The University of Notre Dame has made a significant upgrade to its iconic football stadium, becoming the first university in the U.S. to implement Wi-Fi 6E. This new network utilizes the 6GHz spectrum, enhancing wireless coverage and providing a high-bandwidth experience for up to 80,000 fans on game days. The upgraded infrastructure supports advanced features such as ticketless entry, remote ordering, real-time statistical streaming, and video chats.

Designed for a maximum capacity of 40Gbps, the Wi-Fi 6E network significantly outperformed its predecessor, handling a network load of 22.37 Gbps during the first game of the season. Mike Atkins, the infrastructure architect at Notre Dame, highlighted that the project is aimed at enhancing the fan experience and transforming the campus into a leader in connectivity.

The new network not only benefits stadium-goers but also supports plans for virtual reality features, improved crowd management through network data, and serves as a live lab for research in IoT, augmented reality, and AI via the university’s Wireless Institute. The upgrade aims to provide fast connectivity for students, faculty, and administrators across the campus.

The renovation sought to address the shortcomings of the existing wireless system, which struggled with the growing demands of modern technology usage among fans. The planning phase, which took about a year, involved collaboration with PIER Group to design and implement the network upgrade.

Challenges included the natural obstacles posed by the stadium’s thick concrete walls and a busy event schedule. The installation of hundreds of Aruba outdoor access points began in early 2024, ensuring both performance and aesthetic integrity.

In technical terms, while Wi-Fi 6 operates on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, Wi-Fi 6E takes advantage of the additional 6GHz band, which allows for broader channels and less interference from devices like microwave ovens. However, this new standard requires users to have compatible devices, which only a portion of the technology vendors have started to support.

The revamped infrastructure included the addition of 130 new switches to handle the increased traffic and power requirements imposed by Wi-Fi 6E. The university is focused on long-term improvements in connectivity and engagement, not just for the stadium events but for the entire Notre Dame community.

Overall, this ambitious project reflects a trend towards enhancing digital connectivity in sports venues, reinforcing the need for institutions to keep pace with technological advancements to enrich the fan experience.

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