware and other attacks on hotel wi-fi has become a bigger and bigger threat for hotel internet users.  This artical introduced 9  tips to use wi-fi safely.  1. Update Before Leaving 2. Block Pop-Ups  3. Handle Free Wi-Fi With Caution 4. Read Hotel Wi-Fi Directions 5. VPN Tunneling Secures Free Wi-Fi  6. Download Software Updates Directly From Vendors 7. Beware Wired Hotel Connections 8. Consider Using A "Burner" Laptop  9. Don't Be Afraid To Hibernate  All these tips indicate that to use internet safely, we should be alter to potential risks, be wise and have a good habit when access internet. 
anonymous

Wi-Fi is the New Four-Letter Word for Hoteliers | ehotelier.com News Archives - 2 views

  • That's one of the incredible aspects of Wi-Fi — it's invisible, and yet mission critical in importance. Not just for the Guest, but also operationally — and most especially, revenue generation and customer loyalty / brand enhancement. Just look at the volume and regularity of surveys being released — by all manner of sources — rating Wi-Fi as the #1 amenity Guests' seek — allegedly, even over free breakfast.
  • During refurbishment, some Hotels opt to place Wi-Fi routers into every room for maximum coverage. These neat devices about the size of two cigarette packs [No I don't smoke cigarettes only cigars] usually have one LAN port for signal IN, and three or four ports for Signal OUT and a Wi-Fi antenna using the 802.11n protocol. Contemplating the next generation of these devices, likely they will sport USB connections and some other wireless connectivity modules, such as maybe Bluetooth and 802.11ac — the next speed bump for Wi-Fi.
  • Deploying a good quality Wi-Fi infrastructure has a cost. Running the service also carries a cost — and this increases exponentially as bandwidth demand does. Support costs may have reduced, since some Hotels have opted for the DIY mode — and have transformed this into in-house managed IT service. Naturally, service providers will argue that this has to be outsourced for numerous reasons — and I'm not going to debate those merits here. You have to work out your own Pro's and Con's or hire a Consultant [like me] to assist in that process.
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    Wi-fi is a service everyone expects everywhere, especially in hotels. It seems easy enough to install but proposes numerous questions and challenges for a hotel providing wi-fi, such as whether or not to charge a fee, who manages it and problem-solves, and how much and what type of hardware is required? This article reiterates much of what we already know about wi-fi but also poses some new ideas, including how wi-fi will develop and change and what that means for hotels.
lethannelson268

FBI Warns of Cyber Security Risk for Workers on Hotel WI-Fi | The National Interest - 0 views

  • The FBI has now issued a warning that those working in that manner may face extra risk of being hacked, and that they should be vigilant about protecting their devices and information while working on hotel Wi-Fi
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation is issuing this announcement to encourage Americans to exercise caution when using hotel wireless networks (Wi-Fi) for telework
  • accessing sensitive information from hotel Wi-Fi poses an increased security risk over home Wi-Fi networks
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  • The report states that hotel Wi-Fi often has more lax security than other types of common Wi-Fi networks, and that attacks are frequently interested in obtaining guests’ information, including credit-card numbers, as well as business data
  • “Evil twin” attacks, in which hackers create fake Wi-Fi networks similar to those of the actual hotel, can also happen
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    This article highlights the need for hotel guests to be weary of the fact that the use of a hotel's Wi-Fi is not always secure. With more hotels opening up for guests to use their rooms and spaces as work offices, the FBI has stated that with the limited cyber security that hotel Wi-Fi has, it is possible for hackers to create fake Wi-Fi networks and steal or damage guest data. The article makes it known that it is much safer to use the network at home, that that at a hotel.
Jingjia Zhang

Ruckus Wireless introduces high-speed Wi-Fi wall switch | Hotel Management - 0 views

