Upgrading Connectivity & Access Control - Feughside Caravan Park

Feughside Caravan Park, a premier holiday destination, sought to modernise it’s infrastructure to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency. The project aimed to install a robust WiFi system across the park, catering to both standard users and those requiring higher speeds, alongside the installation of a new, state of the art barrier and access control system.

Project objectives:

Improve Connectivity – Provide reliable WiFi coverage throughout the park, supporting various user

needs and devices.

Enhance Security – Install a modern barrier and access control system integrated with the park’s management software for seamless operations.

Upgrade Infrastructure – Utilise existing locations for equipment installation while introducing new technologies such as Starlink and fibre optic connections to future-proof the park’s digital infrastructure.

Scope of Work:

1. WiFi System Installation

WiFi Coverage for Tourer Sections – The project included the installation of ‘through the window WiFi’ designed to provide coverage to the touring section of the park. This setup ensures that guests in these areas can access reliable internet directly from their caravans.

Direct to Van ‘Home from Home’ WiFi Kits – for guests looking for more robust internet access, 5GHz Airmax base stations were installed. These base stations support Direct to Van (DTV) kits, offering a ‘home from home’ WiFi experience.

The DTV kits were limited to 10Mbps download speeds to allow for streaming and other data-heavy activities with an option to increase speeds if needed. The standard WiFi was set at 5Mbps.

Strategic Equipment Placement – Existing infrastructure locations were used to mount the WiFi equipment.

The Starlink satellite internet system and a data cabinet were installed in a toilet block on site. A dedicated CCTV pole was erected at the entrance to house the link for the barrier and WiFi aerials. A new access point was also installed in the laundry building.

2. Barrier & Access Control System Installation:

Pro 6m HD Barrier Installation – A 6 metre (HD) barrier was installed at the park’s entrance, complete with boom and casing LED lights.

The barrier system was equipped with advanced safety features, including an auto close

function and a free exit laser device, ensuring smooth & safe operation.

Access Control Integration – The entry barrier was fitted with a combined keypad and proximity reader, mounted on a reader post. This system was connected to an advanced IP controller and integrated with the park’s Camp Manager software, allowing for streamlined entry & exit processes. Provision was also made to allow for future integration with an ANPR system.

Dedicated Server PC – A dedicated server PC was provided to host the barrier software. This server was located in the main house, connected via a new armoured fibre optic cable, ensuring reliable and fast communication with the barrier system.
Network Infrastructure – to ensure robust and reliable connectivity, the system was designed to work independently but with the option to link the main house via the new fibre optic cable. The Starlink connection was the primary internet
source, with BT broadband used as a secondary line for load balancing and failover. This setup ensured uninterrupted service and high speed internet for guests and staff.

Challenges & Solutions:
Balancing Speed & Coverage – one challenge was to provide sufficient WiFi coverage across the park while maintaining the bandwith to ensure a fair distribution among users. By setting different speed limits for standard WiFi (5Mbps) & DTV kits (10Mbps), the system ensured that all guests had access to reliable internet while still accommodating higher usage demands.
Infrastructure Integration – Installing new equipment on existing infrastructure posed challenges in ensuring compatibility and stability. The use of existing poles and buildings minimised disruption, while the installation of new poles and fibre optic links ensured that the system was future-proofed and capable of supporting additional features or upgrades.
Minimising Disruption – To avoid inconveniencing guests, the installation was carefully scheduled during off-season, and temporary measures were put in place to maintain service during the transition.

Outcomes:
Enhanced Guest Experience – The upgraded WiFi system provided guests with reliable internet access throughout the park, accommodating both casual users and those needing higher speeds for activities like streaming.
Improved Security – The new barrier and access control system significantly enhanced the park’s security, with advanced features ensuring safe and efficient vehicle management.
Future-Proof Infrastructure – The installation of Starlink fibre optic connections, and modern equipment positioned Feughside Caravan Park as a technologically advanced destination, ready to meet the evolving needs of it’s guests.

Conclusion:
The comprehensive upgrade at Feughside CP successfully enhanced both connectivity and security, contributing to an improved guest experience and more efficient park operations.
By leveraging the latest technology and integrating it seamlessly with existing infrastructure, the park is now better equipped to service it’s guests and handle future demands

Upgrading Connectivity & Access Control – Feughside Caravan Park