WiFi networks are being deployed globally at a significant rate – from coffee shops to libraries, the internet can be accessed without having to plug into a socket in a wall.

Nowhere, in this deployment of WiFi Hotspots, is more widespread than in hotels nationally and internationally, meaning that guests almost take its availability for granted.

Hotels have always led the way in adding value to its comprehensive services and WiFi Hotspots are now essential if managers want to attract footfall and occupancy.

What is a WiFi network or WiFi Hotspot?

WiFi networks work in a similar way to mobile phones. You can make or receive calls without being connected to a phone socket. Using a WiFi network, laptop and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) users can connect to a hotel’s high speed broadband service to access the internet without being physically connected to a socket vi a cable.

A WiFi Hotspots is the term used to describe an area or building where you can access a wireless network - so receiving and sending email, researching information online and downloading audio or video content can be done wherever your guests feel most comfortable or wherever business needs to be done without any cables.

Hotspots being flexible and scaleable can be confined to a small area (such as a coffee shop or bar), a whole building (such as a library) or an entire town.
As Voice Over IP (such as SCYPE) telephony grows, WiFi networks offer users the mobility of a mobile phone within a Hotspot to make and receive phone calls at a fraction of the cost.

Benefits of WiFi Hotpsots

There are significant benefits in installing WiFi Hotspots, particularly for hotels:

• It encourages greater occupancy through more bookings for accommodation and conferencing, allowing hotel managers to focus on service levels and other value added services. Many conference organizers require internet connections for product launches, review meetings and to access web applications for training.
• It encourages footfall through the lounge, bar, restaurant or even in the hotel grounds as there are no physical wires to be connected to guests’ laptops or PDAs
• It offers opportunities to cross market special promotions and conduct short customer satisfaction surveys online
• Using local web applications guests can browse menus, order room service or even check and pay their bill.
• Web applications also mean that service levels can be improved – housekeepers can maintain inventories far better, porters can research local information quickly for guests and repair and maintenance teams can be more responsive.
• On a practical front wireless broadband requires minimal installation requiring only broadband access and a limited number of access points to create a WiFi Hotspot.
• WiFi networks are easily manageable and maintenance is minimal
• The network will grow with your business whether it’s in physical room space or simply with higher occupancy or use of highly lucrative conferencing facilities

Why ChalkHill Systems?

While WiFi networks have grown in commercial and domestic markets it should always be understood that in a commercial environment the issues concerning its installation are significantly different and potentially more sensitive:

Security

Commercial guests using a hotel’s facilities for meetings or conferencing will require high levels of security. This can only be achieved through the installation of suitable professional switches and access points. Wireless Hotspots are by their very nature ‘open’ networks and there are concerns that any user joining the network will be able to access confidential information on another’s laptop or PDA.

All WiFi networks installed by ChalkHill Systems are configured for broadband access only which means that guests cannot view other guests’ PCs or PDAs.

Content Filtering

If hotel managers wish, ChalkHill Systems can exclude certain sites from access. These may be adult sites or sites for downloading audio or video files which require high bandwidth – potentially slowing a network down for other users.
Filtering content increases security for both the hotel and guest.

Splash pages

On accessing the internet through a WiFi Hotspot ChalkHill Systems can ensure that users are redirected to an initial web-page which can be used to inform guests about any terms and conditions that may be applicable and/or offer a promotional message, such as weekend breaks or daily menu special offers.

Discrete installation

Site surveys are important to help us identify the best location for access points that do not detract from the ambience or appearance of the hotel.

ChalkHill Systems have deployed significant WiFi networks in hotels and other commercial sites. We offer you a totally professional service to ensure you maintain a competitive edge:

• Network qualified installers
• Professional grade network hardware with multiple security options to reassure guests
• Expert liaison with web-hosting company to ensure hotel services are fully represented
• Advice on web applications to enhance guest services and internal service levels
• On-going maintenance and support
• Maintenance of existing IT infrastructure
• FREE site surveys

If you want to benefit from the opportunities wireless network services can offer please call our principal engineers on 0845 430 9066 for an informal discussion on how ChalkHill Systems can set your hotel FREE!