Improving Connectivity While Preserving History: Transforming the Wigwam Resort Infrastructure
Jessica Janis
Published: November 27, 2024
Reliable connectivity plays a critical role in hospitality's guest experience. Whether it is to host a business call or to binge watch the latest Netflix release, connectivity is key. For large long-standing facilities like the Wigwam Resort of Litchfield Park, AZ, updating network infrastructure to meet growing bandwidth requirements while maintaining iconic aesthetic can be a major challenge.
The Need for Connectivity
The Wigwam Resort provides an unparalleled guest experience offering luxurious rooms, three signature dining venues and pools, championship golf courses, and a vast spa over the span of 440 acres. With a rich history dating back to 1929, the Wigwam Resort possesses a century's worth of historical charm, a quality that makes this luxury resort different from its competitors. While the hotel's rich heritage gives it an endearing allure, its network infrastructure required 21st century modernization.
The resort faced challenges with its existing infrastructure, particularly with end-to-end saturation of internet connectivity. Guests found it difficult to maintain a steady stream of connection upon leaving their rooms. Not only is reliable connectivity a key component to a guest’s work and relaxation, but it is also paramount to the facilities back-end staff operations. From check-in process, concierge services, to surveillance cameras and safety control systems, high-bandwidth connectivity is the technological backbone of a high-quality resort. Recognizing the importance of strong and consistent connectivity, Wigwam management sought out a future-proof network solution.
Historical Charm with Modern Solutions
To achieve the future high-bandwidth requirements of guests and staff, Wigwam Resort management opted to upgrade their infrastructure using a variety of Corning fiber to the room and Everon® Software Defined Local Area Network products.
Using the Corning® Clear Track Pathways solution, the resort discreetly connected and installed single-mode fiber in every room, enabling saturated connectivity throughout the property. Its single-mode fiber characteristics allow for low latency across large facilities. Further, another key benefit of the Clear Track Pathway is its minimally intrusive and transparent design. When light hits the surface, it is scattered at multiple angles, making the clear cable pathway nearly invisible. The minimally intrusive nature of the Clear Track Pathway ensures that it to seamlessly blend into existing infrastructure—preserving the historic aesthetic of the property. It’s easy to install adhesive backing enables fast and easy installation on practically any surface. The solution can be deployed without glues, staples, plastic raceways, or extra ductwork. With a simple “peel and press,” the Clear Track Pathway can be quickly installed without disruptive construction. The unique implementation of Corning’s FTTR (fiber-to-the-room) solution with Clear Track also significantly reduced the need for telecom rooms. The entire property is now efficiently fed by just two racks in the main distribution frame. This not only enabled easier network management, but it also reduced costs associated with maintaining multiple server rooms. This innovative approach to network design illustrates how modern technology can blend perfectly with a historic setting, enhancing functionality while preserving charm.
Additionally, to prepare the resort for increasing bandwidth requirements of today and tomorrow, installers deployed three miles of Corning® MiniXtend® HD Cables with Binderless* FastAccess® Technology across the property. Thanks to its incorporation of Corning® SMF-28 Contour optical fiber, the MiniXtend® HD cable has superior bendability as well as exceptional compatibility with legacy networks and had industry-leading low attenuation. SMF-28 Contour fiber is the driving force behind our cable revolution, contributing to a more durable and future-ready design. Furthermore, our innovative Binderless FastAccess Technology enhances cable handling, significantly reducing access time by up to 70% and minimizing the risk of cable and fiber damage.
As part of the strategy to future-proof the network infrastructure, the resort also implemented Software Defined Local Access Network technology, a network decoupling technology that separates hardware and software functions enabling quicker and easier network adjustments as needed. This technology allows network engineers and administrators to manage traffic from a centralized console, eliminating the need to manually adjust individual devices. As such, the network can effectively respond to ever-evolving business requirements. Moreover, the system is more secure as access can be controlled based on factors such as user, device, application, and bandwidth. This provides the flexibility to grant or deny access as needed, further enhancing the security of the network.
Lasting Results
The transformative power of Corning's solutions was evident. The improved connectivity also streamlined internal operations, enhancing communication, efficiency, and security. Corning's network products are not just about high-speed internet, but about ensuring a visually pleasing, seamless guest experience. This technology is reshaping the hospitality industry, paving the way for a future where connectivity and aesthetics coexist seamlessly.
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