Etherlive – Event Technology Experts

22 Apr 2016

Event IT, Exhibition, Festival, Technology, Venue

Event technology plays a major role in the way we plan and organize our events today. According to the below infographic, which takes a close look at the impact of technology on the success of events in 2016, a huge 75% of event professionals are expected to buy apps to facilitate engagement with their audience. Many companies have also stepped up their live streaming activities to reach a larger audience and stand out from the competition. Social media, which offers companies powerful opportunities to promote event awareness or create a new information channel, remains another top favourite.

Of course all of this introduces potential complexity which requires detailed knowledge and planning across a broad spectrum of technology. With the summer season of events already ramping up fast it is critical that organisers plan well in advance and work with the right experienced people to ensure all the different aspects are integrated into a realistic and workable solution. Last minute panics on-site are not desirable and generally push up costs, a well planned, integrated approach is much better!

Source: http://www.losberger.co.uk/

Light on the Horizon

07 Apr 2016

Comments: 1

4G, Events, Festival, Li-Fi, Technology, Wi-Fi

15360051168_4162e2067e_k Sorry to disappoint, but yes our blog last week on Li-Fi at festivals was an April Fool’s joke. The response to it though highlights just how much importance people put on remaining connected whilst at events.

Li-Fi is a real technology and does hold promise but it is practically much more suited to indoor environments and certainly not outdoor lighthouses! As with many technologies theoretical speeds are indeed very fast in the lab but real-world use is some way off, in the meantime Wi-Fi and 3G/4G remain the primary options for keeping connected.

All is not lost though as these technologies continue to develop, and more and more events are deploying infrastructure to improve attendee experience. Wi-Fi has moved a long way from the days of 11Mbps 802.11b, one of the first standards. Modern 802.11ac wireless access points support far more users, offer much higher speeds and contain a raft of technology to create the best user experience. A well designed high-density Wi-Fi deployment using 802.11ac and directional antennas can support thousands of simultaneous users and still provide good speeds.

The rapid deployment of 4G infrastructure by mobile carriers has improved connectivity at smaller events but events attracting more than a few thousand quickly overload cell towers which are limited by spectrum availability and coverage size.

Testing is underway with new technologies which may help – the first is LTE-U (Long Term Evolution Unlicensed) which more simply put is using unlicensed spectrum such as 5 GHz to deliver additional 4G capacity. The challenge is that this technology introduces yet another connectivity method into what is becoming very congested spectrum. It is in effect robbing Peter to pay Paul and therefore the approach has split the industry due to concerns over the impact it may have on Wi-Fi installations.

Another approach in testing, supported by Ruckus and Qualcomm amongst others, is OpenG using shared spectrum at 3.5 GHz in the US. It is not dissimilar to LTE-U but because it uses different shared spectrum does not clash with existing Wi-Fi. With the Ruckus solution the 3.5GHz radio is being integrated into existing dual-band Wi-Fi access points providing a triple radio solution in one unit which can be deployed easily.

Wi-Fi also continues to evolve with 802.11ac now at ‘wave 2’, a fuller implementation of the standard featuring ‘Multi-User MIMO’, a way of better utilising spatial channels across devices giving increased capacity. Then there is 802.11ax, touting speeds of 10 Gbps but we won’t see that any time soon as the standard is unlikely to be ratified until at least 2019 by which time Li-Fi may also be a reality!

Unfortunately, as is typical with these mobile technology evolutions, once testing and approval is complete there is a lag whilst the mobile handset manufacturers catch up with integrating the technology and penetrating the market which can add several years before mass market adoption is reached.

In the meantime, well implemented 802.11ac Wi-Fi remains the best approach for high density connectivity, and that’s certainly what we will be using this summer.

Etherlive solves Internet at Festivals with Li-Fi Towers

01 Apr 2016

Comments: 1

Festival, Li-Fi, Technology, Wi-Fi

Lighthouse

During the summer of 2016 Etherlive will be piloting the innovative new Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) technology at a range of festivals and outdoor events. Operating in a similar way to Wi-Fi the technology uses light rather than wireless signals to transmit data to mobile devices and can offer very high data rates up to 1,000 times faster than Wi-Fi.

