Laird Raises the Wireless Bar for Connected Stadiums

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., March 22, 2016

Both spectators and stadium operators expect their mobile devices to perform reliably inside venues to stream video, share photos, update friends on social networks, support security and crowd management operations or even process customer payments. But existing wireless networks in many sports and entertainment venues are not optimized to handle the wireless traffic generated by tens of thousands of mobile devices, often leaving fans and stadium operators frustrated and underserved.

"Many existing antennas function much like a small city street with only one lane for traffic," explains Jack Cowper, Laird's Senior Vice President of Infrastructure Antenna Systems. 

Cowper adds, "That's exactly why Laird engineered the PDQ family of high density, weather resistant Wi-Fi antennas. These antennas with multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) technology function more like an interstate highway, allowing more traffic through in less time. This enables fans to share the event experience in addition to supporting revenue generating stadium operations delivering an excellent return on investment."

Laird's new PDQ Wi-Fi antennas are the first which have been designed to meet the unique needs of large crowds in addition to being able to withstand the harshest of weather conditions at outdoor locations for years. The result is a suite of products for all types of venues, specifically tailored to provide Laird's most reliable coverage and capacity for different areas of the stadium from spectator seating to concession and ticketing to backroom offices and security.

The PDQ antennas also come with Laird's new 5 year product warranty program also launched this week. Learn more about Laird's new warranty program by clicking here.

"This is an exciting week for Laird as we are also releasing a line of antennas for the connected transportation industry including fleet management and asset tracking customers," says Cowper. "These antennas deliver more reliable multi-band connectivity for cars, trucks, and buses traveling through various coverage zones. They are also covered by our new 5 year product warranty program."