Hippodrome Casino upgrades network with Extreme technology

The Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square has upgraded its network infrastructure using Extreme Networks technology to enhance security, guest services, and operational efficiency.

The upgrade, conducted in partnership with IT provider ITHQ, includes Wi-Fi 6E services, datacentre and edge switches, analytics, and a cloud management platform. This improvement addresses the network challenges of the six-story complex, which features three casinos, eight bars, a theatre, multiple restaurants, and a three-story roof terrace.

“While the robustness of the Wi-Fi solution is key for operations, on the back end they are producing an amazing amount of customer data for our analytics teams to look at,” said Hippodrome Casino IT director Philip Mitchell.

“We can clearly see the amount of traffic going through each particular system and the impact our improved solutions are making on the business. Our systems show that not only has the amount of monitored endpoints doubled, but the number of alerts has actually reduced to one-sixth of what they were.”

Extreme’s Wi-Fi 6E and Universal switches seek to ensure reliable connectivity for over 1,600 concurrent weekend users. The ExtremeCloud IQ platform provides the IT team with comprehensive control and visibility, including guest access and individual Internet of Things devices such as security cameras across the gaming floor.

The network insights allow proactive issue resolution, improved guest access management, and efficient asset tracking. Automation features enhance security and operational efficiency, according to a press release.

Markus Nispel, chief technology officer for EMEA at Extreme Networks, said: “Maintaining security on the gaming floor is paramount, and it all starts with secure connectivity for all users, devices and applications.

"Thanks to Extreme’s solutions, the Hippodrome has not only seen significant improvements in performance and enhanced their operations through automation, but also obtained valuable insights, using network analytics to create personalized experiences that keep guests coming back for more.”