As part of Smart City Networks’ ongoing commitment to improving connectivity and technology at our partner venues, the San Diego Convention Center has been the focus of several major technology initiatives this quarter, including core network upgrades, wireless improvements, Hosted Voice implementation, UPS replacements, and new network infrastructure.
Deyvid Diego, Data Operations Professional at Smart City Networks San Diego, has played a key role in supporting that work. With eight years at Smart City, Deyvid has gained hands-on experience with the systems that help keep the convention center connected, resilient, and ready for large-scale events.
In our interview, Deyvid shares what went into these recent upgrades, how collaboration helped make the projects successful, and how the improvements are strengthening the event experience in San Diego. Deyvid Diego, this is your Spotlight!
Thanks for chatting with us Deyvid! The San Diego Convention Center has been undergoing several major technology initiatives recently. Can you tell us about some of the key projects you have been involved with?
D: I have been fortunate to participate in several significant technology projects at the San Diego Convention Center, including the cutover of the Cisco 9606 core network, deployment of Cisco Firepower, implementation of Hosted Voice, replacement of Core and IDF UPS systems, wireless infrastructure upgrades with Wi-Fi 6 access points, and deployment of the Cisco 9800 Wireless LAN Controller and Catalyst 9300 switches.
These initiatives have strengthened the reliability and resiliency of our network infrastructure by adding full redundancy across critical systems and helping maintain uninterrupted service during power outages through upgraded UPS solutions. Through these projects, I have gained valuable hands-on experience with the technologies and systems that support the convention center’s daily operations and large-scale events.
Of all the recent projects completed at the convention center, which one stands out as the most challenging or rewarding, and why?
D: The cutover to the Cisco 9606 core network was both challenging and rewarding. This upgrade required extensive planning and coordination because the core network supports many services throughout the San Diego Convention Center.
Before the cutover, we reorganized the network racks for the new equipment, documented fiber uplinks, and added clear labeling to improve organization and future troubleshooting. Collaboration with multiple teams was also important. We communicated in advance with building management and worked with managers to limit disruption during the upgrade.
I worked with Matt Chavez to transfer uplinks from the Nexus 7000 to the Cisco 9606 core. After my responsibilities with the Straight Up Technologies NOC during Tableau Conference 2026, I stayed late to focus on the cutover and improve cable management.
The successful migration significantly improved the network’s resiliency and reliability. This project gave me valuable hands-on experience in enterprise networking and reinforced the importance of planning, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Large infrastructure projects require significant planning and coordination. What goes into completing upgrades of this scale while supporting ongoing events and venue operations?
D: Planning and communication are essential. We collaborate with different teams, review event schedules, and develop implementation and rollback plans before making changes. Since the San Diego Convention Center hosts events year-round, we schedule work during maintenance windows and conduct thorough testing before services resume full operation.
These projects also depend on collaboration across Smart City teams and the venue. The Smart City Networks NOC plays an important role in planning, monitoring, and support during critical upgrades. Our local Operations team supports implementation, testing, and troubleshooting, while the San Diego Convention Center team helps coordinate facility access, electrical work, and infrastructure needs.
Successful upgrades depend on preparation, teamwork, and minimizing disruption to operations and clients.
What are some improvements customers, event organizers, exhibitors, or attendees may benefit from because of these upgrades?
D: These upgrades provide a more reliable technology infrastructure for customers, event organizers, exhibitors, and attendees. The Cisco 9606 core network includes enhanced redundancy, including split power circuits, which help maintain critical services during power disruptions or ISP outages.
The wireless network upgrades with Wi-Fi 6 access points also improve coverage, capacity, and performance, especially during large events with thousands of connected devices. As attendees, exhibitors, and event teams continue to rely on mobile devices, streaming, and connected technology, these improvements help the San Diego Convention Center stay ready for future event needs while delivering a better overall experience.
Is there anyone you would like to recognize for their contributions to these projects or any behind-the-scenes efforts that helped make them successful?
D: I want to thank Matt Chavez and Mike Rose for their leadership and support during these projects, especially during late-night maintenance and critical upgrades. I also appreciate the Smart City Networks NOC team for their technical expertise and assistance with planning and implementation.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the local San Diego technician team for their contributions to installations, testing, and troubleshooting. Their dedication helped make these large-scale initiatives successful.
We want to thank Deyvid Diego for taking the time to reflect on his journey with our company! To read more Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!
