When planning for an event that requires internet at a rented venue, it is very important to know exactly what you actually need and the rules and regulations of the venue you are entering into an agreement with. It is a step that many planners neglect and may cost thousands of dollars to correct at the last minute, if it is even possible to accomplish with the available bandwidth. The key questions needed to be asked are as follows:

1)  How much bandwidth do you require? If you are a single computer and displaying a simple web page or need access to email, any venue can get you the access you need. If you are having a video conference, using bandwidth intensive web based applications, or if you are having a training lab with 30 people, your needs are quite different.

2)  How many connections do you need? If you have 5 computers, you need to relay this information to the venue. Many offer networking solutions to assist, and also charge you for each computer using the internet. Do not assume you can order 1 connection, bring in your own router, and share it wired or wirelessly inside your booth. In some instances, you may find the venue will turn your connection off during the event until you pay for all the connections being used.

3)  How much bandwidth does the venue offer? Common types are:

1. ADSL: Many hotels offer a simple 6Mbit ADSL type connection, which offer up to 6Mbit download rate, and up to 800Kbit upload rate. This is fine for a single user, but a web training session of 30 people would make this connection act like very slow dial up!
2. ADSL2: Still rather new and offers the same speeds as ADSL, but the download rate is up to 21Mbit. This connection is good for a class of 10 – 20 who are only downloading and not publishing work to the internet.
3. T3: The common connection in large convention centers. This is by far the best connection as it offers extremely high rates of transfers, both for downloading and uploading. It can easily handle hundreds of connections.
4. 3G or EVDO: This is the internet stick offered by Telus, Rogers, Bell, etc. A fine solution for a single user but be sure your portable internet works at the location you wish to use it and that it does not violate any regulations the venue may have.

Obviously if you are renting internet at a venue, it is important to the success of the event you are planning. It is an expensive part of your event, but when you ask the right questions to both your users and the venue, you can at least be sure to pay for only what you need, and be confident that you ordered the correct connections.

Special Event Internet – Buyer Beware! is a post from: Event Technology Blog highlighting computer rentals.

As is the case with any new service or product that comes out, providers are often able to charge whatever they want – initially, at least.

Such was the case when the Internet first arrived. Its ubiquity was still years away and the novelty of the World Wide Web allowed for providers to charge a user far more than is justifiable today.

Of course, the costs were much higher two decades ago. Today, there are far more cost-efficient ways to go about getting a connection. When it comes to getting hooked up at bigger events such as trade shows and conventions, however, connection charges haven’t quite adjusted.

Convention Centre show rates: $895 per computer

Some convention centres can charge up to $895 per computer for the duration of an event. For out-of-towners the convention centre rates, coupled with the exorbitant rates some hotels are still charging, can add up quickly.

Considering the other options that are out there, their offers are hardly a steal.

Renting Aircards is an alternative

Until users start to see prices drop dramatically, one alternative is renting aircards for short-term use. Aircards allow users to access the Internet through their cell phone, PDA or laptop. They get you online without having to worry about finding a hot spot or sharing wireless with all the other users in the network area.

Mac and Windows compatible

MCR offers a great solution to your possible wireless woes. The Sierra Compass 597 gives you high-speed wireless connectivity seamlessly and works for both Mac and Windows computers.

Mobile broadband internet reaches download speeds of up to 800 kbps

The standard upload speed for the Sierra Compass is 300 to 400 kbps and typical download speed is approximately 450 to 800 kbps. The Aircard installs through USB and is pre-loaded with TRU-Install so that no CD installation is necessary.

Next time you get a hefty invoice for internet use at a trade show or even your hotel stay, consider going the wireless broadband aircard rental route. Getting connected has never been so easy. No long term contracts to sign. No equipment to buy. Just rent it, use it and return it!

Internet Charges at Convention Centres is a post from: Event Technology Blog highlighting computer rentals.