  • The Ruckus Wi-Fi Wall Switch redefines the deployment model and cost structure for hotels looking to converge their wired and wireless networks into a single infrastructure capable of reliably connecting a new world of in-room IP-based devices and services. For the first time, hotels are now able to offer multiple, high-value IP-based services over a single wired/wireless network at the highest performance and lowest cost per room.
  • The Ruckus Wi-Fi Wall Switch was purposely developed to meet the growing demands within hotels to connect in-room devices that are now IP-enabled while concurrently supporting a broader range of IP-based services. Beyond high-speed Internet access (HSIA), hotels want to deliver these new services - such as high definition television and video on demand (VOD), digital advertising, voice communications, hotel service optimization, in-room device monitoring and even environmental room controls - over a single, unified and centrally managed wired/wireless network.
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    Recent years, in China, hotel industry has a fast growth. Especially the Olympic Games and The World Expo were hold in China. For lots of high standard hotel, the WIFI internet access becomes necessary. China has been one of the fastest developing markets for many Wi-Fi firms, Ruckus is one of them. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growth region and China business is the fastest-growing part in the region. Globally, Wi-Fi technology is one of the few industries that could maintain a 20 percent increase over the years when the world economy is encountering a downturn. The global market scale for Wi-Fi networking providers is about $3 billion this year and it could reach $5 billion by 2015, the CEO of Ruckus estimated. For the China market and the problems of hotel, Ruckus published the high-speed Wi-Fi wall switch technology. This new technology redefines the deployment model and cost structure for hotels looking to converge their wired and wireless networks into a single infrastructure capable of reliably connecting a new world of in-room IP-based devices and services. Meanwhile, the rapid-growing hospitality industry in China is likely to become another gold mine for Wi-Fi providers. Ruckus wants to grasp this opportunity.
Long Jin

Keep your data safe when connecting to public wireless hotspots | Gadling.com - 0 views

  • Any time you connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, almost every single piece of data you transmit can be picked up by anyone within range of the same network.
  • Create your own secure connection with a VPN
  • Don't share files on your computer
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  • Firewall your computer
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    Like the tittle said, this article introduced some basic methods to keep data safe when connecting to public wireless hotspots. The author pointed out that whenever we connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots, most single piece of data can be picked up by anyone within range of the same network. It is very important to keep our data safety especially in the public place. The author introduced ten methods to protect data safety. It included turn off "auto connect", don't share files on computer, get a 3G or 4G adapter, create your own secure connection with a VPN, connect securely to your home PC, then connect to sites you need, firewall your computer and so on. During introducing the methods to protect the data, the author also told basic knowledge about how the data will be picked up by others.  In the part of don't share files on computer, the author pointed out that many people choose home network when they are connecting into public Wi-Fi which can let other people stole the sharing files. Also the firewall for the computer is really necessary to protect the data in the computer. Finally, the author told an easiest implementation which is restrict what you do on Wi-Fi. People should not do anything on Wi-Fi that you wouldn't want to share with anyone else like bill payments. It can let other people know your account and password when you make payments through public Wi-Fi.
Gaby Belardo

Get Ready For 'Super Wi-Fi' To Be A Big Thing In 2013 Read more: http://www.businessin... - 0 views

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    By this time next year, thousands of people will be using a new, longer-range kind of Wi-Fi, commonly called "super-Wi-Fi". Super Wi-Fi isn't used like regular Wi-Fi. It uses underused spectrum known as white noises and this allows the Wi-Fi to run at lower frequencies, thus causing it to run at a lower cost and at greater distances, and through obstacles, such as trees and buildings. It is being championed by companies such as Microsoft and Google, and got the final okay last December after original opposition from broadcasters. Although not many strides have been made in the super Wi-Fi industry, Spectrum Bridge, a key company in the development of super Wi-Fi, just announced a new program to help equipment makers get white spaces radios approved to be sold, so they will be more readily available in 2013. Many universities have already announced that they will deploy super Wi-Fi on their campuses across the country. Super Wi-Fi is exciting because it is more powerful than existing Wi-Fi. I would have to agree with this because it is unbelievable the strides technology has made. They are able to take something and make it more powerful and at lower cost. This is also great because if they are able to extend it to greater areas, more rural areas will be able to receive high speed Internet for the first time in history.
Joe Cilli

IPads Change Economics, and Speed, of Hotel Wi-Fi-On the Road - NYTimes.com - 3 views

