November 2003 - Hotels, like any other business
today, are paying more attention than ever to their profit margins.
And while the bottom line is important, the customer satisfaction that
contributes to healthy profits is also key. One means of gaining additional
revenue and enhancing guest satisfaction is already right in front of you;
actually it lies within your hotel�s walls. It�s your existing electrical
wiring.
Powerline Communications Deliver the Internet
The concept is called Powerline Communications (PLC), a remarkable networking
technology that is poised to change the way people access the Internet
in commercial and multi-unit structures, and the way your hotel invests
in networking technologies to provide Internet access for guests. PLC isn�t
brand new; it has been in various stages of development for over a decade.
What is new is the use of PLC technology to deliver the Internet in large
commercial structures, including hotels and other hospitality-related buildings.
The basic concept behind PLC is the use of existing electrical wiring,
present in almost all buildings today regardless of usage, to carry high-speed
data communications signals. Essentially, this technology turns ordinary
electrical receptacles into network access ports. A special device called
a �gateway� helps distribute the Internet signal through the building�s
electrical wiring. Portable PLC modems that connect to desktop or laptop
computers feature an ordinary electrical plug on one end. The user gains
instant Internet access by simply plugging the special modem into any electrical
outlet in the room and plugging the modem�s Ethernet connection into their
laptop.
Initial attempts at utilizing the electric lines for communications
were focused outside the buildings over the high voltage power lines. These
early attempts were unsuccessful due largely to roadblocks, such as transformers
and noise interferences. The �Smart House� concept, however, focused on
creating internal local networks to access and control various household
services and appliances, as well as shared access to the Internet. The
Home Plug Alliance, a non-profit association of manufacturers, pioneered
efforts to utilize the existing electrical wiring within a residential
building to transmit voice and data. This approach is currently in use
on a very limited basis in private homes around the country.
An Internet Access Strategy
The greatest challenge since the development of PLC technology is the
tendency for signal distortion or interference over larger distances. This
is why this technology has been easier to implement in small residential
buildings. Telkonet, Inc., based in Annapolis, Maryland, offers a new product
that solves this signal distortion problem. The Telkonet PlugPlusInternet
. system uses a patent-pending technology to transmit Internet signals
inside very large commercial structures � such as hotels, office buildings,
and multi-unit structures � without distortion or interference, putting
practical, easy-to-use PLC solutions within reach of hotel operators and
convention centers for the very first time.
These days, business travelers in particular require Internet access
during the length of a hotel stay; few people today tolerate being out
of reach even during travel. Convenience, flexibility, and portability
are the watchwords for providing an Internet access strategy in the hospitality
business today.
Fortunately, products like the Telkonet PlugPlusInternet system are
built on such key benefits. And it isn�t only the hotel guest that stands
to benefit.
Offering a Competitive Advantage
High-speed access to the Internet in guest rooms, meeting rooms and
small convention centers is a distinct competitive advantage. Many hotels
today still lack a comprehensive access strategy for their guests, so hotels
that offer systems such as Telkonet�s PLC solution are ahead of the game.
The service can be an instant revenue stream for hotels, which have the
option of charging guests for it depending on their policies and revenue
requirements. Another option is providing the access free of charge, as
a value-added service to encourage guest satisfaction.
Another benefit of installing a PLC system lies with the installation
process itself. Unlike the other available options, installing the Telkonet
PlugPlusInternet system involves the installation of a gateway, which is
coupled to the buildings electrical service panel and connected to a circuit
breaker. No additional wires or cabling need to be strung through the building
� a boon to older structures where damage could easily result from installation
of wiring. Hotels can simply pre-equip rooms with the special PLC modems
or provide them to guests at check-in. Installation can generally be accomplished
in a single day for most 75 to 150-room hotels, representing a significant
advantage when compared with other Internet access solutions. The best
part: no disruption to the hotel�s guests or staff.
Wireless Connectivity Issues
One of PLC�s main competitors is wireless connectivity. While wireless,
at first glance, looks quite useful as a connection technology for hotels,
comparisons between wireless and PLC reveal striking differences. A big
difference is that wireless systems are not as secure; guests using wireless
connections risk having their data co-opted by others in the vicinity with
wireless devices.
In addition, wireless options do involve some installation of wiring;
the �wireless� part relates only to the freedom from a wire at the laptop
or desktop level. In fact, wireless systems do require the installation
of wires within the buildings walls to create the network infrastructure.
This could be a problem for hotels where disruption could result in lost
revenue, or where a historic building designation creates obstacles to
installation. Also, wireless signals are also subject to inference. Metal
and concrete, which make up a significant percentage of the construction
mass of many hotels, tend to cause interference with wireless signals,
and a subsequent degradation in connection quality for the guest.
PLC Benefits Hotels and Guests
Given
these considerations, PLC systems measure up nicely compared to wireless
options for use within the hospitality industry. And there is no comparison
with traditional wired systems that require dedicated wiring and dedicated
network ports in the walls. The balance of features and benefits offered
by PLC is truly unique.
Selecting a new technology for your hotel � and in effect a new Internet
access strategy � can seem a daunting process. But it doesn�t have to be.
Products like Telkonet�s PlugPlusInternet solution offer an ideal balance
of benefits to hotels and guests alike.
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PLC maximizes your building�s existing infrastructure: electrical systems
can now act as both power source and network port.
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Telkonet�s system provides you with a low capital investment and an instant
revenue stream.
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Turning electrical outlets into Internet access ports is convenient for
guests; anywhere in the room where there�s a receptacle, the Internet is
quickly at hand.
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Hotels realize cost savings because labor costs are minimal compared to
other options.
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Installation is quick; PLC systems can typically be installed in less than
one day.
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Because there is no need to retrofit the building for new wiring, installation
is non-disruptive.
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There are no building limitations in terms of age, especially important
with historic structures.
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The system is scalable and can support up to 256 modems per gateway; additional
gateways can be installed to achieve the desired number of connection points
for any hotel.
With so many benefits to hotel owners and operators, it�s clear that PLC
technology has truly come of age. It has the potential to transform the
old electrical wiring in your hotel�s walls into a new source of value-added
service, revenue and customer satisfaction. Telkonet�s unique technology
allows, for the first time, hotels to delivery distortion-free Internet
service over existing infrastructure with the convenience, flexibility
and portability required by today�s travellers. Understanding more about
PLC will no doubt yield rewards to hotels and their guests for some time
to come.
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