December 12, 2007

Heathrow Hotel Uses Converged Network Solution from TFM Networks

By Anuradha Shukla, TMCnet Contributing Editor

YOTEL, the capsule hotel chain, has deployed an advanced multi-application network at its newly opened Heathrow airport hotel. The network architecture, designed and implemented by virtual network operator TFM Networks will enable the hotel chain to run all business operations and offer its business travelers the latest technology and communications.

The hotel is located inside Terminal 4 at Heathrow and has a converged network infrastructure, which incorporates voice, video and data-based business applications to maximize throughput and business productivity cost-effectively.

Following a successful deployment at YOTEL’s London headquarters and its Gatwick airport hotel, the network has now been extended to the busy Heathrow airport. The network can handle all of YOTEL’s business requirements, from the streaming of IP-based CCTV to time-critical, secure operations such as credit card acquisition and the handling of customer details.

With free WiFi and wired workstations, digital television and ‘techno wall’ entertainment systems, YOTEL’s next-generation cabins are fully equipped to meet the technology needs of the business traveler. All of these run over the network infrastructure deployed by TFM Networks.

“TFM’s multi-application network ensures we have the availability and bandwidth we require to handle and prioritize business operations. It has proved so successful at Gatwick that we have now extended the same model to Heathrow,” said Nigel Buchanan, operations director at YOTEL in a statement.

Brett Rowe, sales and marketing director at TFM Networks, noted that YOTEL’s approach to the concept of airport hotels required an equally innovative network solution from them – one which has successfully combined high-availability and business functionality with the technology that business passengers demand.

As the multi-application solution consists of two DSL’s, YOTEL is able to maximize bandwidth availability, guaranteeing core business functionality at all times but also offering the flexibility to support a large number of other applications in a cost-effective manner.

According to TFM Networks, a key element of the project involved working closely with airport operators BAA at all stages of the design and implementation, to address all security issues relating to operating a network within BAA’s own on-site network infrastructure.

Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

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(source: http://internetcommunications.tmcnet.com/topics/broadband-mobile/articles/16417-heathrow-hotel-uses-converged-network-solution-from-tfm.htm)