HP ProCurve has been quietly supporting the networking needs of the hospitality industry in North America and around the globe for many years. Select Marriott, Hyatt, Four Seasons, and Starwood properties as well as numerous other resorts, hotel chains, and boutiques rely on our wireless and wired networking solutions. And innovative technologies, such as the recently announced HP ProCurve MSM317 Access Device, are spawning new opportunities for the hospitality industry.
The MSM317 offers a revolutionary way for hospitality and residential properties to implement ‘quad play’ services. By integrating an 802.11b/g wireless access point and a four-port wired Ethernet switch, the MSM317 connects multiple IP-based devices, such as VoIP telephones, televisions, and other hotel room equipment. And because it is installed in a standard wall electrical outlet and delivers integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, the MSM317 eliminates the need for additional power sourcing equipment.
Of the properties with which we have spoken, most are planning to use the MSM317 for guest rooms and conference areas. For in-room deployments, many will use the four Ethernet ports in this manner:While many are choosing to leave the fourth port open for future flexibility and use, some have considered using it for temperature, lighting, and drapery control.
MSM317 access devices are easily and remotely managed by any HP ProCurve MultiService Mobility controller. Two new controllers give centralized management and consistent services anywhere on the network, allowing hospitality customers to implement security, roaming, and quality of service policies.
“Property owners and network operators can deliver multiple high-value voice, video, and data services to guests and other occupants with these new solutions,” said Roger Sands, director, Worldwide Mobility Solutions, HP ProCurve. “These converged network offerings extend HP ProCurve’s product portfolio into a new category of innovative network edge products that help customers reduce the complexity of installing and managing their wired and wireless network services.”
Reaping the benefits
Hospitality organizations in North America are already benefiting from these new solutions. Two dozen MSM317s were recently installed in The Phoenician’s meeting rooms to offer multiple data and communication services for conference guests.
“We can deliver Internet access over our network, pull in a guest’s data over a T1 line, provide a dedicated VLAN and support IP phones – all in a single room through a single MSM317,” said Billy Graham, Systems Manager for The Phoenician, a 250-acre resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“The HP ProCurve network has been fantastic,” Graham noted. “The switches have been 100 percent rock solid. We’ve never had a problem with the access points. And everything is incredibly flexible and easy to manage.”
In the past, he explains, network changes required manual modifications at each switch and access point. With HP ProCurve equipment, however, Graham and his team can administer all network devices collectively or individually, from virtually anywhere.
“With automated discovery and remote configuration, device management is effortless and has saved us countless man hours. I can provision a dedicated VLAN for a conference or troubleshoot an issue involving dropped packets from home,” Graham said. “And we don’t worry about each individual access point any more unless there is a particular need. When we do make changes, it’s a simple drag-and-drop procedure from any browser.”
You may also be interested to learn how The Venetian uses HP ProCurve solutions to “literally run a city.” Or how Boston’s Lenox Hotel advanced its wireless capabilities despite tight budget constraints.
For more information on HP ProCurve hospitality solutions, take a look at this solution brief.You can also visit our dedicated hospitality page on the HP ProCurve Web site.
Karl Soderlund is Vice President and General Manager for HP ProCurve in the Americas.
