The communications services firm NextiraOne has announced a telecommunication network for the National Stadium in Warsaw, a multi-functional venue for large-scale events, including the UEFA Euro 2012 European Football Championship.
The National Stadium is one of the largest multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities in Europe with a total area of 203,920 square meters and 58,000 grandstand seats. During the UEFA 2012 tournament in June, the National Stadium will host, the opening match with the official opening ceremony, three group matches, one quarter-final and one semi-final. The complex also houses a modern business centre which offers office and conference space.
Under the contract NextiraOne have designed, supplied, installed and commissioned an intelligent IP network as the platform for the operation of all the IT systems within the stadium. This network is described as a communication backbone for applications that are responsible for data, voice and video transmission and wired and wireless access to the internet. It is also a platform for the stadium’s building automation systems and site security.
Robert Wojtas, CEO of the National Sports Centre, said: “The intelligent network implemented by NextiraOne allows, amongst other things, the transmission of video material from hundreds of monitoring cameras installed on-site, plus the transmission of data access control information and ticket inspection data.
“The IP network is also used to control a number of systems operating within the stadium, such as sound, lighting, ventilation, temperature level control systems, ticketing, non-cash payment systems and gate control. These are just some of the functions handled through the network to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the facility and the management of individual sports events or exhibitions.”
NextiraOne designed and built the network including security components (firewalls, IPS probes) in each of its segments, both within the network and at its interface with the internet. The network also incorporates the requirements for stability and the continuous operation of IP transmission. It’s been designed to allow for possible future expansion or the addition of further access points.
“The best-in-class architecture of the system guarantees its reliability, stability, security and flexibility, so that it meets all the business and technology needs connected with managing of a large multi-purpose facility,” said Marek Kobielski, CEO of NextiraOne Poland.
NextiraOne also implemented active devices for the LAN-WAN network, wireless WiFi access points, internet contact protection and IT security components. The stadium’s telephony system was built using unified IP communications based on the LAN. NextiraOne also provided the necessary servers, with virtualisation software, storage systems and a management system for the IP platform managing system. The network infrastructure was based on Cisco technology using the Cisco Connected Stadium solution.