To enable this existing mast structures used on sites for CCTV and wireless transmission will be converted to ‘lighthouses’ firing out powerful rapid oscillating infrared beams. Early adopters will be offered an adapter for their mobile devices which when worn externally (such as on the head) will receive and transmit a light pattern to the lighthouse. The device can operate with both infrared and visible light so that at night the festival can be illuminated with thousands of tiny LED lights in multiple colours depending on the speed of connection (green for high speed, amber for slow, red for not connected).

To overcome the issue of more crowded areas the external antennas will be extendable to provide extra height, and will conveniently double up as a lantern when used inside tents.

Etherlive are working in conjunction with Li-Fi developers on this new exciting technology to be known as the Advanced Photocell Rotating Illuminated Lighthouse Gen 1 which can be used alongside our existing range of technology services.

Watch out for which events will be supporting this new initiative over the coming months!

The Summer Events are on the Horizon

31 Mar 2016

ADSL, CCTV, Connectivity, Event IT, Exhibition, Festival, PDQ, Wi-Fi

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Easter always marks a transition point for us – from delivering service primarily to indoor events to the large scale outdoor events. With Easter chocolate consumed there is a rapid ramp in activity both internally and from our customers as plans are finalised and delivery commences in what becomes a back-to-back run until October.

Every year there is talk of ‘the next big thing’ and exciting technologies on the horizon but in reality at the sharp end of delivery the evolution, rather than revolution, of key services is just as important. So with the summer ramp about to start here are four key event technology areas to focus on.

Connectivity

It all starts with connectivity and if one thing is certain it’s that events need more capacity each year. From the data we have gathered over the last eight years you could probably build a complex theorem about the increase rate but in general we see a need for at least a 25-35% increase year on year, and often more depending on what additional services are required. Lack of internet capacity on site remains one of the most common and frustrating issues at events and this is normally down to a lack of budget or not spotting potential issues like high usage due to a mobile app or streaming.

There are trigger points at which existing services such as ADSL, FTTC (the next generation of ADSL), satellite and certain fibre services become limiting and need to be replaced with higher capacity solutions and many of those services can have significant lead times so it is important to plan connectivity as soon as possible.

Payment Systems

The debate around traditional ‘chip & PIN’, closed loop payment systems (wristbands) and open loop systems (‘contactless’) may be ongoing but it doesn’t really matter which route you choose; attendees, exhibitors and traders simply want payment systems that work.

Early, clear communication on what solutions are available at an event is critical as traders and exhibitors need support through this somewhat complex & confusing area. Expecting mobile GPRS payment terminals to work reliably on a crowded event site is crazy and can have a significant impact on revenue.

System Integration

Each year the integration between different aspects of technology at events becomes more complex and the need to coordinate and manage all the different requirements becomes more important. From the basics of wireless spectrum management & access control, to the adhoc needs of sponsors, audio & broadcasters, each requirement can have an impact on the success of an event so the sooner it is identified the better it can be dealt with.

Safety & Security

The area of safety and security breaks into two areas – the use of technology to help manage and secure the event, and the security of the technology itself.

Sadly, hacking isn’t just something that happens to governments and large companies, it is a continuous real threat. Externally we see frequent attempts to access services and systems from locations such as Russia and China. This is going on all the time across the internet and event sites are just as prone to access attempts as any other internet node.

Risks also exist within an event site, generally from people just trying to access Wi-Fi networks but sometimes the intent is more sinister. With so many critical services running on event networks maintaining appropriate security is essential. Encrypted, managed networks, strong authentication, intrusion detection, client isolation and firewalls are just some of the techniques required to keep the network secure.

Using technology to keep an event site physically safe and secure has become increasingly important over the last few years. The obvious aspect is CCTV with high definition cameras capable of excellent detail and response but there is much more available to organisers. Visibility of real-time access control data from gates, scans of social media streams, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) of vehicles entering a site and ‘heat mapping’ of devices across an event site can all be combined to provide an insight to event control of what is happening on site.

Event technology has already come a long way from just being about internet access and it continues to evolve rapidly but this evolution and dependence requires an increased focus on planning to ensure it all comes together seamlessly.

Event Technology: Myth Busting #3

11 Mar 2016

Comments: 1

Events, Festival, Technology, Wi-Fi, Wireless

Event Technology Myths

For our third myth busters article Wi-Fi becomes the focus, touching on the relationship between microwave ovens, water and Wi-Fi, wireless signal propagation and Wi-Fi security.

