Hospitality industry welcomes wireless vendors

HITEC, the world’s largest hospitality technology show, convened this week in New Orleans. Hospitatality is seen as one of the top five vertical markets for distributed antenna systems, and DAS vendors were a significant presence at the show.
JMA Wireless used the show to highlight its recent TEKO DAS deployment at New York’s midtown Renaissance Hotel. The property describes itself as a “living” building because its appearance changes with the seasons, and its giant rooftop deck changes every hour. The venue did not have enough space for dozens of remote units, but the TEKO system was able to provide the needed capacity with three 20-watt remote units connected by a single fiber optic cable, plus headend equipment that fits onto a wall-mounted half rack. Systems integrator Cell Signal Solutions was able to deploy the entire system in less than two hours.
Zinwave, which focuses on enterprise-funded DAS rather than carrier-financed systems, said its fiber-fed solution is ideal for hotels because it can support all four nationwide wireless carriers, as well as public safety systems. The company’s hotel deployments to date include the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas, the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California, and the W Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dali Wireless, which offers a digital DAS solution called an RF router, is offering to help hotels finance their distributed antenna systems. The Silicon Valley company is telling potential customers that it can also handle coordination with mobile operators, which is a key consideration for properties considering a DAS investment. Dali describes its enterprise offer as a “turnkey solution,” which includes site survey, RF design, integration, commissioning and maintenance.
Cloud services provider Mitel was also a presence at HITEC, announcing a new mobile app that is part of its HotelMGR solution. The company said its hospitality solutions integrate with 85 property management systems and that its customers include Hyatt, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International.
Of course Wi-Fi is key to the hospitality industry, and Wi-Fi service providers a big presence this week. Ruckus Wireless, now part of Brocade Communications, made its presence known with a free iPad Pro giveaway, and Cox circulated a complete report for hotel managers that included a section on the future of the “internet of things” in hospitality.
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