Signal Saucers: PUD Fairground Wi-Fi

Since 2020, the PUD has provided outdoor Wi-Fi hot spots at a number of locations across the county, providing residents free access to the internet. See where you can connect to Wi-Fi in Jefferson County here.

With the Jefferson County Fair just around the corner, PUD fiber technicians performed Wi-Fi maintenance and upgrades at the fairgrounds to better improve signal strength in areas notorious for poor reception. To improve coverage, staff placed new saucer-shaped devices at key locations. Aptly nicknamed “UFOs” by network technicians, each device works together to create a mesh network, with each individual unit covering a radius of five to six hundred feet. UFO devices have also been used at the Marrowstone fire station, PT Farmers Market, with the remaining PUD hotspots being updated soon!

The goal is simple: Maximum potential coverage for Fair visitors utilizing the PUD’s 10-gig fiber network as a backbone. The PUD service will improve the visitor experience, assisting with Wi-Fi calling, texting, and sharing images seamless over the network.

Handling UFO’s is a tricky business. Before work even began, PUD staff identified key locations for each device to determine where placement offered the best overall coverage. Despite advances in Wi-Fi technology, navigating a signal around (and through) metal buildings like those at the fairground can prove a challenge. Previously, Wi-Fi devices were attached directly to utility poles throughout the grounds. The updated mesh network aims to improve upon previous work with improved strength and coverage.

Making the Connection

PUD Broadband Lead Network Technician, Shelby Dowell, ascends in a truck-mounted bucket to place a bracket allowing the UFO distance from the utility pole it’s mounted to. That slight distance helps minimize interference from any nearby power lines, resulting in better coverage. On the ground, PUD Broadband Network Technician II, Nick Miller, syncs the UFO and hands it off to Dowell who fastens it to the pole. One down, three to go.

The PUD looks forward to boosting your connectivity August 9-11 at the County Fair, please stop by our booth in the New Commercial Building and say ‘Hi!’ To join the free community Wi-Fi, look for the “JPUD Community Wi-Fi” network on your device.