One-third of businesses in the hospitality sector lament the absence of network surveillance within their organizations.
In the rapidly evolving world of the hospitality industry, performance and reliability are key requirements for Wide Area Network (WAN) architectures. A recent study by techconsult GmbH, in collaboration with 1&1 Versatel and LANCOM Systems, has shed light on the need for modernization of WAN architectures across the entire hospitality industry, including gastronomy and hotels.
The study, titled "Future-proof Networks for Business," surveyed 207 IT decision-makers from companies with at least three locations in Germany, focusing on the retail, finance, and hospitality sectors. One of the key findings is the need for high-speed, reliable network infrastructure to support increasing digital demands, such as seamless guest Wi-Fi, smart device connectivity, and integration with management platforms.
The study highlights the benefits of FTTR-B (Fiber To The Room-Business) technology, which delivers future-ready high-speed fiber connections directly to guest rooms or workspaces, enabling scalable bandwidth and preventing bottlenecks common with legacy cabling. Many hotels struggle with outdated or insufficient network systems that hamper digital transformation and operational efficiency. Modern fiber-optic networks allow hotels to sustain high data throughput, support Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and adapt to evolving guest expectations.
The study also reveals a significant need for network transparency, as emphasized by the high valuation of monitoring. In the hospitality industry, where real-time communication between locations and the availability of booking platforms are essential, unidentified network problems can quickly lead to operational disruptions and revenue losses.
Sixty percent of the surveyed companies use a hybrid network topology that efficiently connects local and central systems. SD-WAN is used in this hybrid operation model by some companies in the hospitality industry. For instance, 1&1 SD-WAN Compact, offered by 1&1 Versatel, is a fully managed solution for cost-effective multisite connection, ideal for businesses across various industries like retail, finance, and hospitality.
The study underscores that adopting fiber-based future-proof networks, with integrated smart technologies, will empower the hospitality industry to meet the challenges of digital transformation, guest experience demands, and sustainability mandates effectively. Recommendations from the study include investing in fiber-based networks (FTTR-B), focusing on integration and automation, improving network reliability and security, and planning with long-term business and compliance goals.
One-third of respondents in the hospitality industry cited insufficient network monitoring as a problem. Reservation systems, contactless payment solutions, and other digital applications require a stable and powerful infrastructure. Moreover, smart, integrated networks improve operational performance by enabling predictive maintenance, energy management, and data-driven decision-making, which aligns with growing regulatory sustainability reporting requirements in hospitality.
In conclusion, the study by techconsult, 1&1 Versatel, and LANCOM Systems identifies key findings and recommendations regarding network infrastructure and challenges in the hospitality industry, focusing on resilience, scalability, and seamless integration of future technologies. By adopting these recommendations, the hospitality industry can ensure a robust, future-proof network infrastructure that supports its digital transformation journey and enhances guest experiences.
- In the study titled "Future-proof Networks for Business", a significant need for high-speed, reliable network infrastructure that supports digital demands in the hospitality sector, such as seamless guest Wi-Fi and smart device connectivity, was highlighted.
- The study also revealed a crucial need for network transparency in the hospitality industry, where unidentified network problems can result in operational disruptions and revenue losses.
- The study recommends that, to meet the challenges of digital transformation, guest experience demands, and sustainability mandates, the hospitality industry should invest in fiber-based networks (FTTR-B), focus on integration and automation, and plan with long-term business and compliance goals, using technology like SD-WAN solutions offered by companies like 1&1 Versatel.
