The Scoring Wifi Network

In running a competition, there are three common approaches to providing WiFi access to tournament officials the scoring tablets:

Use a Reliable Existing Facility Network

Many schools and business provide reliable WiFi access and the quality of these guest networks has improved in the last few years. But even if testing the network in advance provides good results, it's important to predict how the network will behave when there are hundreds (thousands?) of athletes and spectators.

If using an existing facility network, try to get access to the private/secure network instead of the public one that the guests will use. If this isn't possible, talk to the the facility network administrators about the scope of the competition and the location of your devices to make sure they are confident that their network will handle he load.

Before the event, test the wiFi network, especially where your devices will be located. Use network speed test tools like https://speedtest.net or ping tests to check the throughput of the network in various locations. Especially watch for dropped data packets. (Throughput isn't as important as reliability.)

Even if you have done your due diligence on the shared WiFi network, it's a good idea to have a plan B if that network melts down with the flood of guest users.

Bring Your Own WiFi Routers, Uplink To An Existing Wired Port

This is the best option, especially for larger high-stakes event. It gives you control of the network coverage and who is allowed to use the network. It is configured with one or more Network Access Points (APs) and a base router that connects to an uplink wired Ethernet Internet connection.

The equipment to set up and run this network does not have to be expensive, but consumer-grade wiFi routers aren't recommended because commercial-grade devices are close to the same cost and offer better tools to manage and control multiple access points.

The developers of the scoring system recommend business-grade WiFi equipment, not consumer gear. A sample configuration with equipment is available.

When creating this private WiFi network, use a password to restrict access to the network. If your routers and tablets both support 5Ghz WiFi, be sure that is enabled in addition to 2.4Ghz. Sometimes the 5Ghz band is less busy since fewer devices use it and it doesn't carry as far as 2.4Ghz. If using multiple APs, make sure they are on non-overlapping channels. (Most commercial-grade devices will handle this for you automatically.)

Place our routers on the judge table, or if using multiple tables, on a central table. If covering a wide range of space (more than three stations side-by-side), place routers so that every station has a router on it or at the next table over. This placement should be tested in advance to make sure it works on even the tablets at the extreme ends away from the APs.

Use a Cell Network Hotspot Router

If there is no wired or wireless network on-site to use, or you would like a backup plan if another option doesn't work as hoped, this is a good alternative. Be sure the device you select can handle enough devices as most consumer WiFi hotspots only support 5-10 devices each. If using devices like this, multiple hotspots may be required.

IF using a Cell Hotspot, make sure your judging tablets are up-to-date on their system updates and that all non-essential apps are removed. Otherwise, the devices could use the limited data capacity on the hotspot installing updates or syncing data in the installed apps.

Other Recommendations

• Control and carefully manage access to your private scoring network. Sharing credentials to one or two non-tournament staff often results in more sharing that eventually causes performance problems for the staff that need it.
• On a large-scale competition (e.g. a National Championship), if possible, recruit someone with IT experience to monitor the technology that's running the tournament and to be ready to help if problems come up.