Given a facility’s existing circumstances, the best option is often to run a separate. parallel IT network for digital signage.
Equipment and service improvements
The existing IT infrastructure at a digital signage network’s host site is also often a limiting factor in the actual deployment of the network, especially if it is a retail location. With the installation of a dedicated, enterprise-grade wireless modem, however, rather than relying on the existing systems, very little additional infrastructure will be required. The modem can be placed in close proximity to the digital signage media player(s).
This approach allows greater flexibility during screen and player installations, saves time and, in the end, enables a lower cost of operations. Rather than having to wait days or weeks to co-ordinate access to an existing network or to build and run a new one, each wireless location can be up and running from scratch in less than an hour.
One of the game-changing advantages in this area has been the development of enterprise-grade modems and routers, which are replacing consumer-grade Universal Serial Bus (USB) modems and accessories. The newer devices are designed for 24-7 use—demonstrating levels of reliability competitive with those of wired routers and network equipment—and are equipped with high-gain antennas to achieve greater connectivity in more locations.
Another advantage for wireless digital signage has been the evolution of business models for wireless data services, offering more affordable high-data-rate plans, greater overall bandwidth and use limits and, key to 24-7 operations, support for off-peak reduced-cost bandwidth. While it was once difficult or impossible to run digital signage without wired infrastructure, wireless services have now evolved to the point where pricing is economical and competitive with the range of other available options. And as digital signage content becomes more media-rich, wireless data plans have ‘scaled up’ accordingly and many can be upgraded easily on the fly. Services can be adjusted very effectively to match the amount of data being transmitted across the network.
One of the primary purposes of ensuring reliable connectivity is to facilitate advanced analytics.
Managing content and monitoring hardware
Most content management systems (CMSs) provide some level of support for digital signage networks’ media players, but a true enterprise-grade CMS will offer top-tier network management tools that allow administrators to ‘reach down’ and monitor all on-premises communications gear. Centralized monitoring and control of the digital signage network’s equipment are truly essential for the reliable delivery of content.
Close control of the network can help prevent outages and minimize ‘truck rolls’ (i.e. the need for new equipment to be delivered to the site). Such efforts call for 24-7 end-to-end support from a network operations centre (NOC).
Building the case
Putting all of these pieces together, the wireless network that was once easily dismissed for larger digital signage network deployments is now a viable option for both content delivery and system monitoring. It has become more cost-effective, easier to deploy and, most importantly, extremely reliable.
Also, as mentioned, the concept of running a parallel network for digital signage is very appealing to organizations for security reasons. As more large signage networks continue to be deployed, the significant benefits of central control and management will become all the more apparent.
Curtis Tilly is director of enterprise media for Microspace Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Capitol Broadcasting. Microspace develops control and monitoring software and integrated equipment for digital signage, multimedia entertainment, corporate communications, digital cinema, wireless messaging, private data networks and radio broadcasting, using broadband, 3G, 4G and LTE networks. For more information, visit www.microspace.com.
