Farnborough International Airshow

RockIT has been a key player in the technical delivery of the Farnborough International Airshow since 2012, transforming the event’s network infrastructure and communications capabilities. Initially brought on board to manage the audio networks and oversee a 250-handset phone system, RockIT soon expanded its role, taking on critical fiber requirements and refining the overall network design for the sprawling event site. Today, RockIT is responsible for the comprehensive network architecture across the entire airfield, creating a robust and resilient infrastructure that powers one of the largest temporary event networks in Europe.

At the heart of this setup is a pair of redundant 10Gb leased lines, provided by RockIT along with a /24 address block routed via BGP to ensure unmatched reliability. RockIT’s advanced phone system, alongside an extensive network of hundreds of switches and access points (APs), supports the connectivity demands of over 25,000 daily users across the 2-kilometre event site. The network reaches the furthest edges of the airfield through strategically installed fibre, delivering high-speed services to everything from indoor exhibition areas to outdoor exhibits, corporate chalets, event control and technical service providers.

This vast infrastructure supports not only exhibitors but also emergency services, technical teams, and VIP guests, allowing seamless operations and a world-class experience at the Farnborough International Airshow—widely regarded as a benchmark in temporary event networking. RockIT’s innovative solutions and expertise continue to elevate this prestigious event year after year, setting new standards for technical excellence in large-scale, high-demand environments.