The Golden Nugget Laughlin Hotel & Casino Reduces Network Readiness Costs by $1 Million to Improve Its Digital Transformation ROI

The Golden Nugget Laughlin Hotel & Casino Deploys Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi Access Points to Improve Wireless Connectivity Across 300+ Guest Suites Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption

3-minute read time

Summary

• The Golden Nugget Laughlin Hotel & Casino in Nevada wanted to modernize its guest Wi-Fi service with new Cisco Meraki access points without costly, complex, and disruptive network requirements.
• H5 Strategic Alliances used NVT Phybridge FLEX Power over Ethernet (PoE) innovations to deploy over 300 Wi-Fi access points using the existing and proven network infrastructure.
• The innovative solution delivered high-speed guest Wi-Fi to over 300 rooms, avoided $1 million in infrastructure costs, and integrated perfectly with the property’s existing security architecture.
• The resort leveraged its existing cabling infrastructure to minimize electronic waste and the project’s overall environmental impact.

Problem

The Golden Nugget Laughlin, a luxury casino and resort nestled along the Colorado River, offers more than 300 rooms, including a private villa, and is known for its high-end guest experience. To meet rising guest expectations for reliable internet and smart amenities, the resort launched a digital transformation initiative focused on improving its Wi-Fi. However, due to brick walls and expansive property distances, traditional network design methods involving new cable installation and network overhauls were unfeasible. The organization needed a modern and innovative network solution to help them provide high-quality wireless connectivity throughout the facility without high costs, complexity, disruption, or security concerns.

Solution

H5 Strategic Alliances, their Texas-based technology partner, recommended the NVT Phybridge enterprise-grade FLEX24-10G long reach PoE switch. The organization was impressed and organized a no-cost, no-obligation proof of concept to test the technology in their environment. After a few simple setup steps, the FLEX24-10G switch transformed the existing infrastructure into a robust and high-performance PoE backbone, delivering high power and symmetrical bandwidth to the WiFi access points, six times farther than standard switches. These capabilities were crucial for the scale and layout of the property. By using the existing network infrastructure, the team avoided the need for over 600 new cable drops. Additionally, FLEX4 adapters in each room can enable up to four IP devices from a single cable run, enabling future expansion.

Result

H5 Strategic Alliances used NVT Phybridge network innovations to modernize the property while avoiding costly and disruptive infrastructure changes. The resort saved approximately $1 million in network readiness costs and eliminated the need for extensive construction. Careful planning and design adjustments ensured the project’s success in rooms where cable runs exceeded standard distances. Additionally, the FLEX24-10G solution integrated seamlessly with the property’s existing network security framework, ensuring uninterrupted backend performance. The property is now preparing to expand its modernization efforts by addressing voice communications in the next phase.

The Golden Nugget Laughlin was extremely satisfied with the outcomes. “Trying to find an IP solution for our outdated Hotel WiFi was a struggle,” said Wanda Freeth, Director of IT at Golden Nugget Laughlin. “We needed a product that would work with our current infrastructure without the need for costly rewiring. Phybridge was the perfect solution. Installation went smoothly and we increased the WiFi speed dramatically using our existing CAT3 cabling.”

James Hill from H5 Strategic Alliances shared, “The biggest challenge we faced was confirming the cabling distance. Once the physical portions were verified, the NVT Phybridge solution performed seamlessly, enabling guest Wi-Fi over existing cabling. From there, the rollout was straightforward as we extended the wireless network without incurring the expense of additional cabling. Moreover, the NVT Phybridge solution integrated smoothly with the network security strategy implemented by H5, ensuring no interference with the backend infrastructure.”

Sustainability

NVT Phybridge network innovations not only delivered significant financial and operational benefits but also supported The Golden Nugget’s commitment to sustainability. By reusing existing infrastructure, the organization prevented several tons of electronic waste and reduced its carbon footprint by sidestepping the need for major construction. This innovative approach highlights how hospitality organizations can align modernization efforts with responsible environmental practices.

About H5 Strategic Alliances

H5 Strategic Alliances delivers intelligent IT and internetwork security solutions backed by over 25 years of experience. The company specializes in complex technology deployments, with a focus on performance, scalability, and security. By aligning technology strategy with business goals, H5 helps clients modernize while minimizing risk. Their expertise ensures seamless execution of mission-critical projects in diverse environments.

About NVT Phybridge

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.