Seamless and reliable internet access via Wi-Fi is a widespread consumer expectation. The expectation extends beyond coffee shops and other customer-facing businesses into events of all kinds as well. Whether it’s a trade show, outdoor event, or a pop-up booth, access to internet services enhances the performance of point-of-sale (POS) systems, social media uploads, and live streaming. It’s a crucial component to the operation of the event itself, as well as generating free marketing and discussion around and after it.

Why cellular internet for events?

Unlike traditional broadband connections, cellular internet solutions offer the flexibility and mobility required to enable deployment at temporary events. These systems use LTE and 5G technologies to provide high-speed internet connectivity without the need for complex installations.

Not all cellular internet solutions are made equal. Different devices are best suited to particular use cases, and it’s crucial to understand the scope and needs of your event to choose the right device or devices with the right features to ensure you can offer the high-quality connectivity your attendees expect. This necessitates understanding both the needs of the event itself and the capabilities of the various types of high-performance cellular routers available.

Consider event location, size, and expectations

There are several factors involved in the event itself that will affect the type of device that will be the right choice.

Is the event happening indoors or outdoors?

Indoor events are generally close to cell towers, but the internal architecture of buildings can be problematic. Walls and floors may affect signal strength throughout a location. Multiple wireless access points may be needed to ensure signal strength is consistent across the entire site.

For outdoor events, on the other hand, the greatest challenges are weather and distance. Even weather that may not disrupt or cancel an event, such as strong winds, can disrupt cellular routers not equipped to handle outdoor conditions. Outdoor events tend to both cover large areas and be far away from cell towers, which may necessitate the use of outdoor routers that can gain signal even over extreme distances. In some cases, it may be necessary to conduct a site survey to find the nearest network coverage — here’s a guide about how.

Does your business need a cellular failover solution?

How big is the event? How demanding will the event be on your network?

Next, it’s important to understand how many users and devices are going to be on the Wi-Fi network. Individuals may have multiple devices: one attendee might bring a smartphone, laptop, and tablet, all of which may be on the network. As events progress, the number of users present might change.

It’s also necessary to understand not just how many users you may have but how demanding each will be on your network. Different applications and services will require different amounts of bandwidth, whether that’s a staff member operating a POS machine or an attendee live-streaming the event. Enough bandwidth must be available to support these applications with minimal latency or buffering. Just as the number of users may change, so too may the bandwidth demands of the applications they’re running; as such, the scalability of the network is a crucial concern.

Device capabilities must align with event needs

Which device you should choose will depend on the factors outlined above. In general, no matter what the particulars of the event are, there are several capabilities of cellular routers that are worth looking out for.

Dual-SIM support is a must for flexibility and reliability

Advanced SIM support is one such capability. The device should be compatible with major service providers to ensure there are no complications depending on which service provider has the best coverage for the area where the event is taking place. Devices with dual SIM support, which allow the device to switch between two networks as needed, are excellent for optimizing the quality and reliability of connectivity — something we explained in more detail in a previous blog.

Automatic failover will keep your event going even during outages

Devices with automatic failover, which allow the device to automatically switch between available networks as needed, take these capabilities to the next level by providing uninterrupted internet access with no manual intervention required. This ensures crucial services always remain available.

Device management for monitoring and adjustments in real-time

Remote device management is also very valuable. This capability allows network engineers to quickly address issues, adjust settings, and ensure optimal performance without needing to be physically on-site, providing efficient technical support and enhancing event operations.

Inseego can help with your next event

Setting up event Wi-Fi with Inseego devices provides a robust solution for temporary internet needs. Our ease of deployment — enhanced by the Inseego Mobile app, which finds optimal signal location — and high-speed connectivity options are ideal for both short-term and long-term events. Our devices support both indoor and outdoor events with remote management via the Inseego Connect app.

Deploy the Inseego Wavemaker 5G FG2000 and FX3000 Indoor Routers to support indoor events with fast, reliable, and secure broadband anywhere. With multi-carrier support and dual-SIM capabilities, these devices bring automatic failover and high-bandwidth 5G anywhere it’s needed.

For outdoor events, the Inseego Wavemaker Pro 5G FW2000 and FW3000 Outdoor CPEs are fast, long-range, and weather-resistant options. Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable to connect the device to an indoor router and take advantage of up to 20 km signal gain to provide access anywhere.

For ultra-fast and simple deployment, use the Mi-Fi X Pro Hotspot Router. This device’s compact size and long-lasting battery, with support for up to 32 devices, make it easy to bring high-quality connectivity wherever it’s needed and move it around as needed.

If you’re an event organizer planning your next big event, don't leave internet connectivity to chance. Whether you’re planning a trade show, pop up, or outdoor event, investing in quality connectivity solutions ensures a seamless experience for all participants. Explore Inseego's high-performance devices and see how they can meet your Wi-Fi network needs with reliable, professional internet solutions.