CASE STUDY: EXTREME NETWORKS IN ACTION
PIONEERING STADIUM CONNECTIVITY
Extreme Networks has transformed stadium networking from basic Wi-Fi to AI-driven infrastructure that powers seamless fan experiences and operational excellence. Since 2013, Extreme has refined high-density Wi-Fi and 5G solutions to eliminate interference and bottlenecks – starting with US NFL stadiums and expanding to European football. Now at Old Trafford, its technology optimises RF environments for unprecedented reliability.
Markus Nispel CTO for EMEA Extreme Networks
Speaking with Technology Magazine at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, CTO for EMEA Markus Nispel calls Extreme’ s solutions“ a combination of art, science and experience” to serve 50,000 or 100,000 fans in a stadium – a task he simply says is“ not easy”.
“ The design and architecture is critically important,” he adds.“ We’ re using AI to optimise the RF environment and to deliver a unique experience to fans in the stadium itself.”
Platform One, Extreme’ s agentic AI platform, re-architects data pipelines for millions of devices and endpoints. It delivers real-time analytics on network health, device density, crowd flow, dwell times, app engagement and purchasing trends – enabling optimised staffing, reduced queues, and personalised offers.
“ It’ s all about the data that the network is producing,” Markus explains.“ Optimising network performance is one thing, but creating and generating insights and analytics around fan behaviour and optimising offers towards those fans is another. Data allows us to optimise the flow of the crowd within the venue, for example, and also you can create new services and offerings on top of that.” Cybersecurity is mission-critical in dense environments. Extreme’ s fabric segments fan Wi-Fi from operational tech – which includes press, security and staff