Event WiFi guides, with the numbers shown
Plain-English guides to planning internet and WiFi for events and temporary sites: sizing, connections, separate networks, payments, streaming and the questions to ask your venue.
These guides explain how to plan event and temporary-site networks: how much bandwidth an event needs, how many access points to plan for, why venue WiFi fails, upload for live streaming, payment and ticketing networks, temporary internet options in Australia, activation times, guest WiFi, security and equipment protection. Each uses stated planning assumptions, worked examples and checklists.
Start with how much internet an event needs and how many access points you need, or try the bandwidth calculator. The glossary explains the terms.
Planning and sizing
How much internet an event needs
Size event bandwidth for the busiest moment, upload first, with worked examples for 30 to 500 people.
Read more →How many access points you need
Capacity and coverage maths for access points, with tables for 30 to 1,000 people and example floor areas.
Read more →Event WiFi planning checklist
A timeline checklist for event WiFi: early, two to four weeks out, event week, the day and after.
Read more →When to book event WiFi
Book event WiFi with the venue and permits: what sets the lead time, and what works at short notice.
Read more →WiFi for small events
When one router or a 4G/5G kit covers a small event, when to upgrade, what to keep separate.
Read more →WiFi for large crowds
How high-density WiFi is planned for crowds of 1,000 or more: cells, channels, placement and priorities.
Read more →Venues and connections
Questions to ask your venue about WiFi
The venue WiFi questions to ask before you sign, and how to read the answers.
Read more →Why event WiFi fails
Seven reasons venue WiFi collapses under a crowd, the symptoms of each, and what fixes them.
Read more →Temporary internet options in Australia
Venue line, new fixed service, 4G/5G routers or a mix: short-term internet options compared.
Read more →How long internet takes to connect
What decides internet activation time at a new premises, and how to work while you wait.
Read more →Mobile hotspot vs event WiFi
Why phone hotspots struggle at events, when they're fine, and what to use instead.
Read more →Rent or buy event WiFi equipment
Rent or buy event WiFi gear: frequency, skills, support, storage and upgrades, with worked examples.
Read more →Network design
Separate WiFi networks for events
VLANs and separate WiFi names in plain English, with the usual five-network split for events.
Read more →Mesh vs wired access points
Wireless vs cabled backhaul: setup time, capacity, when each wins, and hybrid layouts.
Read more →Outdoor event WiFi planning
Line of sight, mounting height, weather, power and crowds: planning WiFi for outdoor events.
Read more →Trade show WiFi interference
What causes WiFi congestion in exhibition halls, and the band, cable and rule choices that help stands cope.
Read more →Event guest WiFi best practices
Naming, passwords, per-device limits and signage for event guest WiFi that stays out of the way.
Read more →Event WiFi security
Separation, passwords, admin access, payment isolation and wiping settings after the hire: the controls that protect event networks.
Read more →Protecting event network equipment
Where to put event WiFi gear, and how to keep it cool, plugged in, dry and undisturbed.
Read more →Payments, tickets and streaming
EFTPOS at events
Why payment terminals fail in crowds, how they connect, and how to test them before doors.
Read more →Ticket scanning WiFi
Plan WiFi for ticket scanners: gate coverage, a dedicated network, the doors-open rush and offline modes.
Read more →Upload speed for live streaming
Turn stream bitrate into an upload figure, add headroom, and test it before going live.
Read more →Hybrid event checklist
A hybrid event tech checklist: connection, upload, wired encoder, audio, backup, rehearsal and roles.
Read more →How to live stream a wedding
Platform, upload, camera, sound, testing and backup: a friendly plan for streaming your wedding to family far away.
Read more →Sites and scenarios
Warehouse WiFi coverage guide
Steel, racking, ceiling height and scanner roaming: how to plan warehouse WiFi coverage.
Read more →Film production internet guide
Production office internet: when to book, upload maths for rushes, crew networks and wrap.
Read more →Construction site internet and CCTV
Site office internet options, cameras on the same network, changes through the build, and handover at completion.
Read more →Temporary CCTV planning
How many temporary security cameras you need, where they go, and how power, recording and networks fit.
Read more →Not sure what you need yet?
Send us the venue, dates and headcount. We will tell you what the network needs and quote it as one job.