  • broad use of iPads and other mobile tablets, which are heavy users of video streaming, the guest room Wi-Fi networks that most hotels thought they had brought up to standard just a few years ago are now often groaning under user demands
  • Hotels, he said, now must choose “either to not increase the amount of bandwidth, so everybody will get much slower service to the point where you’ll think you’re on a dial-up connection,” or upgrade and essentially put in a metered fee-based system.
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    Ipads changing our life is absolute. In fact, if there is no ipad, something electronic products can also bring revolution in hotel Wi-Fi networks. To tell the truth, free hotel Wi-Fi is too slow.....last year, I had a internship in Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing. There had two kinds of Wi-Fi networks. Free network was cover the whole hotel but the speed was slow. The other that must be paid was faster. Some people had video session prefered the faster one. In addtion, hotels should upload their Wi-Fi networks. It can be an attraction of the hotels.
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    I've encountered this issue at numerous hotels in my travels. I would be up for paying an increased fee for better wi-fi if I had assurances that that was indeed what I was getting. I think that is the direction most properties will end up going as more people invest in data heavy machines such as tablet pc's, macbook air's and similar products. When I travel I need wi-fi access in my room as well as the conference or meeting rooms, and its hit or miss most times. You would think that they would have an idea of what level of bandwith is needed for 200+ internet marketing professionals but often times that is not the case. I am looking to invest in mobile hotspots such as mi-fi's or similar services provided by AT&T or Verizon, as the convenience of knowing there is a connection I can trust is well worth the investment.
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    All I want to say is that...every innovation or something new to use must go through so many tests! I post my bookmark about 5 hours ago,but it didn't work! Until now, after so many times I tried, it suddenly appears and I do not know why... besides, about the Ipad, nowadays is an information era, we obtain and use information during our daily life, some free wi-fi is really helpful for us. I used to connect the internet with lines. If more computers want to go to the internet, it must be use the route, it is so inconvenience..however wi-fi makes us to use the internet wherever we want.
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    For a hotel the WiFi system is really important because guests prefer the hotel with WiFi system. The guests even willing to pay a small premium to stay at a WiFi equipped lodgings. As the rise of smart phones and ultra-lightweight laptops case the bandwidth problems. I think the hotel can deal with this problems by create various account levels for guests, stuff and visitors. The hotel can allow the visitors to use free WiFi and provide high level account to overnight guests.
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    I personally prefer to use WIFI in my own room when I visit a hotel because I have more privacy. Some hotels they may offer free/complimentary WIFI in the public area, for example, the lobby, the lounge, etc. At the same time, to limit the overuse of public WIFI, the WIFI in the guests' room are charged by different time period and the length of using the WIFI. It seems to be not fair to those business people who require internet all day long. However, it lowers the expense of the WIFI service and improves the guests' satisfaction of the internet service.
Franc Pulido

Event Planning - Technology Solutions - Wi-Fi Wars: What You Need to Know to Negotiate ... - 0 views

  • Internet access for meetings and events has become something of a headache for planners
  • access in the meeting room is a requirement
  • Attendees have come to expect complimentary high-speed access in their rooms, at meals, and even at the gym. The task of assessing your data needs and negotiating a fair price is daunting, at best. 
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  • The site inspection is a planner’s best opportunity to put a property’s Internet setup through its paces
  • Free” Wi-Fi is a tempting perk, but what are you really getting? 
  • Another factor to consider is security; free  Wi-Fi can be accessed by virtually anyone
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    Providing an easily accessible and reliable internet connection to their guests has become a major task for event planners in the hospitality industry. These days, free Wi-Fi is basically a requirement for all hotel guests whether or not their trip involves business or pleasure. As the title suggests, this article provides event planners with suggestions on how to negotiate a data plan that's both effective and efficient. It all starts with a site inspection visit by a technology consultant. In doing so, event planners could ask all sort of questions regarding the proper service (DSL, satellite, T1, etc) proper bandwidth limit and the necessary number of access points. Personally, I stayed a resort a few days ago in which the complimentary wi-fi wasn't reliable in the common areas of the hotel. It was a struggle trying to access the internet and the situation became frustrating since I wasn't able to complete some of my work. Like me, I am sure there were business men and college students who may have experienced the same problem. For the event planning team, this must have been a headache since the wi-fi amenity wasn't up to par as previously advertised. In conclusion, it is every important that event planners conduct the proper research on what type of data needs their establishment requires. The use of the internet is inescapable especially in today's world since guests handle all types of personal and professional business through their technology artifacts.
irinatroitskaya

