Reliable WiFi is crucial to the smooth running and guest enjoyment of any event. But depending on whether you’re planning an indoor event, outdoor event or one that spans both environments, there are some significant differences when it comes to WiFi.
From user expectations to interference factors, the considerations and planning required can vary drastically. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between indoor and outdoor event WiFi, and how you can overcome the challenges presented by both.
- User needs and expectations
Whether you’re hosting an indoor, outdoor or hybrid event, there are some user needs that are constant. Protecting user data is one of these. WiFi connections should be secure, with no unauthorised access.
It’s likely that you’ll require access for both staff and guests – staff so that they can keep the event running smoothly, and guests so that they enjoy a seamless experience. Our event communications planning guide sheds some light on the different factors you might need to consider.
While outdoor event guests might expect some dips in signal, guests at an indoor event generally won’t be as forgiving. With WiFi now commonplace in almost every commercial and residential premises in the UK, an unreliable connection simply won’t cut it.
- Range
The space dedicated to an outdoor event can feel almost unlimited, especially if you’re hosting a large-scale event like a multi-stage festival. Indoor events, on the other hand, happen within a confined space.
Even if there are the same amount of people at an indoor and outdoor event, at the outdoor one they will often be scattered over a much larger area. Outdoor event and festival WiFi might therefore need a bigger range than WiFi for an indoor event.
Although there are challenges in extending WiFi range over a larger area, it can be achieved using specialised equipment and signal boosters. For big indoor events like exhibitions, similar technology can be used.
- Usage
It’s not just the area covered by an event that needs consideration – the number of people and how they’re all using the internet also comes into play.
Outdoor events have the potential for much bigger audiences, where thousands of people might all be trying to communicate with friends, access event maps and upload videos to their social media.
But indoor events also often need WiFi that can handle very high usage demands. For example, a conference might be streamed live and have interactive audience participation sessions, which both require high upload speeds.
And this is all before you even get to staff requirements. Contactless payment systems, security equipment and behind-the-scenes production will dictate usage needs just as much as guest activity.
In general, it’s the event size and type that affect usage more than anything else. But whether the event is indoor or outdoor will have an impact on the scope of communications and, by extension, the WiFi usage.
- Managing interference
Interference factors are one of the biggest hurdles to effective and reliable WiFi. Interference is when an external obstacle interrupts or diminishes the strength of a WiFi signal, and it can be very frustrating for users.
There are many different sources of interference. In indoor settings, walls, doors, ceilings and furniture can all obstruct WiFi signals, making it harder to establish a strong connection across every corner of the event.
This doesn’t mean it’s easier outside though. At an outdoor event, WiFi will have to compete with signal obstruction from hills, forests and other types of terrain. If there are manmade structures – such as a stage or food stalls – then these could cause problems, too.
One of the biggest differences between managing WiFi interference for outdoor events compared to indoor ones is the impact of weather. Depending on the technology being used, rain, snow, fog and humidity can all cause signals to become ‘scattered’, which weakens signal.
Other electronics, such as Bluetooth devices, wireless security cameras and even power lines are also known to sometimes interfere with WiFi, especially when there are a large number being used. In a lot of cases, this is because of electromagnetic fields being generated – but it can also be because of overlapping frequencies.
- Equipment durability
Indoor WiFi equipment does not typically need to be designed for durability. Aside from extreme heatwaves, there is very little that can damage WiFi equipment indoors. And even then, most indoor event spaces will have air conditioning.
Outside, however, it’s a different story. If you’re organising an outdoor event, you’ll probably already be conscious of the potential for weather disruptions. But you might not even realise that weather can also damage or lower the performance of WiFi equipment.
Outdoor WiFi equipment is therefore typically designed to withstand a wider range of temperatures than indoor equipment. It tends to be bigger and bulkier so that it can hold up against strong winds and comes in waterproof casing to protect against rain. The type of equipment can also vary, for example is emergency Wifi is needed as something more portable would be shipped out.
- Installation
WiFi installation for an indoor event is usually more straightforward than for an outdoor event. This mostly comes down to the fact that there will probably be existing infrastructure in place, like phone lines and power outlets, which simplifies the process. It’s also easier to conceal cables and equipment indoors so that aesthetic integrity is maintained.
To install outdoor event WiFi, the process is usually significantly more complicated. Large, open areas require careful planning to ensure optimum coverage and the lack of existing infrastructure means that temporary solutions have to be devised.
Choosing access points for indoor event WiFi is a fairly predictable process – routers and boosters will almost always be mounted on ceilings or walls to provide the best coverage. For outdoor event WiFi, access point placement requires more strategic thinking to ensure that physical obstructions are avoided.
Bespoke event WiFi solutions
If you’re planning an event and need WiFi, Click can help. We’re specialists in providing bespoke WiFi and telecoms solutions to both indoor and outdoor events of all sizes.
We use a range of technology to create effective and reliable solutions for every situation, so that you have one less thing to worry about on the day.
We’ve helped festival planners, TV and film production crews, conference organisers and construction site workers get connected. Call us on 01254 476996 or enquire now to discuss your unique needs and find out how we can help.
