Multi-location facilities can run into the obstacle of establishing and sustaining effective communication and network consistency between all locations. Sight & Sound Theatres®, with locations in Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO, faced this challenge and approached CNI for the solution. Sight & Sound employs almost 800 individuals and produces 750 shows annually between both locations. Each of these state-of-the-art theaters can seat up to 2,000 individuals and boasts a massive 300-foot stage that wraps around the viewing audience.
In the past, achieving identical network infrastructure and seamless management of both locations was extremely challenging. Ensuring dependable connectivity and fast network speeds is crucial for delivering seamless live productions and shows. CNI recognized the importance of the relationship between production sets and their supporting network infrastructure. Extreme’s state-of-the-art technology was leveraged by CNI to facilitate this synergy. CNI, an Extreme Diamond Partner, and the Extreme local team arranged an onsite Extreme Fabric workshop that took place on a single day and Sight & Sound was able to bring team members from MO out to PA to participate. The workshop demonstrated the power and flexibility of the Extreme Fabric solution.
The collaboration between Extreme Networks and CNI successfully delivered a robust and efficient network infrastructure for Sight & Sound’s complex production needs. The project involved the installation of a myriad of complex connection points and 36 switches. Extreme’s IoT connected approximately 250 full show production devices such as motion control interfaces, media servers, PLCs, audio systems, lighting consoles, dimmer racks, automated lights, backstage cameras, communication links, and industrial Wi-Fi devices that provided wireless links to each set piece.
According to Luke Bates, their Technical Director, “Using Extreme technology, along with the support of CNI, we now have better network visibility and functionality, as well as the ability to centrally manage both systems.”
To learn more about Sight & Sound’s Extreme Networks Fabric project, check out the case study here CNI_Sight+Sound Case Study_Extreme 2023.
If you are interested in discussing Extreme Networks Fabric or other solutions, contact CNI at communication@cnisalesinc.com or 610-584-8040.