1. Texas A&M Smarter Stadium Networks A Better Fan Experience for Less
IBM Global Technology Services
Texas A&M Smarter Stadium Networks A Better Fan Experience for Less
© 2014 IBM Corporation

2. Summary
Profile: Last year, Texas A&M University (TAMU) unveiled plans for a $450 million renovation of Kyle Field that includes a new initiative to meet growing fan demand for enhanced mobile capabilities while attending Aggie games. To meet this need, the university selected IBM’s MobileFirst Network Services to deliver a low-cost, intelligent, security-rich network that provides over 100,000 fans with enhanced cellular coverage and a superior in-game experience. Working with partners Corning and Tellabs, IBM debuted the new capabilities on September 6th during a game against the Lamar Cardinals. TAMU’s new stadium is the first sports venue in the country to deploy the IBM Smarter Network and its powerful mobile and wireless capabilities backed by IBM Research.
Partners: Corning, Tellabs, Aruba, Juniper, Yinzcam
Benefits:
Quad band MIMO for four (4) carriers
Concurrent Wi-Fi and coverage for 100,000 Texas A&M Football Fans
Neutral Host DAS – Texas A&M owns the system and allows carriers to participate
Interactive Digital Signage and Media Distribution for a world class fan experience
Solution: POL/DAS - Passive Optical LAN and Distributed Antenna System
TAMU Press Conference Highlights

3. Project Overview and Requirements
Texas A&M University is home to more than 50,000 students, ranking as the sixth-largest university in the United States, with more than 370,000 former students worldwide.
Texas A&M University is renovating their football stadium (Kyle Field) and requires pervasive wireless coverage (Wi-Fi and Cellular) as well as digital signage and media distribution throughout the facility to ensure a great fan experience. “Scalable Infrastructure”
Wi-Fi and access for over 100,000 concurrent connected users with guaranteed bandwidth supporting game day applications. “Large Capacity and Bandwidth”
Connectivity to all ticketing, POS, and IP TV in suite areas along with command center and office operations areas (over 6000 active devices. “Multiple IP Devices”
Deliver Game 1 requirements on-time and on-budget by September 6, 2014 with a start date of May 20, 2014 (approx. 3 mos) “Fast Track Project”
Provide a “World Class” interactive fan experience through new mobile applications that deliver instant replays, concession promotions, and more
LAN-Infrastructure + Active Networking

4. Key TAMU Project Drivers
Desire to have “State of the Art” infrastructure in stadium that no other stadium has today, positioning TAMU as a leader at the university and pro level
Provide the “Best Fan Experience” with new mobile applications that enables fans to interact with one another, the game day experience, and the TAMU stadium operations for ticketing and concessions
Deliver project at a “Reduced Cost” to meet budget constraints and demonstrate more value to the donors of the program known as the “12th Man”
Work with the telecommunications carriers for “Revenue Generation” opportunities to offset cost of the project and enhance quality of services

5. The IBM Solution
IBM is designing and deploying a fiber based Passive Optical LAN (POL), Distributed Antenna System (DAS), and a IP based digital signage and media distribution solution.
The IBM solution provides pervasive wireless (Wi-Fi and Cellular) coverage for the entire stadium (over 100,000 fans) ensuring a great fan experience.
IBM is working with major mobile telecommunication companies to enable these carriers to broadcast their signals over the IBM neutral host DAS.
Additionally, IBM will design and deploy a IP based digital media distribution system for multi-camera replays, video-on-demand, game-tracker visualizations, head-to-head matchups and more.
Texas A&M financed this system through IBM and leveraged IBM’s relationships with the various wireless carriers to negotiate lease agreements which helped offset the cost of the system…that’s a Smarter Stadium Network!

6. TAMU Kyle Field Network Design
Tellabs OLAN Equipment
3 x 1150 OLTs (120Gbps Capacity) WAP, IPTV, CCTV traffic
2 x 1134 OLTs (24 Gbps Capacity) Point of Sale traffic
2 x Panorama EMS
479 x ONT709GPs (4xGbps, PoE)
4,000 Fiber runs
Solutions Provider Systems Integrator
Optical LAN Solution
Wireless Access Points
IPTV, Multimedia Apps
Router
DAS and Fiber Cable
WAP
IP Phone
POS
CCTV
Data
IPTV video
WAN
LAN
IP Phone
Menu Board

7. TAMU Kyle Field Game #1 Success
Provided CCTV from PoE-fed security cameras throughout stadium
Ticketing system scanned ~105,000 tickets with no issues through PoE-fed WAPs
Fed ~115 Concession Menu Boards
Connected 250 Point of Sale registers to support >100,000 fans at concessions and gift stores

8. TAMU Kyle Field Game #1 Success
Provided IPTV video streams (up to 30Mbps) to ~215 TVs throughout Suites and common areas
Connected >100 PoE-fed IP Phones configured via LLDP
Provided service to ~100 PoE-fed WAPs for WiFi access to Suite holders and student body guests
The command center housed local law enforcement, security, EMS, Fire Safety, the FBI and utilized special applications and CCTV over the Tellabs Optical LAN with great efficiency

9. Integrated structured fiber cabling meets multi-service connectivity requirements with green and low cost design

10. DAS enhances indoor coverage with unparalleled performance (40 sectors) for premium fan experience

11. 100,000 fans, 300 TVs, 100 PoS systems, one IBM network

12. Smarter Stadium Networks contacts
For more information contact:
Darold Conklin
Sales Manager – Smarter Networks