Leading WLAN infrastructure in museums and exhibition rooms: a guide for decision-makers

These days, the WLAN infrastructure in museums an essential part of contemporary exhibition concepts. According to a formulated industry standard, a functioning WLAN should be available for around 80% of the maximum expected number of guests. This is serious difficulties for many cultural institutions, since the installation of a complete WLAN network can be difficult and expensive due to the technical requirements for historical buildings and monument protection laws.

The correct planning and implementation of a WLAN infrastructure always begins with a thorough analysis of the requirements. During the construction of the WLAN infrastructure, strategically placed access points be given special attention, since this significantly influence the performance and safety of the network.

In fact, the cost of the required hardware accounts for around 50% of the total initial investment, according to an industry insider. An important performance criterion is that up to five people in a room can also stream full HD videos on their smart devices. Media stations that are supported by solid WLAN infrastructure hardware have developed into key elements of modern museum didactics .

A comprehensive overview of the design, facility and maintenance of WLAN networks in museums is to be given in this guide, which we have created using the expertise of museum representatives and infrastructure providers. Cultural organizations can be found here all the first information that you need for a future-proof WLAN infrastructure in 2025 and beyond, from lighting to technical execution to security considerations and digital uses.

Why WLAN in the museum is indispensable today

The expectations and needs of society have changed significantly in the digital age. A WLAN network in museums is now a basic requirement and not just a practical convenience. Visitors are now primarily accessing digital material via their smartphones, a phenomenon that has a significant impact on the operation of museums.

Visitor needs in the digital age

The use of smartphones has changed visitor behavior in cultural institutions. During their stay, visitors want to look up information on the Internet, share social media contributions and find their way around on site. This context -driven information acquisition and transfer plays a not insignificant role, especially for studying and education.

It is interesting to observe that the digital target group grows in number and does not have to be the same as the audience on site. These online users have specific requirements and wishes that must be met in a targeted manner. The analysis of digital usage patterns provides museums useful information about how many visitors use the offers, how long they linger on certain pages and at what time for the times of the day.

Digital mediation and mobile use

Because they offer visitors new methods to interact with exhibition objects and expand their knowledge, digital mediation formats in museums have become more important. The use of mediation programs that dynamically charge multimedia material requires a functioning visitor WLAN.

Another aspect has become clear since Corona pandemic: there is a growing need for purely digital uses-even far beyond times of access restrictions. Digital formats enable other access to exhibition content, background or context information. Furthermore, the museums also benefit from the exchange with the digital audience through simple interaction routes such as chats , uploads from user-generated content or feedback tools .

A measurable criterion for a powerful WLAN infrastructure is to enable up to five people in one room at the same time the uninterrupted streaming of full HD videos on their smart devices. This supports modern mediation concepts such as augmented reality, virtual reality and digital storytelling .

Expectations of modern cultural locations

"Mobile First!" - Cultural institutions have to face this digital trend, because not only is a corresponding digital offer expected more and more, but also free Internet access on site. One of the most important challenges for museums is digital transformation, as the growing demand for training and advice on digitization -related topics shows.

Modern cultural locations today have to network the physical with the digital world. Expertise and creativity in the development and application of digital technologies for documentation, mediation and communication are characteristics of a digitally competent museum. The museum's core term as an organization includes target group orientation, public development and community formation.

Digitization creates completely new possibilities

Successful WLAN infrastructure planning is the first phase. This is followed by technical planning.

Analysis of WLAN coverage and requirements

Any effective network planning begins with a comprehensive WLAN coverage measurement. Finding mistakes and developing the best idea are advantageous. In addition to improving network performance and quality, this systematic examination ensures the necessary security.

The following factors must be taken into account in the needs analysis:

• Required bandwidth and expected number of users
• Special security requirements
• Support for certain devices or applications

The visitor WLAN should be dimensioned in such a way that it can accommodate about 80% of the maximum number of visitors. The ticket sales of previous years form a suitable database. Special events such as exhibition openings with their top pollution must also be taken into account for rooms such as lecture halls or lobbies.

Target definition: What should the WiFi do?

The clear definition of the goals is crucial for the orientation of the WLAN network. A visitor WLAN is primarily supposed to fulfill two functions: First, enable guests to follow information on the Internet and to discontinue social media posts. On the other hand, it forms the necessary basis for mediation applications with dynamic multimediadates.

