Aruba Networks brings fast Internet access to historic St. Michael’s Fortress in Croatia

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium and partner Integra Group d.o.o. transform connectivity via Aruba Networks access points

August 14, 2020

shows a castle seen from above at night — 14 Aruba Networks access points have transformed the connectivity experience for visitors to the Fortress. Crédit photo: Forteresse de la Culture Šibenik

Future visitors to St. Michael’s Fortress in Šibenik, Croatia, can be sure of faster and easier connections helping share their visitor experience, thanks to new Wi-Fi equipment that allows visitors free and fast Internet access.

The connectivity was installed thanks to funds provided by the European Commission’s WiFi4EU initiative, which helps provide high-quality free internet access for citizens and visitors via Wi-Fi access points in public spaces such as parks, squares, administrations, libraries and the like throughout the European Union.

“By applying to the public call of the WiFi4EU initiative, the City of Šibenik won the major funding that financed the purchase and installation of equipment. Integra Group d.o.o. was chosen for this job, which implemented the equipment of Aruba Networks at the fortress” said Deputy Mayor Danijel Mileta.

The implemented network solution enables the simultaneous use of the network for up to 500 users, and it is possible to expand the capacity as needed. The network solution consists of 14 Aruba Networks access points plus switches, whose total cumulative speed is at least 30 Mbit/s. Complete control is performed via a single central console, i.e. using Aruba Central software based in the cloud.

The advantage of centralized control is that it brings the possibility of analytics based on learning through artificial intelligence, as well as security for all devices connected via IoT (Internet of Things). It is the latter, i.e. the safety of devices and visitors to the Fortress, that is indescribably important in today’s conditions.

shows the fortress from above in daylight — Ever larger visitor numbers meant that connectivity within the fortress walls was erratic, hence the need for better access points. Photo credit: Fortress of Culture Šibenik

Aruba Networks, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, has been a leader in network solutions for 14 years, bringing rich implementation experience with hundreds of global clients, a wide portfolio of solutions and technologies, and excellent support. In this particular case, the warranty is for life, which means that from the moment the sale of the implemented solution ceases, replacement parts will be available for at least another five years.

St. Michael’s Fortress was selected as the location for the new infrastructure because during daily visits and during evening events attracting large audiences, users experienced a decrease in the speed of Internet access via mobile devices.

Initial Funding for the project was made by the European Commission through the Executive Agency for Innovation and Networks (INEA), with additional funds from the City of Šibenik.

The City of Šibenik is the first in Croatia to set up a free public infrastructure for wireless LoRaWAN network that provides a number of opportunities for the transfer of simple information between electronic devices and whose coverage extends from Vodice to Primošten.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium is part of the Midis Group. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is in partnership with Selectium to help customers and partners accelerate business outcomes. Integra Group d.o.o. is Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium’s Solution Partner, offering services and solutions for IT infrastructure. Integra Group d.o.o. implement business solutions and automate processes in order to increase the efficiency of individual processes.