15.04.2024

m3connect accompanies AccorInvest on the journey to the cloud

In our latest video case study, we are excited to showcase our collaboration with AccorInvest on the “Shaheen” project, which is revolutionizing the hospitality industry in terms of efficiency and sustainability. At the heart of our partnership lies the creation of a unified network infrastructure, paving the way for new cloud-based services and ensuring a faster and more reliable system across the entire AccorInvest network. With the harmonization of all systems worldwide at AccorInvest, m3connect is streamlining operations and facilitating the migration of all physical servers to the cloud, resulting in significant energy savings.

Ahmed Disokey, VP of Hotel Technology at AccorInvest, highlights the significance of our joint project: “There is no limits anymore. With Shaheen, we now have a project that gives this variety of innovation and efficiency for our hotels. And more to come, it’s just a start for thinking about tomorrow.”

We’re proud to play a role in AccorInvest’s digital transformation and thrilled to present our video case study on our joint project for the first time. In it, we provide insights into our partnership and demonstrate how ambitious goals in digital transformation and sustainability can be successfully achieved through tailored technology.

 

27.03.2024

m3connect at IHTF in Barcelona: April 16-18

The International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF) will open its doors in Barcelona from April 16th to 18th!The IHTF stands as a renowned hub for innovations in hotel technology, offering an unparalleled opportunity for hoteliers and innovators to connect and exchange ideas.

Our team from m3connect will also be on-site, looking forward to engaging discussions and exploring the latest challenges and opportunities in hotel technology. With over six locations worldwide, including Aachen, Sibenik, and the United Arab Emirates, we are well-equipped to support you as a partner with international expertise.

We specialize in various areas, including:

  • IT Networking: Our holistic approach ensures a tailored network solution from conception to implementation. We develop a concept tailored to your needs and handle all aspects, from setup to ongoing operations, achieving maximum efficiency and significant cost savings.
  • Technical Equipment: From suitable hardware to routers, access points, and cutting-edge TV systems, we leverage innovative technologies to develop customized solutions. Our goal is to enhance the guest experience in your hotel and streamline operational processes.
  • Cloudification and Virtualization: To ensure a secure connection to cloud applications within the network, we seamlessly integrate existing cloud applications and offer flexible and scalable solutions. Additionally, we provide the option to virtualize your applications in our own data centers.
  • Implementation of Unified IT Standards: By introducing unified IT standards into your network structure, we enhance the performance of your operations and enable efficient management and maintenance. These standards ensure consistency throughout your network concept and structure, facilitating systematic workflows and contributing to resource and cost savings.
  • Process Standardization: We are your partner in optimizing hotel processes. Our expertise includes tailored consultancy for developing suitable standards tailored to your hotel’s needs. Together, we define appropriate measures and effectively implement them across all your locations, ensuring smooth operation and long-term success.
  • Our All-in-One Solution for Guest Experience: With our specially developed solution, conn4, designed for the hotel industry, you can conveniently manage information, communication, entertainment, and marketing solutions through the conn4 dashboard. Conn4 offers a variety of services to enhance the guest experience, including guest Wi-Fi, the Guest Infotainment System, VoIP, and Digital Signage solutions. Marketing campaigns can be effortlessly created and played on all hotel-owned devices and guest devices using the integrated Content Management System (CMS).

With our expertise and extensive experience in the hotel industry, including renowned brands such as AccorInvest, B&B Hotels, Motel One, and many more, we offer tailored solutions precisely suited to the individual needs of each hotel.

We look forward to engaging with you at the IHTF, showcasing some of our successful case studies to inspire your own business and demonstrate how you can adapt your hotel to the latest trends and future-proof it.

We are excited about the opportunity for a personal conversation with you!

22.02.2024

m3connect at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona

From February 26th to February 29th, Barcelona once again takes center stage as the host of the Mobile World Congress, one of the largest and most significant mobile telecommunications expos worldwide. The congress encompasses a broad spectrum of exciting topics within the mobile communication domain, providing an opportunity to discover the latest technologies and trends and to stay informed about current developments. Our Cellular Solutions Team will also be on-site, gaining comprehensive insights and engaging in discussions about the current trends in the mobile telecommunications market.

