Why do we build WiFi networks for our clients?

WiFi and SSID creation is one of the most common things you will do in the ET department. WiFi in the conference spaces is not provided on the house, and must be purchased as a package from the client - this is why the generic lobby WiFi does not function well in the lower levels, it is not intended for full-scale conference use or secured network use. This latter point is especially pertinent as encrypting your SSID (Service Set Identifier) is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps protect your network from unauthorized access by keeping it hidden from potential attackers. Without encryption, anyone within range can easily detect your Wi-Fi network and attempt to gain unauthorized access. Secondly, an encrypted SSID ensures the privacy and security of your data transmitted over the network. By encrypting the SSID, you add an additional layer of protection to prevent eavesdropping and interception of sensitive information such as passwords or personal data. Lastly, an encrypted SSID also helps prevent overcrowding or interference caused by unauthorized users, thus ensuring a reliable and fast connection for your legitimate devices.

Makes sense. How do I set up a conference?

.Easy! We have worked to streamline this process as much as possible so as to avoid errors and guarantee excellent service. See below for details!

Step 1: Determine the need for a new SSID
While all information needed to produce an event can be found on the BEO, CSM's are also requested to submit WiFi info via a request form. That aggregate data can be found in the 'ET WIFI REQUESTS' Google Doc. This document contains all of the active and upcoming conferences, their dates, and their network name and encryption codes. This is the data you will use to build a network within the Sonifi Conference Tool.

Step 2: Access Sonifi Conference Tool
All ET Technicians have access to Conference Tool via individual logins. If you need a login, or have lost access, reach out to your leader, or to a TS specialist for assistance. Once you login you should see the following page:

Click the highlighted menu titled 'Conference Tool'

Click the highlighted 'Conference dropdown on the left-hand side, followed by 'New Conference' This will launch the Conference Wizard, a 7-step process to create a custom SSID

STEP 1

This step is for Conference Details. The only info needed here are the two highlighted elements. This info is pulled directly from the ET WIFI REQUEST form. NOTE: the number of expected attendees is meant as devices, not individuals, i.e. a single individual may possess up to three or more devices that all need WiFi (ex. smart watch, laptop, phone). For this reason, the number you put here should be the number of attendees listed on the request form MULTIPLIED BY A FACTOR OF 3. For example, if the conference says it will have 100 attendees, then you would put 300 in the 'Number of attendees' box

Step 2

Nothing on Step 2 needs to be filled in, however, the last option 'Enable meeting Planner Dashboard' will need to be switched to OFF

Note that 'Meeting Planner Dashboard' has been switched OFF

​Step 3

Fill out the Conference start and end dates, as well as the start and end times. Again, this information is located in the 'ET WIFI REQUEST' doc. 

Step 3.5

Once you enter your dates and times, your menu will expand to ask which rooms your conference will take place in. simply click a room to move it to the active window. Select all that apply.

Step 4

No need to do anything here, just hit SAVE & CONTINUE

​Step 5A

Here you will be able to enter the requested SSID name as well the the encryption (password) NOTE: You will need to toggle 'Enable SSID Encryption to the ON position.

Step 5B

If you anticipate that the client will be roaming around the lowever levels or will otherwise need their WiFI to reamin active even once they leave their meeting space, you will want to turn on the option to broadcast to the 'Entire Conference Space'

Secondly, Client isolation defaults to FULL. This, in practice means that devices will not be able to discover one another even when on the same network. This will be problematic if someone is needing to connect to a wireless device like a printer, or utilize services like AirDrop. if you anticipate these needs or others like them, you will want to switch this to NONE

5C

If a wired connection has been requested, that can be toggled on at this time as well. Once activated, your menu will expand, and you will be able to add ports in the same manner you were able to add room back in step 3.5

Step 6

Deactivate the Portal Page

This is what you will see upon deactivation

Step 7

Review your conference, double check that all information is accurate to the request form. Once satisfied, click 'Finish'

CONGRATULATIONS!
your conference is now registered and your SSID will go live at the designated start time.