HPE Aruba Deploys Wi-Fi 6E at Notre Dame Stadium, Launches Private 5G Pilot to Enhance Campus Connectivity

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has deployed a Wi-Fi 6E solution from HPE Aruba Networking at Notre Dame Stadium, becoming the first higher education venue to utilize the newly approved 6 GHz spectrum outdoors. This multi-phase initiative aims to transform Notre Dame into a wireless-first campus, addressing the rising connectivity demands of students and staff, as well as enhancing the fan experience during games and other events. The deployment involves over 1,100 outdoor and indoor access points (APs), allowing Notre Dame Stadium to offer advanced connectivity options such as ticketless entry, contactless concessions, augmented reality (AR), and real-time live streaming. During the final playoff game on December 20, 2024, Wi-Fi traffic at the stadium reached a peak of over 26 Gbps, nearly triple the previous record, despite freezing temperatures. Notre Dame expects that by the start of the next academic year, up to 90% of its 13,000 students will use Wi-Fi 6E devices. The institution's vision for a wireless-first campus extends beyond the stadium to include indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the 1,265-acre, 190-building campus by August 2025. This initiative will support a wide range of activities, from classroom learning and research to recreational activities and major events like live music performances. The deployment also includes a private 5G (P5G) pilot program in collaboration with the Notre Dame Wireless Institute. This pilot aims to explore how P5G can complement Wi-Fi 6E, potentially improving cellular experiences across the campus. The stadium serves as a living lab, where researchers can test and refine cutting-edge IoT, extended reality (XR), and AI applications. John Buysse, senior director of University Network and Telephony Services at Notre Dame, emphasized the importance of this deployment in meeting the evolving expectations of the campus community and game-day attendees. "Wi-Fi 6E allows us to support innovations that were previously impossible with our legacy vendor," he said. "We can now provide high-performance connectivity for AI, IoT, and immersive technologies, both indoors and outdoors." Larry Lunetta, vice president of AI, Security, and Networking Product Marketing at HPE Aruba Networking, highlighted the potential of the 6 GHz band. "Modern Wi-Fi networks can now meet the demands of a wide array of innovative use cases, enabling seamless interactions between individuals and devices. Notre Dame's deployment is a testament to the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E and its role in driving future technological advancements." The project's success was made possible through a deep collaboration between Notre Dame, HPE, and Federated Wireless. Federated Wireless provided Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) technology, which helps manage the 6 GHz band to prevent interference and ensures reliable high-power operation. This technology increases Wi-Fi power by 60 times, expands coverage by 20 times, and doubles capacity, making large-scale deployments like Notre Dame Stadium more feasible and efficient. Kurt Schaubach, chief technology officer at Federated Wireless, praised the partnership with HPE. "Our collaboration ensured a seamless integration of Wi-Fi 6E at Notre Dame Stadium, delivering a frictionless user experience. By making shared spectrum as reliable as licensed spectrum, we're helping enterprises unlock new business models and accelerate innovation." Buysse further noted the strategic value of HPE's relationship with Notre Dame. "HPE's collaborative approach goes beyond being just a vendor; they help us anticipate and prepare for the future. This is crucial in the fast-paced world of higher education, where technology needs are constantly evolving." To achieve its wireless-first vision, Notre Dame plans to integrate various HPE Aruba Networking technologies, including cloud-managed HPE Aruba Networking Central, HPE Aruba Networking CX Switches, and location-based services. These tools will help the institution maintain and expand its connectivity infrastructure efficiently. Industry experts view Notre Dame's deployment as a pioneering move that sets a new standard for higher education institutions. The combination of Wi-Fi 6E and private 5G is seen as a powerful approach to meet the growing demand for advanced, high-bandwidth applications and experiences. HPE and Federated Wireless are at the forefront of these innovations, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of wireless connectivity and supporting the digital transformation of educational environments. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is a global technology leader known for developing intelligent solutions across networking, hybrid cloud, and AI. Federated Wireless is a pioneer in shared and unlicensed spectrum solutions, focusing on building the future of connected and automated networks in various sectors, including defense, logistics, manufacturing, and education.