Our current focal points, such as private 5G networks, campus networks, Industry 4.0, virtualization, Industrial IoT (IIoT), cloud, and edge computing, play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of the mobile telecommunications industry. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation enables us to provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions.

Our team looks forward to engaging in inspiring conversations at the MWC and incorporating the gained insights into the development of professional solutions for our customers.

29.01.2024

Meet us at Intergastra 2024 in Stuttgart!

Intergastra, Germany’s largest hotel and gastronomy trade fair, takes place every two years. In February it’s finally time again! We are very proud to be participating in the trade fair for the first time this year as a Preferred Partner at the joint booth of the German Hotel Association (IHA) e.V. .
From February 3 to February 7 2024, we will be presenting our solutions for a future-proof IT infrastructure, guest WiFi, digital signage, in-room TV and conference systems at booth 4D36.4 in hall 4 of Messe Stuttgart. 

 In terms of exhibition space and the number of exhibitors, Intergastra is now the largest industry meeting place in the German-speaking world. The variety of focal points, including services & IT, offers trade visitors an excellent platform to explore industry-relevant trends and innovations. In addition to the exhibition, visitors can look forward to an extensive programme of presentations and discussions. These offer valuable insights and suggestions for the future of the hotel and gastronomy industry.  

As an IHA member, you will receive a discount code here after logging in, which reduces the ticket price by 50%.  

Our team is looking forward to participating at Intergastra 2024 and to talking to many other industry experts. 

23.01.2024

The Cloud One Hamburg-Kontorhaus celebrates its opening with m3connect as IT partner

After the Motel One Group successfully established its new lifestyle brand, “The Cloud One Hotels,” as the first German hotel group in the USA, the opening of The Cloud One Hamburg-Kontorhaus marks another significant milestone. Our warmest congratulations on this success! We are proud that Motel One once again entrusted us with their IT planning expertise, allowing us to contribute to the development of this location.

For The Cloud One Hamburg-Kontorhaus, we have provided high-speed internet connections and expanded the Wi-Fi coverage comprehensively. Additionally, we have installed TVs in all 457 rooms, equipped with our customized TV portal in the corporate design of The Cloud One Hotels. The seamless use of both Wi-Fi and the TV portal is facilitated through our platform “conn4.” This ensures a stay with top-notch Wi-Fi connectivity and a diverse selection of entertainment options through the in-room TVs. Simultaneously, we have developed a network concept to ensure the highest data security. By building redundancies in critical components and implementing a backup solution, we have taken additional security measures to guarantee the stability and integrity of the system.

The Motel One Group has already achieved impressive successes with its expansion into the USA, and the opening of The Cloud One Hamburg-Kontorhaus in January is another reason for pride. The longstanding partnership and trusting collaboration mean a lot to us. We wish a successful opening and look forward to continuing to accompany and support the Motel One Group on their journey.

 

 

© The Cloud One Hotels

16.01.2024

Mobile 5G Private Network for connecting robotics components

As part of a three-year research project between 2019 and 2022, m3connect worked in collaboration with three partner companies from Bavaria and supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy to explore the applications of an intelligent factory in the logistics sector. Within this project, cooperation with BMW AG involved conducting tests on a novel sorting robot in the field of innovation logistics. The goal was to connect the robot’s sensors and control hardware to a remote computing unit via a private 5G mobile network. The analysis of sensor data and the computation of resulting actions were shifted from the robot to the edge and the cloud.

“When computing occurs in the edge or cloud infrastructure, connected via 5G, our partners can drive faster development cycles. It’s no longer necessary to update hardware directly on the robot in order to test new software elements. Different development phases can be tested immediately and in parallel within the virtual environments of the data centers,” says Justin Eichenlaub, Head of Cellular Solutions at m3connect.