My microwave oven stops my Wi-Fi from working properly – TRUE (but not always)

For the non-technical the idea that whilst warming up a bowl of soup in the microwave oven you struggle to browse the internet on your Wi-Fi seems bizarre but it can indeed be true. The reason is quite straightforward – the frequency of the microwaves used in a microwave oven are around 2.4GHz which is the same frequency as used by one of the two Wi-Fi bands. The issue can occur because microwave ovens are not always perfectly shielded so some of the microwaves can leak out (harmlessly) and interfere with the Wi-Fi. Industrial microwaves tend to be more of an issue as they use higher power.

The good news is that the 5GHz Wi-Fi band which is now more commonly supported in devices is not impacted by microwave ovens – although it can be affected by RADAR but that’s another story!

My Wi-Fi works through walls but not through trees – TRUE

The way wireless signals propagate through objects is quite a complex area but there some general rules. The first relates to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and interestingly links back to microwave ovens. The reason microwave ovens operate around 2.4GHz is that this is the resonant frequency of water so if you bombard water with 2.4GHz microwaves the molecules vibrate vigorously and the water (or your food that contains water) heats up. This is great when you want to cook bacon quickly but no so good when you want to pass a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal through trees which contain lots of water – the signal is simply absorbed into all the water.

It is very important to note that Wi-Fi signals are extremely low power in comparison to a microwave oven so you will not cook yourself if you absorb Wi-Fi signals! On event sites trees can become a real bane for the IT engineers trying to run wireless links which is why you will hear them talking about ‘Line of Sight’.

When it comes to walls it does depend on the type of wall – a basic plasterboard or normal brick wall will only absorb some of the Wi-Fi signal, a more substantial wall will absorb more. Walls which have metal mesh in them will often block Wi-Fi altogether. On the whole though a strong Wi-Fi signal will pass through most normal walls. Windows can help or hinder depending on the type of glass used as modern thermal insulating glass can block Wi-Fi signals quite effectively.

Temporary structures at events sites are a whole case in themselves, some temporary cabins are near enough transparent to Wi-Fi but others, particularly the newer well insulated variety, are just about impervious requiring Wi-Fi access points in each cabin. Marquees and other temporary structures often exhibit a different behaviour, being transparent in good weather but more opaque when it starts raining! The water coats the marquee or structure and can create a reflective layer and also absorb signals so that less signal gets through.

The second element of this relates to the frequency of the Wi-Fi as when it comes to wireless signals the lower the frequency the greater the propagation. This is seen most obviously when you have dual band Wi-Fi operating at 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The lower frequency 2.4GHz signal will travel further than the 5GHz signal, and this becomes an important point when designing Wi-Fi coverage (along with lots of other factors!)

All Wi-Fi networks are insecure – BUSTED

Because Wi-Fi is a broadcast technology that passes through the open air anyone with the right equipment can pick up the signal, for this reason it is very important that these signals are encrypted to avoid information being intercepted by the wrong people. One of the most common ways of encrypting a Wi-Fi network is by using a technology called WPA2 – Wi-Fi Protected Access.

WPA2 is commonly set-up with a Pre-Shared Key (PSK), this alphanumeric string should only be known by those who need access to the network and they enter the key when they are connecting to the network. The potential problem with this approach is that the PSK is used to generate the encryption key and if you use a weak key then the network is left open to a fairly simple attack which can gain access to the network within minutes.

The solution is simple – longer and more complex keys! For every character added the cracking process becomes considerably harder by a factor of compute years. The question is how long. There is no agreed answer on this as it depends on how random the key is. A truly random key of 10 alphanumeric characters is actually very hard to break, taking many years but a similar length key using dictionary words could be broken very quickly.

To be safe we normally recommend a minimum of 12 characters with typical password rules – upper and lower case, numeric characters, special characters and no dictionary words unless they have character replacements.

Of course a strong key only remains strong whilst it is only known by those who should know it and this is a weakness of the shared key approach as if the key is leaked, security across the network is compromised. There are additional factors that can be introduced to improve security further – for example one technique is called Dynamic Pre-Shared Key (D-PSK) which uses dynamic, unique keys for each user so there is no risk of a leaked key.

We will cover Wi-Fi and general network security in more depth in a later blog but with the right set-up Wi-Fi networks are perfectly secure – more so than most wired networks!

Event Technology: Myth Busting #2

24 Feb 2016

Events, Festival, Technology

Event Technology Myths

In the second part of our myth busting we look at satellite, high density Wi-Fi and broadband speed.