HNN - Hoteliers take measured approach to Hotspot 2.0 upgrade - 2 views

  • It’s likely the entire hotel industry will upgrade to the new Wi-Fi standard with seamless transfers from mobile networks and better encryption, but the cost of installation and guests’ lack of awareness of Hotspot 2.0 is tempering the pace of adoption.
  • The hardware on-site can’t accept that process right now
  • Moving to the new Wi-Fi standard will be a challenge for properties,
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  • and it costs about $125 to $150 a room to update properties to the new ratio, averaging about $40,000 to $65,000 per hotel.
  • Connectivity has become a greater deciding factor for guests
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    This article tells about the perspectives of Hotspot 2.0, the new standard for public WiFi, in the hotel industry. The WiFi Alliance has been working on designing this new standard which is supposed to be much friendlier to the users while making Wi-Fi usage more akin to cellular. It allows automatic WiFi network detection and eliminates the public Wi-Fi log-ins, providing automatic access to secure Wi-Fi networks using a Passpoint profile stored on a device. For hotel guests, this means they would be able to go from using their mobile devices on their personal mobile networks to the hotel's Wi-Fi without having to re-enter their authentication credentials every time. This feature, in my point of view, would be very useful, especially for the business travelers who value every second of their time. Another major benefit of Hotspot 2.0 is improved security by means of enterprise-grade WPA2 encryption, which makes it safer than open public networks. This also will be appreciated by the travelers who often use hotel's WiFi networks for booking different travel services and insert security sensitive data. However, the cost of implementation of this new standard in the hotels is rather high. Thus, hoteliers do not wish to force its realization until they are sure that there is demand from the customers. The polls show that the guests are still unaware of the benefits of Hotspot 2.0 and don't consider it as a key point while choosing a hotel. Yet some hotels try to be before the competition and become early adopters of this technology. They believe that quality of internet connection, as well as additional options, will be a differentiating point for hotels in the future. However, in my opinion, it would be wise to conduct appropriate research and wait until this technology will be close to becoming the industry standard before making significant investments. There is always a chance that the trend will go another way.
Gerardo Collado

Targeting hotel networking, Ruckus unveils 802.11n Wi-Fi wall switch, PoE line - Cablin... - 1 views

  • Douglas Rice, Executive Vice President and CEO of Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), a non-profit industry trade association. "Beyond that, the hospitality market clearly sees the enormous benefits that an IP-based network brings in delivering a better guest experience, new services that will drive customer loyalty and better staff productivity across their hotels."
  • Ruckus contends that, for many existing hotels, Ethernet cabling is sparse or not available in every guest room. Even in locations such as the front desk, conference rooms, meeting spaces and business centers, Ethernet ports and wireless connectivity is limited.
  • The wireless provider maintains that, according to industry estimates, running a single Ethernet cable can cost up to $250 per guest room. When Wi-Fi access points, network switches, and other infrastructure products essential to running a computer network are added that cost can rise to $500 or more per room.
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  • For many hoteliers, notes Ruckus, Wi-Fi has been an afterthought to the wired network with access points being retrofitted throughout the property to provide a base level of wireless connectivity to guests. But as many new services and hotel devices embrace IP as the preferred method of connectivity and management, the requirement for a unified wired and wireless network has quickly become a necessity.
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    This article explains the company, Ruskus Wireless, which has introduced a powerful Wi-Fi Wall switch, called ZoneFlex 7025, with elevated speeds of 802.11n, available for the United States' and European market. This product can offer hotels with the feature of multiple IP service over a single wireless at a minimal cost per room. According to Douglas Rice, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Technology Next Generation: "the hospitality market sees enormous benefits that an IP-based network brings in delivering a better guest experience, new services that will lead to drive customer loyalty". This type of technology will allow for hotels to integrate their Internet enabled devices to connect to a single wireless network. Eliminating the limitations of Ethernet cables will improve the areas of guest services, and conference rooms enhancing the experience for guests. Multiple hotels do not have the infrastructure to provide the feature of wireless access throughout their facility, considering the current technological revolution; it has become more of a necessity for hotels to provide this option for their guests. This type of Wi-Fi wall switch will help reduce the cost and complications associated with implementing network services. Fundamentally, Wi-Fi is a common amenity that multiple guests request in every level of travel purpose, which many hotels should implement if their benefit will outweigh the cost.
Yue Zhang