Most of the various sensors and actuators, such as robot controllers or laser scanners, were integrated into the 5G network after a short period. Only the 3D camera, which provides additional depth information, was connected via a proprietary service designed for processing in local networks. Eventually, with the help of a network tunnel environment provided by m3connect, this hardware was also connected via the 5G network.

m3connect’s mobile 5G system is extremely compact and ideally suited for developing and testing innovative concepts around private mobile networks at customers’ and partners’ sites. It can be transported in a conventional carry-on suitcase and set up for operation within just a few minutes.

5G in a trolley

© m3connect

 

About m3connect:

From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest wireless service providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.

Please send a courtesy copy or link to publications to:

Pressekontakt m3connect
Emina Iljazovic
Marketing & Communications Manager
m3connect GmbH
Pascalstraße 18
52064 Aachen
E-Mail e.iljazovic@m3connect.de

22.12.2023

The m3connect team wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful beginning to 2024!

As the year comes to a close, we would like to thank our valued customers, partners, and employees for their invaluable collaboration and another successful year.

We look forward to continuing our journey together and wish everyone a restful holiday season and a successful start to a healthy and happy 2024.

01.12.2023

m3connect strengthens partnership with Crystal Networks to expand offerings in the Middle East

m3connect, a technology leader and one of the largest wireless internet service providers in Europe, is pleased to announce the strengthening of its partnership with Crystal Networks. This collaboration aims to expand the presence and services of both companies in key regions of the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Since its expansion into Saudi Arabia in 2006 and entry into the Egyptian market in 2016, Crystal Networks has built an impressive success story as a provider of IT infrastructure and communication solutions in the region. Crystal Networks offers technical consultation, installation, and maintenance for clients across various industries in need of secure, reliable, and advanced networking solutions.

We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership that holds immense promise for both our organizations, fostering innovation, synergy, and delivering unparalleled value to our customers”, CEO, Crystal Networks.

The longstanding and successful collaboration between m3connect and Crystal Networks forms the foundation of this partnership. This cooperation also enables m3connect to offer tailored state-of-the-art technology solutions for major hotel chains in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Moreover, it opens new avenues for specific services that meet the needs of the hospitality industry in the Middle East.

Jeroen Wisse, specialist in hotel chain network infrastructure and Managing Director of m3connect’s branch in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizes: “The intensification of the partnership with Crystal Networks represents a milestone for us to strengthen our presence in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and makes our innovative solutions accessible to a wider market. This allows us to be even closer to our customers and further enhance on-site customer and project support.”

About m3connect:

From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest wireless service providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.

About Crystal Networks:

Crystal Networks is a dynamic information technology system integrator that has been serving customers from various business sectors since 2005.

The company was imagined by a group of technology enthusiasts with a vision to transform IT solutions into business enablers.

With a spread across the levant and gulf territory, Crystal Networks continues to introduce innovative solutions and services to its clients allowing them to sustain in the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) era.

 

Please send a courtesy copy or link to publications to:

Pressekontakt m3connect
Emina Iljazovic
Marketing & Communications Manager
m3connect GmbH
Pascalstraße 18
52064 Aachen
E-Mail e.iljazovic@m3connect.de

14.11.2023

m3connect Drives 5G Revolution in Open-Pit Mining: Successful Site Survey in Reallabor Nivelstein

m3connect, a leading provider of wireless connectivity, recently reached an impressive milestone. The company installed a private 5G network and carried out a comprehensive test measurement for one day in an open-cast mine belonging to Nivelsteiner Sandwerke and Sandsteinbrüche GmbH in Herzogenrath. This study was commissioned by the Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT) at RWTH Aachen University and aims to evaluate the suitability of a Private 5G Network for the wireless connectivity of open-pit mines. The knowledge gained will serve as a basis for the upcoming integration of self-driving and emission-free tipper trucks with electric motors as part of the “ELMAR” research project.