Satellite is the best all round solution for quick event deployment – BUSTED

Over the last few years KA band satellite has become a cheap option for temporary internet access, it can be a great solution in certain cases but there are many cases where it is not suitable. Satellite suffers from a high latency due to the distance to the satellite and this means every piece of data takes around 600ms to cross space. That delay might not seem much but it is crippling to services such as VPN (Virtual Private Networks), VoIP, video calls, online gaming and any application which requires lots of rapid two-way data traffic. It is great however for large file uploads and video streaming, however, it is important to watch data usage as this can rack up significant additional costs.

Satellite is also a poor solution for wide-scale access such as public Wi-Fi, this is because of a technology it uses to try and boost speed, the downside of which limits the number of simultaneous users who can connect to one satellite service. Most KA satellite services also have high contention ratios which can reduce the advertised 18Mbps/6Mbps type speeds down to something considerably lower, a similar trick is used with home broadband services. Uncontended services are available but the cost is much higher and other than for short durations (it’s normally sold in 15 minute slots) it is not competitive with other solutions.

Satellite can absolutely be the right approach, and we deploy lots of satellite solutions, but understanding the user requirements and explaining what the user experience will be like are extremely important to avoid disappointment and frustration.

Better Wi-Fi just means using more Wi-Fi access points – BUSTED

One of the most common problems with Wi-Fi networks is too many Wi-Fi access points and a poor design. A typical response to a user complaining about Wi-Fi is for another Wi-Fi access point to be deployed to ‘improve coverage’, yet frequently this just makes matters worse. Large scale and high density Wi-Fi requires very careful design to avoid what is known as Co-Channel Interference (CCI) where multiple wireless access points are in effect shouting at each other and slowing the whole network down.

Using fewer high capacity managed wireless access points with a detailed radio spectrum design, often with focused antennas, can deliver much high capacity and a better user experience than a thick blanket of access points. Good Wi-Fi design is a technical art requiring some very detailed knowledge – the output though is pretty much invisible to the normal user until it doesn’t work!

20Mbps of broadband speed is always the same – BUSTED

It would be nice if the experience and speed of all broadband services were the same so that when you are told you have 20Mbps that’s what you get. Reality is somewhat different and more complex due to a number of factors:

Contention Ratio – Nearly all providers contend their services, which effectively shares the capacity between multiple users, this can be as much as 50:1 whereby your 20Mbps is shared between 50 users! More normally 20:1 is seen, then 5:1 on more business (and expensive) orientated services, up to the perfect 1:1 (no contention).
Asynchronous / Synchronous – ADSL and FTTC (known as BT Infinity but also sold under different names) services are asynchronous, this means that the download speed is not the same as the upload speed. The original principle was that people need more download than upload speed but with modern cloud services, video calls and general rich media this has changed considerably and a low upload speed can be more crippling than the download speed. For example, you may have an ‘20Mbps ADSL service’ but typically the upload is only 768kbps and if the upload is at capacity the download becomes throttled due to the way TCP/IP networks work. Services such as true optic fibre (also sometimes called leased lines) are synchronous.
Connection Speed / Throughput Speed – This is primarily an issue for ADSL/FTTC but can be seen with other services too. The speed advertised by an ADSL modem when it connects is only the theoretical speed of the link between the modem and the local exchange. The real throughput or speed depends on the entire route from your computer to the location you are connecting to – this is a complex web of routers, fibre and ‘internet peering’. Different parts of that route may suffer congestion and reduce the overall speed of the connection. Choice of Internet Service Provider (ISP) is an important factor as the good ones have better peering and higher capacity links to reduce the risk of congestion and optimise routing.
Latency – Every device, cable and piece of fibre on a network through which data has to pass introduces an element of latency or delay- that’s due to physics. The amount of delay depends on distance (hence why satellite is a problem), quality of links (a poor link needs to use more error correction which adds delay), utilisation of links (high utilisation adds delay) and the number of routers, switches, etc. in the path. Good services may only add a few milliseconds of latency, poor ones several hundred milliseconds and that can make a big difference to user experience.

That’s it for issue 2. Next time, does my microwave really break my Wi-Fi? How comes Wi-Fi works through walls but not though trees? And should you worry about network security.

Event Technology: Myth Busting

From the Office

10 Feb 2016