QEII Centre Delivers Venue-Wide Network Transformation with Switchshop and HPE Aruba
How a Leading London Events Venue Modernised Its Network Infrastructure for High-Density Connectivity and Hybrid Event Delivery
About The Queen Elizabeth II Centre
The Queen Elizabeth II Centre (QEII Centre) is one of the UK’s leading conference and events venues, hosting government summits, international conferences, corporate events and hybrid experiences in the heart of Westminster, London.
As demand for high-density wireless connectivity, hybrid event delivery and digital services continued to grow, the venue required a modern network infrastructure capable of supporting thousands of delegates, exhibitors and event organisers across multiple floors and event spaces.
To meet these requirements, QEII Centre partnered with Switchshop to deliver a complete wired and wireless network transformation using HPE Aruba Networking technology.
Why Modern Event Venues Need Enterprise-Grade Network Infrastructure
Today’s conference and events venues rely on fast, reliable and secure connectivity to support everything from delegate Wi-Fi and live streaming to hybrid events, digital signage and operational systems.
For organisations hosting large-scale events, ageing network infrastructure can create challenges around:
- High-density wireless performance
- Network resilience and redundancy
- Operational visibility and monitoring
- Scalability for future growth
- Hybrid and digital event delivery
- Business continuity during critical events
The QEII Centre recognised the need to modernise its network environment to support current operational requirements while preparing for future technology demands.
The Challenge: Supporting High-Density Events with Legacy Infrastructure
As event technology requirements evolved, the QEII Centre’s existing network infrastructure was becoming increasingly difficult to support.
The ageing wired and wireless environment limited flexibility, visibility and resilience while placing additional pressure on the venue’s ability to deliver seamless connectivity during high-profile events.
The organisation required a modern networking platform capable of improving performance, strengthening resilience and providing a scalable foundation for future growth, all while minimising disruption to an active programme of live events.
The Solution: A Complete HPE Aruba Network Refresh
Following a formal tender process and technical evaluation, the QEII Centre selected Switchshop to design and deliver a venue-wide network transformation based on HPE Aruba Networking technology.
Working closely with the venue’s technical teams, Switchshop conducted wireless surveys, developed a phased deployment strategy and implemented a modern networking architecture designed specifically for high-density event environments.
The project included:
- Aruba CX switching infrastructure
- More than 120 Wi-Fi 7 access points
- Upgraded fibre and Ethernet backbone connectivity
- Centralised network management and monitoring
- Enhanced resilience and redundancy
- Venue-wide wired and wireless infrastructure modernisation
Every element of the venue’s network infrastructure was refreshed as part of the programme, creating a future-ready platform capable of supporting the demands of modern event delivery.
Delivering a Complex Network Transformation with Minimal Disruption
The QEII Centre operates a busy schedule of conferences, exhibitions, government events and corporate functions throughout the year.
To minimise disruption, the project was delivered in carefully managed phases over several months. Switchshop coordinated the replacement of core and access switches, deployed more than 120 wireless access points and upgraded critical network infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity across the venue.
This phased approach ensured the QEII Centre could continue delivering events while modernising its technology foundation.
Enhanced Performance for High-Density Wi-Fi
The new infrastructure delivers greater wireless capacity and performance, helping ensure reliable connectivity for delegates, exhibitors, event organisers and operational teams.
Increased Network Resilience
Enhanced backbone infrastructure, modern switching and improved network design provide greater reliability and redundancy across the venue.
Greater Visibility and Control
Modern management and monitoring tools provide improved insight into network performance, enabling proactive support and more efficient troubleshooting.
A Future-Ready Foundation
With every element of the wired and wireless environment refreshed, the QEII Centre now benefits from a scalable networking platform capable of evolving alongside future event technologies and customer expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the QEII Centre upgrade its network infrastructure?
The QEII Centre upgraded its network infrastructure to support increasing demand for high-density Wi-Fi, hybrid events, digital event services and improved operational resilience. The previous network had reached the limits of its performance and flexibility, making it difficult to meet the connectivity requirements of modern conferences and large-scale events.
What networking solution was deployed at the QEII Centre?
Switchshop designed and delivered a complete HPE Aruba Networking solution that included Aruba CX switches, more than 120 Wi-Fi 7 access points, upgraded fibre infrastructure and enhanced network monitoring. The deployment modernised both the wired and wireless network across the entire venue.
Why was HPE Aruba Networking chosen for the project?
HPE Aruba Networking provides enterprise-grade wired and wireless networking designed for high-performance environments. Its scalability, reliability, advanced management capabilities and support for Wi-Fi 7 made it an ideal platform for a busy conference and events venue that hosts thousands of delegates throughout the year.
How many Wi-Fi access points were installed?
The project included the deployment of more than 120 Wi-Fi 7 access points, providing high-density wireless coverage throughout the QEII Centre to support conferences, exhibitions, government events and hybrid meetings.
How did Switchshop minimise disruption during the installation?
Switchshop planned the project in carefully managed phases, working around the venue’s live events schedule. Wireless surveys, detailed planning and staged implementation ensured the network transformation was completed while maintaining business continuity and minimising disruption for customers and visitors.
What are the benefits of a modern venue network?
A modern venue network delivers faster wireless performance, improved reliability, greater security, enhanced visibility for IT teams and the capacity to support thousands of simultaneous devices. It also provides a scalable platform for future technologies, including AI-powered services, hybrid events and next-generation digital experiences.
Can Switchshop upgrade networks for conference and event venues?
Yes. Switchshop specialises in designing, deploying and supporting enterprise networking solutions for conference centres, event venues, public sector organisations, education, healthcare and commercial businesses. Every solution is tailored to the organisation’s operational requirements and future growth plans.
What is Wi-Fi 7 and why is it important for event venues?
Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless networking standard, offering significantly higher speeds, lower latency and increased capacity compared with previous Wi-Fi generations. For conference and exhibition venues, Wi-Fi 7 helps deliver reliable connectivity for delegates, exhibitors, streaming services, collaboration platforms and high-density device environments.
What outcomes did the QEII Centre achieve after the network refresh?
The network transformation delivered a fully modernised wired and wireless infrastructure, improved resilience, enhanced network visibility, greater operational control and a future-ready platform capable of supporting world-class conferences, exhibitions and hybrid events for years to come.
Why choose Switchshop for HPE Aruba Networking projects?
Switchshop is an experienced HPE Aruba Networking specialist with expertise in wireless networking, switching, network design and enterprise infrastructure. From wireless surveys and solution design through to deployment and ongoing support, Switchshop helps organisations build secure, scalable and high-performing networks that support long-term business objectives.
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