The results of this site survey open up new horizons for the mining industry. The use of a reliable and powerful private 5G network enables area-wide wireless connectivity, even under the most demanding conditions of raw material extraction. This not only opens up the possibility of efficient control and monitoring of self-propelled dump trucks, but also offers enormous potential for the digitalization of work and safety processes, as well as productivity optimization.

The “ELMAR” research project at RWTH Aachen University is on a clear path to shaping the future of sustainable mining. The integration of zero-emission dump trucks marks a significant step towards an environmentally friendly and efficient mining industry. The successful 5G site survey in Reallabor Nivelstein is a decisive step forward on this journey.

m3connect and the AMT are confident that the findings of this survey will serve as the basis for the implementation of a Private 5G Network in resource extraction. This will revolutionize efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the mining industry while paving the way for future innovation.

 

© m3connect

© m3connect

 

About m3connect  

From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest Wireless Service Providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers.

Please send a courtesy copy or link to publications to:

Pressekontakt m3connect
Emina Iljazovic
Marketing & Communications Manager
m3connect GmbH
Pascalstraße 18
52064 Aachen
E-Mail e.iljazovic@m3connect.de

 

08.11.2023

m3connect Builds A Private LTE Mobile Network For Autonomous Vehicles In Factory Logistics.   

As part of the research project “Autonomous Connected Logistics,” m3connect, in close collaboration with project partners Stäubli and the BMW Group, has established a private mobile network and tested it under real-world conditions. The focus of this application was on robustness and simplicity of setup. In a separate subproject, another use case for factory logistics was tested in a 5G campus network provided by m3connect. 

After completing the tests, it is evident that mobile communication can be an alternative for providing data services in factory logistics, especially in expansive outdoor areas, with minimal installation efforts.  

For the “AutoBox” application, an autonomous transport vehicle responsible for container transport within the factory, a private LTE network was used to ensure seamless connectivity. The network maintained functionality for users in 24/7 operation with consistently low latencies. The typical quick handovers between different transmitters enabled uninterrupted data communication even on the complex test route between production halls. 

“Although we initially faced some issues with lighting and wiring in the factory, the LTE network’s operational reliability was consistently maintained during the test drives. In principle, the area could have been covered with a dozen Wi-Fi transmitters. However, Wi-Fi often experiences interruptions when transitioning between different access points, and, for instance, parked trucks could have a more significant impact on signals. Thanks to dedicated frequencies and higher power, more area can be covered with fewer transmitters, and transitions between transmitters are so fast that practically no interruptions occur. This can lead to cost savings.” – Justin Eichenlaub, Head of Cellular Solutions, m3connect 

This means that no data cable is needed to mount a control station at any location. 

Other IoT concepts were also implemented in addition to the required AGV control functions. Smart warning lights were linked to “Edge Computing Services,” which could warn other road users in real-time based on the vehicle’s movement data. These warning lights could be positioned freely in the field by connecting to the mobile network. 

The data from the mobile network provided a wealth of additional information. A custom interface was used to integrate the vehicle controller’s data into the same application. With the data collected and provided by the mobile network, the productivity of autonomous vehicles could be monitored in real-time. Weekly exports of real-time data allowed performance evaluation based on user feedback on-site, which informed decision making as the research project progressed. 

It became evident that lower installation efforts, thanks to high transmission power in a dedicated spectrum, offer significant advantages over Wi-Fi, especially in this project. Usage data was also transferred to a cloud. Here, m3connect leveraged its experience with heterogeneous networks and managing thousands of locations worldwide. m3connect applied existing concepts of SD-WAN-based networking to the mobile network world, allowing extensive remote control of all services and devices. 

For the LTE network in this subproject, LTE base stations from m3connect partners Accelleran and Attocore’s AttoEPC were used. 

