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Paycom Center
Arena enhances fan experience while monetizing network with RUCKUS switches and APs
Paycom Center (formerly known as the Chesapeake Energy Arena) is home to the NBA’s OKC Thunder basketball team in addition to large concerts and sporting events.
It wasn’t long after the Thunder arrived in Oklahoma City that the arena’s sold-out games challenged the wired and wireless network to the brink. Existing access points (APs) and switches weren’t able to keep up with demand, and support costs became too costly. Moreover, guests were required to use cell phone providers to access the internet and text messages.
For their redesigned enterprise network, Paycom Center selected RUCKUS Networks as their preferred partner. The arena deployed RUCKUS ICX® switches at the distribution and access layers and used RUCKUS APs in the trusses and catwalks to increase speed and expand coverage. Once the network was up and running, arena IT used RUCKUS AI™ to deliver service assurance for IT and business intelligence to line-of-business stakeholders.
Today, Paycom Center provides free guest Wi-Fi and more than 10,000 network ports that support 330 wired and wireless tablets running Bypass POS. Plus, the arena can now use auto-ticket generation for network events and proactive response.
Fast Facts
- Arena features customizable, dynamic seating configurations depending on event
- Accommodates more than 18,000 guests
- Expansive 586,000-square-foot facility
Challenge
- Upgrade entire facility to the latest wired and wireless large public venue standards
Benefits
- New wireless and wired network now handles terabytes of data during each event
- Entire arena speeds average 51 Mbps download and 49 Mbps upload
- Wi-Fi now monetized for back-of-house use and outbound marketing campaigns
- Supports services for vendors and guests, such as Bypass/Clover POS and TM Presence
- In March 2020, Paycom Center became one of the NBA’s first arenas to deploy Wi-Fi 6