NTT DATA Transforms RAI Amsterdam into Europe’s Smartest Venue with Private 5G Network

Introduction: NTT DATA Leading the Smart Venue Transformation

RAI Amsterdam, one of Europe’s premier conference and exhibition centers, is evolving into a high-tech innovation hub, thanks to the deployment of NTT DATA’s private 5G network in collaboration with Cisco. This private 5G network drives operational excellence, offers immersive visitor experiences, and meets the complex connectivity demands of high-density environments.

Key Challenges for Event Connectivity and Venue Management

RAI Amsterdam faced issues with network congestion and interference, security, and limited customization. Public 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity often struggled under heavy event traffic, leading to slowdowns and latency that hampered real-time applications like live streaming and drone control. Security concerns with public networks also posed risks for data-sensitive applications, and the lack of flexibility restricted RAI Amsterdam’s ability to adapt connectivity to specific event needs.

Private 5G solves these challenges by offering a secure, high-speed network that can support RAI’s growing technological demands. NTT DATA, in partnership with Cisco, deployed a robust private 5G solution that addressed RAI Amsterdam’s challenges while enhancing operational efficiency and improving experiences for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Why Private 5G is Perfect for High-Density Venues

NTT DATA’s private 5G solution was selected for its ability to deliver unmatched connectivity, flexibility, and security. Unlike public networks, the private 5G deployment offers dedicated bandwidth, minimal latency, and high reliability, making it ideal for high-density environments. Cisco’s networking capabilities bring seamless connectivity, advanced analytics, and immersive digital experiences for visitors and exhibitors.

How NTT DATA & Cisco’s 5G Solution Optimizes Venue Operations

NTT DATA’s Pioneering Role in Smart Venue Innovation

As the primary integrator of the private 5G solution, NTT DATA played a critical role in transforming RAI Amsterdam:

• Custom Network Design and Deployment: NTT DATA provided end-to-end deployment, from planning and design to integration and optimization, ensuring seamless connectivity tailored to the venue’s requirements.
• Security and Data Privacy Expertise: NTT DATA ensured the appropriate security protocols and data privacy measures to protect sensitive information and provide a secure network environment for attendees and exhibitors.
• Real-Time IoT Integration and Smart Venue Management: Through the integration of IoT and real-time analytics, NTT DATA’s Smart World Platform offers valuable insights for event management, crowd control, and environmental monitoring.
• Seamless Collaboration with Cisco: The collaboration with Cisco enabled advanced smart venue capabilities, such as mobile broadcasting, visitor traffic management, and enhanced digital experiences, further solidifying RAI Amsterdam’s position as Europe’s smartest venue.

Redefining Event Technology with NTT DATA & Cisco’s 5G Solution

With its powerful private 5G network, RAI Amsterdam has set a new benchmark for connected venues, leading the way for future innovation in the events industry.

Commenting on the solution, Bret Baas, IT and digital manager at RAI Amsterdam, said: “We are developing from a traditional exhibition and conference location into an innovation platform and knowledge center. New technologies are of great importance to both our customers and ourselves. They ensure that more is possible technologically during events… At the same time, it helps to make our building smarter, which is important for crowd control and sustainability… One of the major advantages of private 5G is that unlike with Wi-Fi, network overload hardly occurs and you don’t need cables.”