Automated Driving AutoBox  

© Copyright BMW GROUP

 

About m3connect 

From Wi-Fi pioneer to market leader. Since 2001, m3connect has evolved into one of the largest Wireless Service Providers in Europe, with offices in Aachen, Karlsruhe, Munich, San Francisco, Sibenik (Croatia), and the United Arab Emirates. Globally, m3connect serves roughly 13,000 locations for its customers in over 23 countries and, as a visionary in cloud technologies for more than 20 years, continues to expand its in-house platform. As a technology leader, m3connect provides wireless, best-in-class internet connectivity with flexible design. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like WLAN, private LTE, and 5G, m3connect creates innovative software solutions such as SD-WAN and various digital applications. Its range of services includes digital signage, guest infotainment systems, VoIP, VoD, and location-based services. m3connect is also a platform developer and integrates its solutions into the existing processes of its customers. 

 

About Accelleran 

The Belgian company Accelleran, based in Antwerp, offers OpenRAN software solutions for operators of 5G and private LTE networks. With Accelleran’s unique software architecture, customers can leverage the extensive potential of software-defined networks, network virtualization, and RAN intelligence to manage private, public, and neutral-host networks optimally. Accelleran’s dRAX system provides proven container-based software components to implement applications with multi-vendor, intelligent, and disaggregated OpenRAN elements based on leading standards such as the O-RAN Alliance. 

 

About AttoCore 

AttoCore develops ultra-mobile core network software technology that can be deployed in consumer, professional, government, and enterprise spaces. Deployment can be as a standalone network or interconnected with existing network services to extend wireless services anywhere in the world. AttoCore was founded in September 2014, and the team has more than 30 years of experience in developing 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile core software. 

06.11.2023

m3connect as a sponsor at the Stakeholder conference 2023

As a sponsor and participant, we are excited about the upcoming Stakeholder Conference 2023 in Dubai! This conference stands as a prominent gathering in the hospitality industry, attracting decision-makers from across the Middle East who will come together over the next few days to discuss the latest trends and developments in hotel technology.

Our hospitality experts, Jeroen Wisse, Emilio Dragas and Roland Heinen, will be on-site from November 7th to 9th to meet with leading companies in the hotel industry and present m3connect’s latest solutions for digital transformation in the hotel and hospitality sector.

We are looking forward to three productive days, the opportunity to reconnect with our partners, clients, and familiar faces, and to contribute to the advancement of the future of the hotel industry with our latest innovations and features.

31.10.2023

Elevating Excellence: m3connect Achieves Elite Status in the RUCKUS Ready Partner Program

m3connect is now a proud Elite member of the RUCKUS Ready Partner Program. The status as an Elite Partner is the highest level in the CommScope program that a solutions provider can attain, showcasing our extensive expertise and years of experience in implementing state-of-the-art network technologies.

To achieve Elite status, we have demonstrated mastery of the entire portfolio of RUCKUS network solutions, ensuring top-tier results for our customers and end-users. This required intensive training to ensure that our team can design, deploy, configure, manage, optimize, and efficiently address any challenges related to both wired and wireless RUCKUS solutions. As certified Elite Partners, our technicians will regularly benefit from advanced training provided by RUCKUS, ensuring our expertise always aligns with the latest industry standards.

Our customers gain numerous advantages from our Elite status with RUCKUS:

  • Access to premium products: As Elite Partners, we have direct access to RUCKUS’ latest technologies and products for innovative networking solutions.
  • Expertise and continuous education: Our staff is RUCKUS-certified and undergoes ongoing training to ensure we possess comprehensive knowledge and the necessary skills.
  • Technical support: Thanks to our Elite partnership, we have access to top-tier technical support from RUCKUS to efficiently assist our customers with challenges.

In a time when digitalization is rapidly advancing, and the demand for stable and fast internet is continuously increasing, having access to the latest network technologies and up-to-date expertise is crucial for businesses to meet these rising demands. We take great pride in the recognition of our ongoing efforts to provide top-notch solutions for our customers through the award of Elite status. As proud partners, we will continue our efforts to equip our customers individually and strategically with the necessary resources to gain a competitive edge in their industry. We offer flexible IT networking with modern design, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as Wi-Fi, private LTE, and 5G.

We thank RUCKUS, global leader in wireless network solutions, and eagerly anticipate our future collaboration.