Overview

Metro Wireless embarked on a comprehensive project to upgrade MacRay Harbor’s outdated WiFi infrastructure. Located on Lake St. Clair near Detroit, Michigan. MacRay Harbor spans 49 acres and offers over 200 dock slips, catering to seasonal members and transient boaters alike. 

The existing WiFi network, installed nearly a decade ago, was no longer meeting the modern connectivity needs of its users.

Users reported slow or non-existent connections, with some resorting to personal solutions like Starlink. The network was also poorly managed, lacking proactive monitoring and monetization capabilities. 

Metro Wireless was tasked with designing, deploying, and managing an upgraded WiFi network to enhance the user experience and support the harbor's operational needs.

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The Challenge

The MacRay harbor faced several critical challenges with its existing WiFi network, which had become increasingly inadequate over time. 

The infrastructure was outdated, relying on obsolete WiFi 4 hardware that could no longer meet the bandwidth demands of modern usage, such as HD streaming and video conferencing. 

Additionally, the harbor had no effective network management system in place, resulting in a reactive approach to technical issues, rather than a proactive one.

These issues culminated in widespread user dissatisfaction, with boaters frequently experiencing unreliable internet connections that hindered their ability to work remotely or enjoy digital entertainment on board.

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Key issues identified:

1. Outdated infrastructure
   
   1. WiFi 4 hardware no longer meets modern connectivity needs
   2. Inadequate for high-bandwidth activities like HD streaming and video calls

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1. Poor network management
   
   1. No proactive tools to monitor or resolve network issues
   2. Reactive troubleshooting caused prolonged downtimes
      
      
2. User dissatisfaction
   
   1. Unreliable connections frustrated users
   2. Negative impact on remote work and onboard entertainment

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The Solution

Infrastructure overhaul:

Metro Wireless upgraded the harbor's electrical and power systems to support the new WiFi infrastructure. The structured cabling work included the installation of waterproof and secure NEMA enclosures to prevent unauthorized disconnections and ensure the reliability of the network.

Advanced hardware deployment:

To provide high-speed connectivity across the harbor, Metro Wireless installed Cambium XV2-23T outdoor WiFi 6 access points. 

These access points offer dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with 2×2 MU-MIMO technology, supporting up to 256 clients and 16 SSIDs. The rugged, NEMA 4X-rated enclosures ensure durability in outdoor environments.

Cloud based management:

Metro Wireless utilized Cambium's cnMaestro X portal for centralized, proactive network management. This cloud-based platform offers features such as:

1. Real-time monitoring and troubleshooting
2. Automated firmware updates
3. Performance analytics
4. Guest access management
5. Integration with Cambium's cnWave 60 GHz backhaul system

The Result

The newly upgraded network at MacRay harbor brought significant improvements across several critical areas. 

Users immediately experienced enhanced connectivity, with faster speeds and reliable performance that met the demands of modern applications like streaming and video conferencing. 

Operationally, implementing proactive network management tools drastically reduced downtime and maintenance needs, allowing the harbor staff to focus on other priorities. 

Furthermore, MacRay now has the capability to offer a tiered monetization model on their WiFi network; turning the WiFi service from a cost center into a revenue-generating asset.

Key benefits delivered:

1. Enhanced user experience
   
   1. Improved WiFi speed and reliability
   2. Seamless support for high-bandwidth applications
      
2. Operational efficiency
   
   1. Proactive monitoring reduced downtime
   2. Streamlined maintenance processes
      
3. Scalability
   
   1. Modular system design supports future expansion
   2. Easily adaptable to increased user demand and new areas

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Conclusion

Metro Wireless's comprehensive approach transformed MacRay Harbor's WiFi infrastructure, delivering a modern and reliable user experience.

From the initial discovery call to testing and go-live, the project was completed in under three months, aligning with the harbor’s peak boating season. 

Metro Wireless demonstrated the importance of upgrading infrastructure, implementing modern WiFi and wireless backhaul, and adopting proactive management practices to meet the needs of outdoor recreational users.

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