With Wi-Fi demand up, can you capitalize? - 0 views

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    This article is about the wider range use of Wi-Fi in hotels and how hotels could capitalize from it. It is reported that, in the United States, with the cellular-service providers reducing the use of unlimited data plans, the heavy data users will be more reliable to Wi-Fi connection. Whether the hotel has a wireless network will be an important aspect for the guests making the decision to choose this hotel, which means wireless service will have effect on the amount of hotel's guests, especially when people will be charged for data usage under an unlimited data plan. So, some research shows that 65% hotels offer their guests free wireless. With the guests' increasing demand for wireless service and the increasing demand for more bandwidth, hoteliers should take this as an opportunity to generate revenue. Shawn Tsetsilas, director of business development for Cellular Specialties, provided four suggestions for hotels to capitalize. Firstly, he suggested charging guests for Wi-Fi with little fees, like $1 to $5, which can be used to recoup the costs of installing the operating the wireless connection. Secondly, he suggested controlling the guests' interface for the hotels' wireless access, and better way to control is the hotel have its own Wi-Fi system instead of leasing the hardware from a provider. Thirdly, he suggested that the cellular providers pay hotels to direct users from the cellular network to the Wi-Fi network to reduce the traffic from their network. Finally is, capping the amount of bandwidth each guest can consume and then capture revenue for the additional services. Hotels should take Wi-Fi as a sales model for services, and capitalize from this service, otherwise, they will lose revenue and competitiveness.
yimengliu

Hotel Wi-Fi: The Biggest Challenges and Recommended Solutions, by Jeremy Rock - 1 views

  • Wireless has also created new ways for hotels to connect with their guests to generate loyalty
  • What is an illegal download? It is receipt (download) of copyright content without paying the prescribed fee, or receiving any other media that is deemed unlawful. It can occur in a variety of ways, exchange of flash drives, peer-to-peer (P2P) networking, or World Wide Web-based media.
  • Security and the potential compromising of personnel guest data is becoming a key concern amongst season travelers. Hotel networks tend to provide the illusion that guests are accessing the internet through a fairly secure environment. However in many cases hotels are acting simply as a HOTSPOT and are no more secure than the shared connection at your local coffee shop. Often hotels act simply as an ISP and offer no more security when controlling and monitoring the traffic on the network. The following are some items to consider when addressing Wi-Fi security concerns:
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    This article is talking about wireless internet becomes more and more important in the hotel industry. They provide some of the key considerations for the hoteliers that help the hotel to ensure they can meet the demands of their customers. There's a big demand for wireless access to hotels. Every customer would like to choose a hotel with a Wi-Fi service. Wireless become very necessary in the hospitality industry. The best wireless service that can help the hotel create the loyalty customers. Wi-Fi has become a standard amenity, therefore, the hotel has to find affordable and non-disruptive solutions to meet customers wants and needs. Currently, customers would like to use the smart phone and their computer to watch videos rather than watch TV. They are not just sending email and web surfing anymore. There have a strong needs of the best internet from the hotels. The articles showed us couple challenge of wireless in the hotel. First of all, weak cellular signal strength. In many hotels, for guests, it's not always can find the signal of their cell phone, especially in urban area. The customers can't have a good voice communication with others. Maybe because the location of that room in the corner and there have something will disturb the signals or building construction that will interrupt the signal as well. The solution of the cellular signal strength is "Make provision for both voice and data signals to be amplified." To installing that equipment that always needs the hotel to run a new cable in order to provide the good signals for the guest used. The second challenge for the hotels is "Cellular Network Capacity Issue". Since cellular companies continue selling the device for many years without expanding their network to meet their demand. For example, AT&T is the first company that realized this issues when there are sell iPhone and another cellular. Thus, it's very important that each device support connection to the internet by use Wi-Fi withou
Kristen Kaminski

MGM Resorts Betters Bandwidth with Enhanced Wi-Fi and Customization Capabilities - 3 views

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    As a frequent visitor of Las Vegas, this article caught my attention. The article discusses the collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Cisco Systems and the development of a "high-density WI-FI system designed to enhance the guest experience". According to the article, MGM Resorts and Cisco have developed the highest-performing wireless LAN in the industry. Since Las Vegas is a top destination for tourists and business travelers, this technology will enhance the overall experience for a guest who is in town for either business or pleasure (or both!). Not only is the connectivity within this system is 30 percent faster, but it offers new programs and apps. There is a "state-of-the art wayfinding resort map" which offers point-by-point directions to various locations within the resort such as, restrooms, restaurants, and retail stores. I think this is a great idea. Las Vegas hotel/casino resorts can be quite overwhelming, especially for first-time guests.
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    . For example, it can be difficult to locate the "all mighty" restroom among the bright lights of the slot machines and crowds of anxious gamblers. With this new WI-FI system in place, any MGM Resorts' guest with a wireless device has access to a quick reference guide right in the palm of their hand. Another interesting feature of this system is the assortment of restaurant wine, beer, cocktail, and dessert apps. These apps are designed to cater to food and wine enthusiasts. For example, wine lovers can "discover new wines, read reviews, rate the wine themselves, and even email wine labels". As a wine lover myself, I think this is a fantastic idea! On numerous occasions, I have found myself desperately searching for a pen and paper to write down the wine information or taking pictures of wine labels for future reference.
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    Las Vegas is host to numerous conventions year-round. MGM Resorts' new WI-FI system also caters to convention attendees. Previously, their WI-FI system was only able to support roughly 4,000 concurrent users. Today, with the new and improved WI-FI, MGM Resorts now has the capability to support up to 120,000 concurrent users in Las Vegas. In addition, convention groups will find that the system is user-friendly and allows for network customization. It also includes location-based services and fast download/streaming speeds (for video presentations). MGM Resorts is clearly an industry leader. Most of their resorts, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and The Mirage already have this enhanced WI-FI in place. Final installations to additional resorts will be complete in 2013.
Jeremy Fairley

