Improve Event Connectivity and Reduce Costs Using Real-Time Network Monitoring
Event venues and planning professionals want to execute flawless events, but poor Internet and WiFi connectivity can negatively impact reputations, not to mention the fact that cost overages and network downtimes can become quite expensive.
In this article, we’ll explain why real-time network performance tracking matters, break down three essential Internet & WiFi network metrics to monitor, and give you actionable steps to optimize both network performance and costs.
Internet & WiFi Network Connectivity Metrics That Matter
Optimizing event connectivity and reducing costs begins with focusing on the right network metrics. Here are three essential metrics you’ll want to monitor in real time:
Metric #1: Latency (Responsiveness)
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel between devices or across the internet. Think of latency as the delay you notice waiting for a response on a video call. Even small delays can disrupt the flow of your event.
An overwhelming 88% of event attendees expect a seamless, high-quality internet experience, making high latency simply not an option for successful events.
High latency is most often caused when the network is crowded with too many devices or when mission-critical event activities aren’t prioritized. As Cory White, Manager of Network Engineering at Xpodigital, explains: “Running a latency baseline test with your provider before an event is the best way to anticipate these challenges.”
Before your event, work with your Internet & WiFi provider to conduct a latency baseline test. Identify which services, like streaming, social feeds, and payment systems, require ultra-low latency, and agree in advance how specific activities should be prioritized.
Actionable next steps:
Request a live dashboard from your provider to monitor latency during your event.
Set up alerts for any latency spikes that could impact attendee experience.
Work with your team to determine which services take bandwidth priority throughout the day.
Metric #2: Bandwidth Utilization (Capacity)
If bandwidth is the width of a highway, bandwidth utilization is how many cars are traveling on it at a given time. Overestimating your needs leads to unnecessary overspending; underestimating them can leave attendees frustrated with slower connections.
In a recent episode of NOCTalk, Director of Event Technology, Jo Fostock discussed the challenge of bandwidth utilization with event network experts, Cory White and Seth Vogt of Xpodigital. They explained that oftentimes, event planners approach their events wanting similar bandwidth to what they have at home (1 gigabit, for example) without understanding actual usage.
This is a costly mistake that doesn’t guarantee better performance. In reality, bandwidth needs depend on actual usage and carefully estimating for peak activity times. If a particular area sees a spike - say, for a keynote speaker - you can redirect bandwidth from lesser-used areas to keep things running smoothly. Monitoring usage allows you to adjust bandwidth in real-time in response to actual demand and helps to inform budgeting for future events.
Actionable next steps:
Ask for real-time bandwidth usage data during the event.
Monitor attendee connection counts and usage by location.
Set up alerts for high utilization in certain spaces to avoid overloads.
After the event, use exact metrics to inform future network decisions and avoid overbuying.
Metric #3: Throughput (Speeds)
While bandwidth refers to capacity (or the width of the highway), throughput determines how many cars reach their destination per minute (experienced as speeds). It’s important to note that paying for “fast” internet doesn’t necessarily guarantee each device gets those speeds.
Cory White, Manager of Network Engineering at Xpodigital, explains that most people confuse bandwidth with throughput: “You want throughput at your venue. You want devices to roam freely because not every device will connect to the internet all the time.”
Throughput measures real-world performance, which directly impacts the user experience. Monitor throughput during your event. Survey your space and work with your provider to deploy sufficient Wi-Fi access points in high-traffic spots. During the event, keep a close eye on these spots via your dashboard and eliminate bottlenecks in real time.
Actionable next steps:
Run pre-event tests to flag potential dead zones.
Use real-time monitoring to maintain stable throughput in key areas.
Rebalance or prioritize bandwidth for high-impact users (like your media team) if some services start to lag.
Reviewing Network Performance After Each Event
Finally, after your event, don’t forget to review peak usage times, trouble spots, unforeseen spikes and other network performance data with your managed network services provider. This type of post-event analysis provides a clear understanding of what was used versus what was purchased, letting you right-size your network and control costs for future events.
Partner With Experts You Can Trust
Frustrated by the performance and cost of your event Internet and WiFi networks? Consider partnering with Xpodigital’s Internet & WiFi experts to ensure seamless, cost-effective connectivity. The Xpodigital team can monitor and optimize your networks using real time network monitoring and dashboards. The team will also analyze and evaluate your data and provide you with a blueprint to maximize network performance and reduce costs for future events.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with the team at Xpodigital to learn more. Visit: https://www.xpodigital.com/meet-with-us
