Case Study: Delivering Fast 5G Connectivity at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Newest Terminal

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest North American airports, serving millions of passengers. Nearly 40 airlines operate more than 1,000 daily flights at EWR with service to 168 nonstop destinations, including 89 domestic and 79 international cities.

CHALLENGE

EWR’s Terminal A was originally constructed in 1973. By the turn of the century, signs began to emerge that the terminal needed upgrades to its aging building systems and technologies.

To better accommodate its growing number of passengers, the airport began construction on a brand-new terminal that would completely transform the existing Terminal A.

With many project components requiring wireless connectivity, EWR desired network infrastructure that would enable fast, seamless connectivity for passengers and reliable internet for critical airport operations.

BOINGO SOLUTION

Boingo deployed a state-of-the-art, converged network for the newly constructed Terminal A featuring cellular distributed antenna systems (DAS), Wi-Fi 6 and private LTE.

The Boingo DAS network at Newark Terminal A is neutral host and designed to bring LTE and 5G solutions from all Tier One carriers. Working alongside Wi-Fi 6—the next generation of the Wi-Fi standard—Terminal A’s free Wi-Fi delivers fast speeds for passengers to enjoy streaming content, social media, mobile apps and more.

Powering crucial operations for the airport, Boingo’s DAS and Wi-Fi 6 connect bag reconciliation systems, baggage scanners, a full digital signage journey for enhanced passenger communication, staff iPads, terminal operations, airport concessions and retail.

Boingo’s Private Network supports daily activity on the airport apron, including airside and outdoor areas where aircraft are parked, loaded and unloaded, refueled, boarded and maintained. The network provides a cost-effective deployment option for outdoor connectivity in a tough to access area requiring extensive bandwidth for connected devices.

OUTCOME

The new terminal at EWR represents the largest design-build project in New Jersey history and showcases the state’s ongoing commitment to critical infrastructure and transportation projects that will benefit the New York and New Jersey region for generations to come. The airport is leading the way with a fully converged wireless network, showcasing what’s possible when you combine the capabilities of 5G, DAS, LTE and Wi-Fi 6.

“This project represents a shining example of how leveraging a public/private partnership can help deliver technology innovation in service to a reimagined Newark Airport experience,” said Robert Galvin, Chief Technology Officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Boingo Wireless has deployed a world-class network that fulfills passenger demand for fast, seamless connectivity, while also providing a robust connectivity backbone to support digital airport operations. Newark Terminal A is utilizing a combination of leading wireless technologies to create a tech-forward experience for travelers and airport employees.”

Boingo’s state-of-the-art network solution brings EWR’s technology into the 21st century to ensure reliable connectivity and operations throughout the sprawling facility and provides the terminal’s estimated 13.6 million annual passengers with a seamless connected experience across the entire airport journey.

Learn how Boingo’s solutions support major airports around the globe by contacting sales@boingo.com.