Question 1

Is 12M Communications, Inc. the service provider at all trade shows?"

Accepted Answer

Well that would be nice but, unfortunately for us (and our customers), no.  
 
In some instances trade show organizers have the freedom to choose providers but more commonly the official internet service providers are chosen by the companies that own/manage the property.

Question 2

Does 12M offer Mobile Hotspots at shows where they are not the official provider?

Accepted Answer

No.  Mobile hotspots (MiFi's/portable internet kits) are dependent on cellular technology. Since cellular connectivity can be unreliable in high denisity enviorments (trade shows) we made the choice to not offer this service.

Question 3

Can we help choose the right internet package?

Accepted Answer

Certainly!  We offer consulting services to exhibitors that require assistance when choosing the right service package (this service is free if we are the official service provider at the site).  Click HERE (javascript:void(0))to contact us if you have questions.

Question 4

What's the difference between wired and wireless?

Accepted Answer

A wired network uses physical cables to transfer data betweeen different devices and computer systems.  Wireless (and cellular) networks use radio frequencies.   
 
Wired connections are generally more reliable and efficient that wireless networks.  They offer a lower latency, less dropped connections, and are just plain faster than wireless connections.

Question 5

WiFi and cellular. How are they different?

Accepted Answer

Both use radio frequencies to connect to the internet but different technolgies to do so. To keep it simple: wireless technologies connect via access points (AP's) distritubed throughout a venue while cellular technologies connect to cellular (carrier) towers.
 
WiFi connectivity with mobile hotspots (MiFi, Jetpacks, etc) depend on a cellular signals. a

Question 6

Cellular and MiFi Hotspots.

Accepted Answer

Smartphones, jetpacks & other hotspots use cellular technology to distribute WiFi signals.  Essentially realiable connectivity to your devices will be dependent on a solid cellular signal.

Question 7

Will a hotspot work at the show?

Accepted Answer

Maybe.
In our experience WiFi hotspots at large events have proven to be unreliable for a couple of reasons:
 • they rely on cellular technology which can get saturated during times of high attendance  
 • they are prone to interferrence
 • low power
If you would like to read more about it, please visit this website: https://www.tsnn.com/blog/why-over-counter-hotspots-crash-and-burn-trade-shows

Question 8

What's better at a trade show?  Wired, wireless or cellular?"

Accepted Answer

WIRED service is hand's down the most reliable connectivity you'll get at any show site. 
WiFi distributed through access points placed throughout the venue is your next best bet. 
Cellular is by far the most suseptible to service disruptions and poor connectivity.
 
Click HERE (https://www.exhibitoronline.com/topics/article.asp?ID=2751)for Exhibitor Magzine's recommendations when making your choice.
 
If the success of the show is dependent on continuous access to the internet but the cost of wired technologies are too high, we recommend choosing WiFi over cellular hotspots.

Question 9

5G vs 5Ghz

Accepted Answer

They are not the same.  We'll let PC MAGAZINE (https://www.pcmag.com/news/5g-vs-5g-e-vs-5ghz-whats-the-difference#:~:text=5GHz%20Wi%2DFi%20Is%20Not%205G%20Cellular&text=Most%20Wi%2DFi%20devices%20support%20it%20now.&text=Wi%2DFi%20primarily%20uses%20two,bands%2C%202.4GHz%20and%205GHz.&text=5GHz%20Wi%2DFi%20has%20more,shorter%20range%20than%202.4GHz.)tell you the difference.

Question 10

WiFi frequencies 2.4Ghz vs 5Ghz

Accepted Answer

When considering speed, coverage, channel interferece and device compatiblity they each have pros and cons.  To keep it brief we've based our answer on experience:  the 2.4GHz band had proven to be more suseptible to overcrowding and interference, particularly at events. 
 
If 12M provides connectivity at an event, we only broadcast in the 5Ghz band.

Question 11

What is a "wired to booth dedicated connection"?"

Accepted Answer

Essentially you will enjoy the benefits of WiFi and wired technology. An access point (AP) is installed at your booth.  The AP is wired directly to our network which rides on fiber optic cables.  Affording you a dedicated, private WiFi network with the speed and reliability of a wired infrastructure.

Question 12

What happens if I have trouble connecting to the internet during the show?

Accepted Answer

We're always happy to help. Our technology support is available to all exhibitors.  It's free if you've purchased one of our connectivity packages.

Questions?

Dedicated,

Wired

Connections

WiFi

Questions?

Dedicated,

Wired

Connections

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WiFi

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