While the Expo 2020 Dubai is still more than three months away, Cisco, the Official Digital Network Partner, has said it is ready to welcome visitors with its state-of-the-art digital solutions. It’s digital network architecture and security management solutions have been deployed at the site, representing the company’s largest project in the region.
At the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai’s infrastructure is Cisco’s Intent-Based Network, which has consolidated operations into a single IP network. The intelligent network routinely learns, adapts and protects to ensure a secure and seamless experience for visitors, Country Pavilions and employees alike.
“When selecting our Digital Network Partner, we knew that for an event of this magnitude, we needed a leader in technology that not only has a strong track record, but also understands our ambitions and shares our enthusiasm,” said Mohammed Alhashmi, Chief Technology Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“Cisco has proven itself to be a true extension of our team. Thanks to them and our other technology partners, we are proud to be in a position where we can confidently say that Expo 2020 Dubai is ready to welcome visitors and deliver the world’s greatest show.”
Network security management is a critical focal point for an event as huge as Expo 2020 Dubai. Cisco Umbrella (the company’s cloud-based enterprise network security solution) is providing the first line of defense against potential cyberthreats, with features including built-in DNS Layer Security and robust firewalls. This technology has been deployed in the Network Operating Center at Expo 2020, which Cisco helped to build and is now managing.
In addition, Cisco’s Physical Security Network is supporting CCTV monitoring to provide the organiser with visibility across the site and deliver unified threat management.
The Expo is also leveraging Cisco Vision – an end-to-end, high definition dynamic digital signage solution, while its wireless network (Wi-Fi) is delivering secure, high-speed wireless connectivity on the ground with upload and download speeds that will enable visitors to connect and share their experiences with the world, and support seamless integration with augmented and virtual reality.
“Since 2018, we have been working closely with the team at Expo 2020 Dubai not only to meet, but to exceed expectations, so that we can enable unforgettable digital experiences for millions of visitors during the event’s six-month run,” said Shukri Eid, Managing Director, Cisco Gulf.
“In alignment with Expo’s objectives, our technology aims to support the building of a knowledge-based economy and create new possibilities. We are excited to show what our technology can do, and equally, to see how it is leveraged by the organisers and visitors.”
The network has been thoroughly tested and certified as ready for use, with Cisco and Expo 2020 Dubai confident in the technology’s ability to facilitate a harmonious visitor and participant experience. Testing and optimisation have been delivered via application mirroring, the use of hyper conversion and Cisco’s AppDynamics monitoring tool.
Cisco has empowered Expo 2020 Dubai to streamline the management of its network through an integrated Network Operating Center – crucial for monitoring the network and managing an event of this scale.
In addition to powering Expo’s three Thematic Districts, the smart network is prepared to service other high-footfall commercial and leisure spaces, including malls, hotels, parks and plazas across the Expo 2020 site.
The company’s is also delivering network services at the Dubai Exhibition Center, co-located at the Expo site, as well as digitally connecting 30 Country Pavilions on the ground.
