An AI-powered network brings a beloved French amusement park to life, connecting its expansive ecosystem of visitor services, including video security, ticketing, turnstiles, retail outlets, and digital signs for an extraordinary visitor experience.
Nestled in the quaint town of Plailly, France, just north of Paris, the Parc Astérix amusement park is a dream destination for families seeking adventure, entertainment, and an unforgettable experience. The second largest amusement hub in France, the park has an electrifying mix of high-velocity rides, imaginative attractions, and creative shows spread across six distinct “worlds,” each retracing the epic adventures of the iconic Gauls.
More than 52 million visitors have strolled through Parc Astérix in its 34 years of operations, many of them coming to catch a thrill ride on its soaring roller coasters, the Pégase Express and Toutatis, aka the fastest attraction in France. With a speed of 110 km/h, Toutatis provides a world-record 23 “airtimes,” or moments when the speed is so great that passengers take off from their seats.
But what truly sets Parc Astérix apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation, continuous growth, and its vision of delivering exceptional experiences to its visitors. That vision is driven by a robust, modern IT infrastructure that blends seamlessly into the park's historic fabric. Its IT team has deployed an HPE Aruba Networking AI-powered, cloud-managed network to ensure its digital transformation plan aligns with its promise of continually delighting guests and being prepared for future innovations.
A tech marvel the size of a small town
Boasting a sprawling expanse of almost 100 hectares, Parc Astérix is a miniature town, complete with 50 attractions and shows, three unique hotels, and a staggering 36 food outlets. Imagine the bustling streets of a small town with more than 10,000 daily visitors and a workforce of 2,400 employees, encompassing more than 200 professions.
But it's not just the physical grandeur that impresses at Parc Astérix; it's also the technological wizardry that underpins the entire operation. The park's IT department is organized into three pillars: IT infrastructure, IT support, and telecom and digital network teams, all working harmoniously to create a seamless experience for guests and employees.
The driving force behind Parc Astérix's digital initiatives is simple yet powerful: to optimize visitor experiences to achieve the greatest possible satisfaction for visitors and internal teams. The IT department also aims to increase staff efficiency and improve customer services, by extending connectivity into new zones of the enormous park grounds.
The ticket to success: real-time data and AI
At the core of Parc Astérix's digital transformation strategy is a modern, cloud-managed network. More than 200 HPE Aruba Networking CX switches reside in 160 different IT rooms throughout the park’s different worlds. These switches serve as the lifeline connecting various elements of the park, including video surveillance, ticketing offices, turnstiles, retail outlets, digital signage, and network access security.
The network system doesn't just provide connectivity; it also collects and analyzes data in real time, enabling the park's staff to efficiently manage crowd flow and enhance visitor experiences. In addition to wired connectivity, Parc Astérix's relies on HPE Aruba Networking Central for AI-enabled centralized network management and HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass for Zero Trust Network Access control.
HPE Aruba Networking Central simplifies network management with tools such as Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), ensuring rapid device provisioning with minimal manual intervention. Change management is a breeze, with the ability to simulate, verify, and activate updates—and avoid unwanted downtime.
IT can count on HPE Aruba Networking Central to simplify administrative tasks, significantly reducing human error. Everything is automated, with role-based policies enforced consistently across the network. This allows the IT team to focus on enhancing the value for both park employees and visitors.
Parc Asterix’s network modernization paves the way for the future arrival of more services, including Wi-Fi, geolocation, additional retail outlets, smart security cameras, and seamless integration of other third-party platforms.
Going along for the ride: sustainability
Parc Astérix is committed to environmental responsibility, and this ethos extends to its technology usage. As a result, the collaboration with HPE Aruba Networking includes a commitment to sustainable innovation. Old equipment is bought back, recycled, refurbished, and resold, aligning with the park's circular economy principle. This initiative contributes to reducing both direct and indirect emissions, showing that Parc Astérix is not just a pioneer in technology but also in sustainability.
With its vision for a modernized network infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, Parc Astérix is a shining example of how technology can enhance the visitor experience, ensuring they leave with unforgettable memories and the desire to return for more thrilling adventures.