Hotels.com Survey Finds Free Wi-Fi is the Make it or Break it Factor in Hotel Booking |... - 1 views

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    Hotels.com recently conducted a hotel amenities survey where they asked potential travelers insight as to what amenities mean the most to them when booking a hotel room. An overwhelming response for free wi-fi in their hotel rooms indicated how important this perk is to travelers. "35 percent reported it is the simple amenity they want to see more in hotels, with 31 percent wishing it would become a standard in all hotels in 2012." Other interesting aspects of the article were that guests also stated their favorite modern in-room amenity was the use of iPads for guest services, local information and personal use. There is a bit of irony in the fact that widespread use of these devices in hotels amongst business travelers may contribute to poor free and paid wi-fi networks. What would be interesting to me is what quality of wi-fi do these respondents expect for free wi-fi services, as as we discussed in another article the quality of these wi-fi networks even at a paid level are not performing to the standard of the average business traveler. Often times in a scenario where something is free, you can expect to get what you pay for.
Gerson Dias

The Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi System - 0 views

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    One of the biggest complains received from travelers or hotel guests in New York is paying for Wi-Fi and not being able to get cellular data service. While wired and wireless service was available, the lack of cell phone signal for downloads and data service caused travelers to become frustrated. To help out, the Mandarin Oriental, New York decided to deploy a converged IP network and install the Ruckus Wi-Fi wall switches in every room to help with cellular and wireless capacity and coverage. 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, while customer wireless complaints have dropped by more than 85%.(But the benefit isn't just for the guests. According to the hotel, the new wall-switch Wi-Fi "dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of installing and managing wired and wireless network services."
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    This is awesome, especially in New York where the wi-fi traffic is crazy busy all the time. It is true that most guests do complain about having to pay for the wi-fi. I work at a hotel and that is one of the most complaints that I get. Even though in the article they say that the guests still have to pay for the wifi, it does allow the guest to have the confidence that they will receive a strong signal and that the internet will work.
Long Jin

Time to Invest: Predicting What's Next for Technology in Hospitality | hospitalityupgra... - 0 views

  •   If you make the right choice, today’s investments may last for 10 or even 20 years.
  • We see three major trends that we think will shape our world between now and 2020.
  • Despite that no one really even agrees on the meaning of the word, there is no question that the cloud is by far the biggest area of investment.
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  • Mobility gives us the ability to communicate with our guests and staff in real time. 
  • Many hotels have shortchanged the investment in upgrading bandwidth and supporting Wi-Fi infrastructure, believing that the migration of mobile devices to 4G/LTE cellular technologies will solve the problem by ultimately reducing or eliminating Wi-Fi.  But a look at where the megacarriers are investing proves this assumption completely false. 
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    This article indicates that there are three majors shaping our world between now and 2020. Those are the cloud, mobility, and Cellular Offload. We should determine the major trends, and then invest in solutions that align with those trends. Interestingly, it is mentioned some insights provide clues as which investments will be future proof to and witch will be risks. From hospitality perspective, equipment and maintenance performed by on-site or locally based staff, which is great for all owners. Also, It can be seen that the cloud allows investors to make big investments in its service.
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    This article introduced three major trends that we think will shape our world between now and 2020. The author thought one of the biggest challenges for any technology executive is predicting the landscape of toolsets and IT infrastructure that will be available in the future. The correct choice can last at least 10 years and there are three major trends, cloud, mobility and cellular offload. For cloud, the author thought it is good for hospitality. It holds the promise of relieving the hotel owner of responsibility for managing the operation and integration of premise-based systems, with associated costs for deployment, equipment and maintenance performed by on-site or locally based staff. Also, the author thought the mobility creates both opportunity and challenge. It can be used to both define new service models and revenue streams, and to improve existing ones. Today's challenge is that mobility requires massive investment in wireless infrastructure and bandwidth .Finally, the author thought as it is far cheaper for a cellular carrier to build or fund a Wi-Fi network, than to install an additional cell tower and/or buy additional spectrum, it is good news for hotels. It means that cellular companies have an economic reason to help fund hotel Wi-Fi networks.
Yongjoon Ji

