Rose Kennedy Greenway to Give Its Free Outdoor Wi-Fi a Major Upgrade
Photo by Olga Khvan
One of the largest free outdoor wireless networks in Massachusetts will soon receive a big upgrade.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy announced Tuesday it’s partnering with wireless providers PTS, DAS Communications, and Anaptyx to boost its Wi-Fi signal to “carrier grade,” allowing for faster access to the web for the Greenway’s more than a million visitors.
“With faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, we invite Financial District workers to step out of their offices and work in the park,” executive director Jesse Brackenbury said in a statement. “Visitors from near and far can use our Wi-Fi to share photos of their ride on the Greenway Carousel, make a dinner reservation while relaxing near the Rings Fountain, or learn more about the contemporary public art on display.”
The Conservancy expects the upgrade to be completed by the end of September, and explained all the highfalutin’ Internet infrastructure in a release:
Greenway Wi-Fi will be provided on a high-speed backbone, giving the user a true broadband experience. PTS/DAS will upgrade existing equipment to state-of-the-art Ruckus 802.11ac access points and point-to-point bridges. The Ruckus equipment is small and purpose-built to withstand harsh outdoor environments. Internet service will be provided from 3 “gateways” on nearby buildings, which will be relayed by 32 access points installed along the 1.5-mile Greenway.
When the upgrade is complete, visitors will be able to stream video and music, as well as send email with 10 Mbps downland and upload speeds.
“In today’s digital world access to Wi-Fi is essential, and I thank the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy for their commitment to improving free public Wi-Fi throughout The Greenway,” Mayor Marty Walsh said. “As a global city, it is important that we continue to expand broadband access to improve the lives of residents and visitors, and increase the success of local businesses.”
So, what’s your excuse to stay inside now?