A measurable performance criterion is the ability to enable up to five people in a room to enable the interruption-free streaming of full HD videos on their smart devices. In addition, there must be the possibility of expanding the bandwidth with increasing data traffic.

In order to avoid any effects on the vital systems, the guest Wi-Fi must be completely isolated from the internal network for security reasons. The passive infrastructure consists of copper cables, glass fiber and assembly. It can be planned in such a way that no further construction work is required in the next 15 years, although the active infrastructure needs to be upgraded regularly.

Consideration of monument protection and spatial structure

Special requirements apply to historical buildings and listed museums. According to the Monument Protection Act (DSchG), it must be checked whether the intended measure affects the building in its substance and inventory. Structural interventions usually require approval from the responsible monument protection office.

The existing historical building often represents a significant hurdle. Without suitable solutions, the use of the Internet in places with massive concrete ceilings, such as the Historical Museum Saar, which has exhibition rooms in the castle cellar, may be impossible. Access points must be positioned out of sight, hidden cable management systems are implemented and the current light design is taken into account in order to meet aesthetic standards.

Wireless technologies such as WLAN repeater and mesh networks offer good alternatives to cables if their installation is difficult or forbidden. In addition, energy -efficient devices should be used that protect the existing architecture and the environment. It is crucial to plan carefully and with a view to the future; Modular network solutions offer the required flexibility for this.

Technical execution: From network integration to the access points

The establishment of a robust WLAN infrastructure in museums requires a thorough understanding of the technical elements and its cooperation. The planning phase is followed by the actual implementation that brings unique challenges.

Knowledge of the infrastructure mode of WLAN access points

WLAN clients combine in infrastructure mode with the Access Point (AP), a central hub. This spans one or more radio cells, regulates the access rights of the WLAN clients to these radio cells and organizes the communication of the clients with each other and access to other networks. Especially in larger WLAN applications, such as those occurring in museums with several floors or parts of the building, several connected APS can offer joint access for WLAN clients.

The Access Point summarizes all WLAN clients into a wireless network and provides all network functions. Important to note: In the case of an infrastructure network, the Access Point sets the channel on which all WLAN clients send and receive data. This plays a crucial role in the performance of the Wireless LAN, since several WLANs may spark on the same channel and interfere with each other.

Which hardware is required for the WLAN infrastructure?

Required elements for creating a functional WLAN infrastructure:

• Access points must be carefully placed as a central component of the infrastructure . APs are positioned with special brackets under artificial ceilings or under disguises.
• Control systems : With a single administrative interface, a subsequent firewall as a wireless controller can control any connected access point.
• Authentication systems : Systems such as a fortiewehenticator that manages the self-registration of visitors, SMS authentication and access protocol can be used for the guest WLAN.
• Passive infrastructure: brackets, fiber optic and copper cables as well as the necessary lightning protection can be used for about 15 years without further construction work.

However, active components such as access points and servers have an average life cycle of five years. After this period, they have to be renewed while the passive infrastructure remains.

Getic.de is a leading seller of network devices and accessories. " Unifi spare parts " section is particularly relevant for the hardware equipment of exhibition rooms because it offers many options for access points and accessories.

Keep internal and visitor networks separately

For safety reasons, the network of the institution and the visitor WLAN must be kept completely isolated in order to prevent important systems from being affected. Virtual local networks, or VLANs, are often used to achieve this separation by logically dividing the network into several parts.

Several SSIDs are often set up for Tourist Wi-Fi networks; For example, an SSID for public Internet access and another for mediation services such as interactive e-guides can be intended. SMS authentication makes sense for the latter to prevent abuse. Access can also be limited to the museum opening times.

Power supply and cabling in historical buildings

A big problem with historical houses is cabling. Innovative solutions are required if there are thick walls or considerable damping through metal or stone in the ceilings. Often, detours over several corners and more permeable materials such as wood or glass have to be found to cable and illuminate the museum rooms.

Powerline adapter can be used to send the network signal via the power line if a cable installation is not possible due to structural restrictions. An adapter that transmits the signal wirelessly can then be used to connect a Wi-Fi access point at the other end of the circuit.

