Case Study: The World Cup achieves multi‑megabit, high‑density stadium Wi‑Fi and cellular offload with RUCKUS Networks

The World Cup - Customer Case Study

Ruckus Wireless was engaged to solve the severe capacity and performance problems of Wi‑Fi and cellular networks at four World Cup stadiums in Brazil, including the 76,000‑seat Maracanã. Traditional DAS systems handled voice but were easily overloaded by data-hungry fans (estimates of up to 35% of fans online with 15% simultaneous usage and ~300 kbps per user), plus a growing uplink traffic profile from photo/video uploads — prompting a consortium of mobile operators to seek a carrier‑class Wi‑Fi solution.

Ruckus deployed ZoneFlex access points, WLAN controllers and SmartCell Insight across Maracanã, Estádio Nacional, Arena Fonte Nova and Arena Pantanal, using hundreds of narrow‑beam, integrated‑antenna APs, interference mitigation and uplink‑sensitive designs. The result was consistent multi‑megabit to tens of multi‑megabit per‑user performance, effective offload of 3G/4G DAS networks, and real‑time reporting that delivered a markedly improved fan experience during the World Cup.

The World Cup