Wi-Fi firm looks to hotels, universities|Business|chinadaily.com.cn - 3 views

  • The United States wireless network provider Meru Networks Inc is eyeing the Chinese market with the company expecting its revenues in the Asia-Pacific region to double in the next two to three years. The country's thriving hospitality industry and higher education institutes will be the biggest customers for Meru, which entered China two years ago.
  • the rapid-growing hospitality industry in China is likely to become another gold mine for Wi-Fi providers. The number of five-star hotels in the country hit 651 in January and there are another 500-plus luxury hotels waiting to open, data from the China Tourist Hotel Association showed. The number of top-tier hotels enjoyed a year-on-year increase of 15 percent over the past three years compared with the average increase rate of 6 percent in China's hospitality industry. The association estimated that the nation's five-star hotels could exceed 1,000 by 2015.
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    According to Meru Networks Inc, US wireless network provider, a wireless network market in the Asia Pacific region, especially Chinese, will be doubled in the next few years. The rapidly growing hospitality industry in China is part of the reason why the wireless network market has a need to grow. There are 651 five-star luxury hotels in the country as of now and 500 luxury hotels are waiting to be opened in the near future.  What we need to focus on are the customers who go to these luxury hotels. Nowadays, Wi-Fi is not just one of services that the guest enjoys. It is a part of life and a necessity. Providing high quality Wi-Fi service is a big portion of showing the quality of hotel. Therefore hotels strive to have a system that could offer the most reliable product with the lowest price. 
vmorr026

Technology in the hospitality industry - exploring the very latest trends - 3 views

