The iBahn NextConnect system features technology from Tut Systems and leverages old wiring so hotels can support current and future bandwidth demands, according to the Salt Lake City company. According to iBahn, many hotels lack the appropriate wiring to provide an Ethernet connection and so must rely on lower-speed technology.

The iBahn NextConnect solution immediately upgrades the phone jack to a managed Ethernet switch when used with iBahn service. That way, the power reaches the switch via the original telephone wires, eliminating the need for an extra power supply. Because travelers are using their computers and iPods to download videos and music, bandwidth across the iBahn network has quadrupled in the past year, iBahn says.