It centers on a need for constant access to the Internet. With the explosion of Wi-Fi devices, including new smart phones from Apple (iPhone) and BlackBerry, this demand has only grown. Some experts suggest that the introduction of these technologies, specifically the iPhone, has been a “tipping point” for mobile technology.

With that thought in mind, providing reliable, secure wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi, is fast becoming a must for resort operators — just like televisions and towel service. Not only do leisure and business customers look for this service, but a wireless network also offers opportunities to run back office applications that can help resorts operate more efficiently and securely.

The key elements of a well-designed and deployed wireless network include quality of service management, the network’s ability to prioritize certain applications, and data flows (this is especially important in systems with limited capacity). Other important components are bandwidth shaping and management, better understood as digital channel “traffic” control; packet/application prioritization, routing selected sent data through various networks; and proper radio frequency (RF) coverage.

Equipment can vary based on the manufacturer and the physical requirements, but will include the following: a connectivity mechanism to the venue, such as a T1 or DSL line, or a satellite connection; a network management device to direct the wireless traffic and enable applications, public or private; and the access points that will broadcast the signal to specific locations on the property. Different providers will propose a wide range of equipment and support services.

Wi-Fi networks offer benefits that include reliability, proven technology, high-speed transmission of voice and data, and economic feasibility. Looking ahead, they promise to transform the hospitality and recreation industries by enabling shared service applications such as voice-over-Internet communications, point of sale and kiosks, surveillance and training.

By combining public and private network applications onto one platform, park operators can reduce their technology costs by eliminating multiple existing communications lines and converging phone, fax and broadband lines into one Wi-Fi network. This creates new business capabilities that enable employees and processes to become more efficient — not to mention saving operators time and money.

So what do you need to know about going to Wi-Fi if you’re not yet wireless? First, you’ll need to contract with a provider. There are several questions you should consider when evaluating options: How long has the provider been in business? Who are the provider’s top customers and how long have they served them? Will the provider give you site surveys by certified wireless network administrator engineers? Which support services do they offer? Who are the provider’s equipment and telecom partners?

Once you’ve selected a Wi-Fi provider, request that the company conduct a site survey of your property. The site survey should assess the physical and logistical requirements and determine the best means of establishing or utilizing basic connectivity. In addition, it will help determine the specific number of access points and layout of the network infrastructure.

Of course, you may face challenges when opening your private network to include a public guest access service. A venue providing guest Wi-Fi must comply with two laws regarding copyrights and surveillance: the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which effectively bans any technologies that circumvent access to copyrighted digital materials, and the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, which mandates that law enforcement agencies must have sufficient ability to conduct surveillance.

Both laws require processes, procedures and technical measures to ensure that the Internet access provider is able to comply, and significant potential liability and penalties exist for those found in violation.

Furthermore, any guest using the network will want to connect successfully to the network, proxy, or e-mail configurations every time — and all users should be protected from viruses or worms that may be on a guest’s device. All these requirements are predicated on the successful deployment of a robust, well-designed Wi-Fi network. Facilities able to accomplish these tasks are well on the way to providing a high-quality, reliable and secure guest Wi-Fi solution.

Once you’ve established a Wi-Fi network, be cautious about deploying a guest Wi-Fi service without user support. One option is to bring on an experienced vendor to monitor, maintain, manage and support the service for you. You can employ the services of an experienced Wi-Fi provider for a fraction of the expense of deploying and managing the service internally.

You’ll also need to continuously evaluate the cost and quality of the network infrastructure as well as the consistency, reliability and security of the current network. You should be receiving regular reports from your provider that outline the success of the service. For example, it should tell you how many times the service has been down; the cause of downtime; how long it took to correct the problem; and how many service calls have been logged. Consistent failures should be cause for looking at updating the property or finding a new service provider.

Successful deployment of a Wi-Fi network is part art, part science. The network can be a great way to enhance the experience of customers living the digital lifestyle. And the cost savings and operational efficiencies through business applications managed over Wi-Fi networks can help you provide better service to all customers.

Dan Lowden, vice president of business development and marketing at Wayport Inc. in Irving, Texas, oversees marketing communications, strategic marketing alliances and Wi-Fi roaming partnerships with top brands. Prior to joining Wayport, he held key marketing positions at IBM.