The relocation of the network infrastructure is also an interesting approach. Robust access points for external use are mounted on masts and the WLAN is led through the windows into the building. In fact, access points were placed on the roof in some projects to supply the rooms underneath.

The angle of incidence of the signal on an obstacle like a wall can dampen or reflect on the radio signal. Therefore, the skillful placement of special antennas (directional radio antennas, round radiator) is crucial. In order to meet the wishes of the architects and monument protection authorities, access points are sometimes painted in special RAL colors.

Futability, maintenance and security

The basis of every competent WLAN system is security. In museums, where many visitors use the network every day, well -thought -out ideas for data security, maintenance and sustainability are essential.

GDPR and Privacy in the Museum WLAN

In public WiFi networks, the protection of personal information has a top priority. Museums operators are obliged to ensure that the information collected is only used for the contractually agreed services. Wi-Fi providers are subject to additional regulations according to the Telecommunications Act (TKG) and the Privacy General Regulation (GDPR) . In fact, this means that the guest Wi-Fi has to be completely isolated from the internal network in order to prevent any effects on vital systems. A self-regional gateway with SMS authentication is recommended for the visitor Wi-Fi to prevent abuse.

Concepts of maintenance and remote maintenance

Ideally, two levels should form a functional support concept: the institution itself provides the first, while a specialized service provider takes over the second. Relatively little work is required for effective monitoring and remote maintenance, thanks to well -established communication platforms such as TeamViewer or VPN. It is recommended to use a service level such as "Next Business Day Exchange" for hardware that covers software updates, hardware exchange and technical support in troubleshooting.

Planning the software and hardware life cycle

The typical lifespan of active components, such as servers and access points, is about five years. They have to be renewed after this time, which will cost about half of the original investment. With careful planning, the passive infrastructure - consisting of copper cables, glass fiber and brackets - can be used for about 15 years without additional construction work. asset recovery service helps with the disposal of outdated devices in a way that respects the Privacy .

Expansion and scalability

If the museum is expanded or new departments are created, the WLAN infrastructure should be designed in such a way that it can be easily expanded with modular components. At the same time, the range must be expandable in the event of an increased traffic. Maintaining liquidity and avoiding significant advance payments are two other advantages of flexible payment structures.

Options for visitors who use digital technologies

The basis for state-of-the-art digital services to improve the museum experience is a contemporary WLAN network.

Media company, apps and BYOD

Visitors use their own smartphones here to access digital content as part of the "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) concept . This approach saves museums in sales logistics, hardware and maintenance. But not every visitor has the right gadget. Consequently a hybrid approach with additional

There are several alternatives available in the development of an app: Native programs typically work offline and are installed via app stores. In contrast, web apps do not have to be installed, but they need a strong WLAN network that is available during the display. In fact, 40–65% of people use digital leaders if they are part of the admission price.

Local content and offline strategies

Digital products should also be available offline to ensure the best user experience. In this case, the museum's WLAN can be used to provide local materials such as films, exhibition details or interactive functions. In addition, some museums include multimedia leaders or special media stations that enable access to dynamic content without constant internet connection.

Multilingualism and accessibility

Excellent accessibility is made possible by digital services. The material of many museums is available in several languages, most often in English, German and others. While content for hearing impaired can be presented in sign language, audio descriptions are useful for blind people. In addition, products in simple language make access to different target groups.

Usage analysis and statistics

Museums can receive trustworthy information about visitor behavior, such as the length of stay, preferred language or most frequently used material, by using individual codes. Digital offers can therefore be tailored for optimal performance. The Privacy must of course be observed in all reviews.

We summarize together

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that a well-designed WLAN infrastructure is now a basic requirement and not an optional feature for contemporary museums.

However, a number of variables influence how well the WLAN of a museum works. A major obstacle in this regard is the substance of old buildings. In order to further reduce security problems, the visitor network should always be kept separate from the internal network.

By investing in a future-proof WLAN infrastructure, museums now lay the foundation for a number of digital products such as interactive media stations, multilingual audio guides and barrier-free learning formats. You also address a wider audience who expects digital support when visiting a museum.

Ultimately, it cannot be denied that the digital revolution in museums progresses unstoppably. Cultural organizations will continue to remain relevant in the future and find new ways to reach a wide audience if they actively influence this change and invest in a strong WLAN infrastructure.