Client operates a non-profit that sponsors a yearly gathering in a very remote desert location. Roughly 70-80K attendees and staff attend. In 2018 and 2019 we provided resources to assist their network staff. At that time our work consisted mainly of being subject matter experts and hands on assistance with tower builds and wireless network gear deployment and operations. In 2021 they made a change in their operations and we were asked to take over operational support of their network at this event location. This included a full assessment of their permanent and event related equipment and plans.
We dove in with a 3-week trip to assess their needs and what was in place. Wrote up our findings and with their goals and requirements in mind, devised a plan to get them there over 2-3 years. Then we started to execute that plan. We started a complete network overhaul and stabilization effort. We replaced several miles of indoor grade cabling that was run outside and up towers. Rebuilt the router and switch infrastructure for their core operational network. Stabilized power backup. Standardized all equipment so we could support it properly and laid in spares since the environment can be very harsh and to deal with supply chain challenges.
In 2022, we continued our rebuild of the network with another trip to work on several towers and rebuild them. During this time we also planned out the event for the 2022 season. Our team deployed in July 2022 to wrap up some projects and then start event operations. We built out 6 wireless links to provide service to the event grounds, with redundant links all around (three link paths, 2 links on each path, one 5GHz and one 11GHz). All links installed and aligned in under 24 hours. Then began deployment of onsite interconnects between the towers and deployment to the various operational areas. Worked closely with their staff to guide and mentor them on how to install the equipment and properly deploy over 26 miles of ethernet cabling. Entire network built out in about 3 weeks then we converted to operational mode. Maintained the network and addressed any issues that came up. When the event was over, we did a staged shut down to maintain service for over a week as they closed down operations in a methodical manner.
In 2023, we continue to provide support and will engage in additional projects to rebuild other portions of their network.