Isle of Man TT Races: Grandstand Connectivity

The Challenge

The Isle of Man TT Races present unique connectivity challenges due to the temporary nature of the event infrastructure and the high demand on local networks during race weeks. Arai faced several specific challenges:

• Establishing reliable high-speed internet in a temporary structure
• Supporting hundreds of concurrent WiFi connections from guests and staff
• Ensuring secure payment processing for food, beverage, and merchandise sales
• Providing live race feeds and digital displays throughout the area
• Maintaining system uptime despite unpredictable weather conditions
• Limited setup time before the event began

Our Solution

TRES Solutions designed and implemented a comprehensive connectivity solution specifically tailored for the unique requirements of the TT Races:

• High-Performance Connectivity: Deployed Starlink Business satellite internet as the primary connection, with a 4G/5G backup solution to ensure 100% uptime.
• Enterprise-Grade WiFi Network: Installed Ubiquiti UniFi access points strategically throughout the area to provide seamless coverage with capacity for 500+ concurrent connections.
• Secure Payment Infrastructure: Set up a dedicated, encrypted VLAN for payment terminals with PCI DSS compliance.
• Digital Signage System: Implemented a network of displays showing live race feeds, timing data, and event information throughout the venue.
• Weather-Resistant Equipment: Utilised IP67-rated enclosures for outdoor equipment to protect against the Isle of Man's unpredictable weather.
• On-Site Technical Support: Provided dedicated technical staff during key event days to ensure immediate resolution of any issues.

Implementation Process

Our team followed a structured approach to ensure the successful deployment of the connectivity infrastructure:

1. Pre-Event Site Survey: Conducted a detailed assessment of the area to identify optimal equipment placement and potential challenges.
2. Network Design: Created a custom network architecture with redundancy built in at every level.
3. Equipment Preparation: Pre-configured all equipment in our workshop to minimise on-site setup time.
4. Rapid Deployment: Installed and tested the entire infrastructure within a 48-hour window before the event.
5. Continuous Monitoring: Utilised remote monitoring tools to proactively identify and address potential issues.
6. Post-Event Analysis: Conducted a thorough review of system performance to identify improvements for future events.

Results & Benefits

The connectivity infrastructure provided by TRES Solutions delivered exceptional results for Arai:

• 100% Uptime: Zero connectivity issues throughout the entire two-week event, despite challenging weather conditions.
• Enhanced Guest Experience: Visitors enjoyed reliable high-speed WiFi, allowing them to share their experience on social media and stay connected.
• Streamlined Operations: Staff could process payments quickly and efficiently, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
• Increased Engagement: Digital displays showing live race feeds kept guests engaged even when not at the trackside.
• Technical Peace of Mind: On-site support meant any potential issues were resolved immediately, allowing the Arai team to focus on their core responsibilities rather than connectivity concerns.

Technology Used

Starlink Business

Ubiquiti UniFi

Cisco Networking