Houston Airports Amp Up Traveler Experience with Next-Gen Mobility using HPE Aruba Networking
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Insights
The adoption of Wi-Fi 6E technology by Houston Airports is a significant step towards enhancing the digital infrastructure of critical transportation hubs. Wi-Fi 6E, the latest standard in wireless networking, operates in the 6 GHz band, offering wider channels and higher capacity compared to its predecessors. This upgrade is expected to provide faster and more reliable internet access to passengers, which is crucial given the increasing demand for bandwidth-intensive applications such as 4K video streaming.
From an infrastructure perspective, the deployment of Wi-Fi 6E APs (access points) is a forward-thinking move. It not only meets current demands but also anticipates future growth in wireless data consumption. The use of HPE Aruba Networking Beacons for location-based telemetry data is another strategic investment. These beacons can facilitate advanced location services, enhancing passenger experience through personalized navigation and services while also generating valuable data for airport management.
The initiative by Houston Airports aligns with broader sustainability goals by potentially reducing the need for physical infrastructure and printed materials through digital wayfinding and real-time information. The deployment of a high-efficiency wireless network like Wi-Fi 6E can contribute to energy savings and reduced electronic waste in the long term. Additionally, the emphasis on a robust digital infrastructure may support remote work for airport staff, further contributing to sustainability through reduced commuting.
However, the environmental impact of implementing new technology should be considered, including the production, operation and disposal of the new hardware. The airport's commitment to being 'good stewards of public funds' suggests a focus on cost-effectiveness, which should be balanced against the environmental costs of technological upgrades.
The enhancement of digital services at Houston Airports reflects a broader trend in the transportation and hospitality industries, where customer experience is increasingly tied to digital connectivity. The decision to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E positions Houston Airports competitively, potentially attracting more passengers and airlines by offering a superior travel experience. The introduction of a mobile app with wayfinding capabilities and real-time information could lead to increased passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.
While the direct financial implications for HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) are not detailed, such a partnership with a major airport system could lead to further business opportunities in the sector and act as a case study for HPE's technology in action. For Houston Airports, the investment in advanced networking infrastructure could translate into increased passenger throughput and spending, positively impacting the local economy and job market.
One of North America’s largest public airport systems modernizes connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and networking infrastructure to contribute to sustainability goals
Hosting over 30 passenger airlines, Houston Airports is ensuring it can meet the mobile experience expectations of today’s travelers by rolling out high-performance, free guest Wi-Fi connectivity and debuting a step-by-step wayfinding app to help travelers get to their gate, baggage claim, and airport amenities. (Source: Houston Airports)
As an international gateway to the south-central
Additionally, Houston Airports deployed HPE Aruba Networking Beacons to provide additional location-based telemetry data in support of its new mobile app, which was built using The Aruba Meridian App Platform.
“We’re continuously evolving our services to supply travelers and facility users with next-generation connectivity experiences, while also being good stewards of public funds,” said Darryl Daniel, CTO at Houston Airports. “HPE Aruba Networking has proven a responsive, reliable partner that has provided us with robust, cost-effective solutions for our wireless infrastructure.”
Gaining a future-proof wireless network
Working with trusted local partner Layer 3 Communications, Houston Airports determined that adopting location-aware Wi-Fi 6E APs (access points) from HPE Aruba Networking would future-proof its guest wireless networks.
“With the skyrocketing expectation for seamless and reliable content streaming, including consuming bandwidth-hungry 4K video, implementing Wi-Fi 6E just made sense,” said Craig Wall, General Manager, Western Region at Layer 3 Communications. “Deploying HPE Aruba Networking for guest wireless ensured Houston Airports could provide high-performance, reliable connectivity to millions of travelers around the clock, while keeping IT overhead low due to the solution’s proven reliability and ease of management.”
App smooths the travel journey
The app provides travelers with a range of stress-relieving insights, including detailed wayfinding with estimated walking times, real-time parking space availability, and locating where a person’s vehicle is parked within a structure. Other features include previewing security checkpoint wait times, visualizing restaurant and shop locations, and receiving real-time flight information.
“In addition to the features we’ve already introduced, we’re excited about all of the possibilities the HPE Aruba Networking solution enables for expanding the app,” said Daniel. “Some future features will include reserving parking spaces in advance and completing in-app food, beverage, and merchandise purchases.”
Realizing IoT and sustainability advantages
Houston Airports is also leveraging its HPE Aruba Networking APs as an IoT platform, which includes the ability to perform IoT gateway functionality for Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi enabled devices. An immediate project is making restrooms smarter.
Using various IoT sensors, Houston Airports is gathering and transmitting the data needed to adjust facilities maintenance schedules in real time. This permits more closely matching maintenance with the variable foot traffic created by the dynamic changes in airline arrivals and departures. Houston Airports is also developing related IoT data feeds for its mobile app to help travelers pinpoint restrooms with availability and avoid occupied facilities.
The organization’s new Wi-Fi also contributes to Houston Airports sustainability initiative. It provides wireless networking infrastructure with built in power saving capabilities, helps IT operate efficiently, and enables further development of location analytics to supply data for optimizing spaces in support of reducing energy consumption.
“It’s critical for every operating unit at our airports to contribute toward our sustainability targets,” said Daniel. “Our HPE Aruba Networking infrastructure helps our IT department do just that.”
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About Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) is the global edge-to-cloud company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. Built on decades of reimagining the future and innovating to advance the way people live and work, HPE delivers unique, open, and intelligent technology solutions as a service. With offerings spanning Cloud Services, Compute, High Performance Computing & AI, Intelligent Edge, Software, and Storage, HPE provides a consistent experience across all clouds and edges, helping customers develop new business models, engage in new ways, and increase operational performance. For more information, visit: www.hpe.com
About Houston Airports
Houston Airports is the City of Houston’s Department of Aviation. Comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH, William P. Hobby Airport, HOU, and Ellington Airport/Houston Spaceport, EFD, Houston Airports served over 60 million passengers in 2023. Houston Airports forms one of
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240312782445/en/
Kari Curto
kari.curto@hpe.com
Source: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
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