  • Nowadays, hotel guests who travel with devices such as phones, tablets and computers no longer see Wi-Fi as a perk, but as a must-have when they check in at a hotel. Hotel guests expect to be able to connect to the internet seamlessly and without too many interruptions, leading hotels to invest in better, faster Wi-Fi infrastructure so that people can do business and use their technology devices with ease when they book their stay. Hotels are also starting to move away from user pay models. In the past, hotels could charge exorbitant rates and guests knew they would have to pay if they wanted to go online. Installing and maintaining a hotel-wide wireless network may be coupled with costs, but many leading hotel groups have started to install high density Wi-Fi and started to offer in-building mobile phone coverage as guests have come to expect these services during their stay (not only for themselves, but also for their guests if they are hosting a conference or function at the hotel). It might not yet be financially feasible for hotels to completely abandon the user pay model, but many of them are re-thinking their current infrastructure and pricing models.
  • Technology is advancing at a faster pace than ever before, and this is changing both the expectations of patrons as well as the way in which the hospitality industry conducts its business. Some of the trends in industry are leading to great improvements and savings for hospitality industry companies; while some are changing how hotel developers plan their buildings, infrastructure, management structure and staffing requirements.
  • Near field communication (NFC) technology is the next-generation short-range high frequency wireless communication technology that gives users the ability to exchange data between devices.
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  • This technology is also ideal for self check-ins by guests at hotels as well as the next trend in this article: smart room keys.
  • Hotels will increasingly install smart room access systems that allow guests to unlock their doors by simply swiping their phones across a keyless pad on the door. Starwood (owner of the Sheraton, Weston and “W” hotel chains) has already upgraded 30,000 room locks across 150 hotels with this system and Hilton will be implementing a similar system at 10 of their US properties this year. In 2016, they will be deploying the smart room key technology globally. This technology will mean that guests don’t have to worry about picking up keys and front desk staff won’t have to issue new keys in the event that a guest loses their room key. Another innovative way to offer a keyless experience is through fingerprint-activated room entry systems and retina scanning devices. Retina scanning is even more accurate and secure than fingerprint scans and hotels like the Nine Zero Hotel in Boston have already installed an iris scan system in place of key cards to control access to the hotel’s presidential suite.
  • Some hotels are already offering more futuristic experiences, with robots delivering any items ordered through room service to a guest’s door. A boutique hotel that is nestled between Apple’s headquarters and other tech companies, called Aloft Cupertino, has a robot butler called Botlr that is able to move between the various floors of the hotel in order to take items such as toothbrushes, chargers and snacks to guests. These types of digital systems not only make it easy for hotel staff to deliver items to guests, but it also offers a forward-facing digital experience to people who stay at the hotel. Infrared scanners are now also used to minimise disruptions relating to housekeeping (which is a common complaint from customers). Instead of hanging a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on doors or having cleaning staff wake up traveling guests with knocks and phone calls, hotel staff can take a more innovative approach by using infrared scanners that will detect body heat within a room and tell cleaning staff that they should rather come back later if the room is currently occupied.
  • Digital conference facilities Besides being able to offer high density Wi-Fi for conferences and meetings, hotels also need to be able to offer access to audio-visual (AV) and digital facilities for conferences. While the amount of AV and digital equipment that goes into a typical conference room is fairly minimal, staging companies are often hired for various projects in order to equip the facility as required.
  • Mobile communication and automation In many airports, it’s no longer necessary to stand in a queue to check in and people are expecting the same kind of easy, technology-driven check-ins at hotels. Guests want to be able to do everything from checking in at a venue’s automated kiosk to ordering room service with a digital device instead of standing in queues and moving around the hotel premises to order food.
  • Cloud services Being able to provide entertainment on tap and mobile content has led to the trend of hotels investing in cloud services. While hotels want to be able to offer digital content, they don’t necessarily want to invest in IT infrastructure and IT staff, making cloud computing the ideal solution.
  • Feedback on social media Technology has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives and hotel developers need to realise that almost any person checking in at a hotel, resort, spa or lodge, will have a smartphone in their pockets.
  • Converged LANs to support multiple services Converged local area networks (LANs) will also help hotels to create more intelligent buildings. A variety of computer-based building services can be automated in order to control lighting, refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating. Besides reducing energy consumption, converged LANs can also be set up to provide a smarter, more personal experience. If a guest is known to prefer his or her room temperature at 18°C with the lights dimmed to 65%, for example, this can be programmed before the guest checks in at the hotel.
  • Integrated, seamless experiences Technology doesn’t mean that customer experience can only happen online and through devices, check-ins and online comments. All of these experiences need to be part of an integrated, dynamic system so that the guests’ experiences are at the forefront of the marketing and  operational team’s mind.
  • Marketing, management and hotel developers can no longer work in silos and these technology trends are giving them the opportunities, tools and solutions they need to create memorable experiences that can lead to positive change and growth in the industry.
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    With technology evolving and changing at a fast pace it is changing both what consumers expect and how the Hospitality industry responds to these expectations as well as how they do business themselves. The article highlights the many trends in the Hospitality industry. These trends include the improving and overhauling of a Wi-Fi network, conference rooms that offer Audio visual equipment, Smart room keys and many other different trends.
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    In today's world we are surrounded by technology; however, sometimes we do not realize the extreme of which we are surrounded by until we stop and look around. The Hospitality industry is quickly adapting to the technologically world we live it. I read an article written by Jeff Robinson, Technical Director for Aurecon titled "Technology in the hospitality industry - exploring the very latest trends". This article was beyond interesting because it touched on some on the way technology has already changed the hospitality industry and ways it will be changing it for the future. Robinson tells us in his article that "some of the trends in industry are leading to great improvements and savings for hospitality industry companies; while some are changing how hotel developers plan their buildings, infrastructure, management structure and staffing requirements". This means its not only about the bottom dollar, but the experience of each guest when they stay at the hotel. Robinson also states the obvious fact that travelers these days do not see Wi-Fi as a perk, but more of a must have. Full access to audio-visual is also on the must have list especially for business meetings and conferences. What I found most interesting from Robinson's article was the introduction of the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This technology give you the ability to share information from a short-range frequency wireless communication. This technology is also ideal for self check-ins by guests at hotels as well as smart room keys.(Robinson) Hotel room keys have come a long way. From an actual key, key card in which you insert, to a key card you simply pass close to the reader and now the birth of the smart key. "Smart room access system allow guests to unlock their doors by simply swiping their phones across a keyless pad on the door.". (Robinson) Now how awesome is that. Robinson also talks about other new technology just as the future of hotel in room entertainment, hotels offering
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    It has been well described and defined that technology impacted the hospitality industry in which it has advantage and disadvantages. The update and development of software creates a change in the business. This justifies that better software leads to better customer service. For this development has given most business opportunity to grow as they give them better tools.
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