Wireless technology is changing at an incredibly rapid pace. The way we use the internet has completely and radically altered the lives and businesses of billions of people over the globe. But what does the future of Wi-Fi hold? We’ve brought together 3 of the biggest trends in the future of Wi-Fi:
1. The Internet of Things
Over the last few decades, we’ve seen Wi-Fi being used from only a handful of large, bulky computers to a plethora of slim, powerful laptops, tablets, and most of all smartphones. In recent years, we’ve also seen other devices (such as printers, home assistants, wearable tech) connect to Wi-Fi networks to improve the ease with which we work, study and play.
This expansion of connected devices has been dubbed ‘The Internet of Things’; a network of essentially any product you can think of imbued with wireless connectivity. Although this concept is no newcomer, what is only emerging now is a generation of tech that changes our lives quite considerably.
Already on the market are home appliances such as fridges, kettles and printers that can automatically reorder your groceries, boil up water on demand, or buy fresh ink. The concept of a truly connected, ‘smart home’ may feel futuristic, but in reality it is already becoming a way of live (albeit in a piecemeal way). As the adoption curve follows its arc, we expect daily life to change quite drastically as this new tech becomes more mainstream, and its benefits are more touted.
Wi-Fi will be the conduit for this change, since it is the automatic choice for supporting the higher bandwidth requirements of this next-gen tech.
2. Ever-increasing speed and reach
One trend we can all bank on is increased browsing speed. We’ve witnessed the demands on Wi-Fi networks explode, both in terms of the number of users connected, and the amount of data each connected device downloads per millisecond (think your trusty 3210 vs the latest iPhone). In line with this demand, we’ve also witnessed speeds skyrocket, from struggling to download a small image file to millions of people streaming HD video (8K looms), social media and the rise of gaming.
In addition to personal use, businesses have been heavily investing in wireless connectivity for many years, achieving improved efficiency, accuracy and a superior customer offering. All this additional traffic has – over the last decade – caused a growing concern over levels of congestion and associated limitations on performance.
It was estimated that by 2020, Wi-Fi networks would be struggling to handle traffic demands due to the spectrum being too busy. Enter WiFi-6E. Opening up additional spectrum has been a major step towards easing congestion, and as WiFi-6E devices become more widespread, this will hail a new era of connectivity.
We’re now on the verge of bigger changes; AI, automation, robotics, and IoT becoming part of mainstream working, living and playing. Huge strides are being made forward in wireless technologies, but it still isn’t entirely unimaginable that technology itself will exceed the potential of the Wi-Fi that needs to underpin it. One thing is for certain – the volume of traffic is set to rise, so speed, bandwidth and the balance between 5G and Wi-Fi will have to match demand.
3. Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 will be another leap forward from the innovative steps made by Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. It will bring even faster speeds through 320 MHz channels (twice the size of previous Wi-Fi generations), as well as dramatically improving responsiveness and reliability with 4K QAM and a maximum data rate of almost 5.8Gbps (almost 2.5 times faster than Wi-Fi 6/6E. With MLO, Wi-Fi 7 devices will be able to connect on 2 bands, using aggregation for faster speeds, or employing dual band for improved reliability with the lowest and most precise latencies. We predict this will hugely impact the streaming and sharing of 8K video, and other huge files currently limited by download speeds. Wi-Fi 7 is going to be vital for future use cases that require the best performance possible, which begs the question – why will users remain content with unequal performance?
4. Unbottling the oncoming bottlenecks
With the huge increase in throughput promised by WiFi-6E and onwards (hello WiFi7), the underlying switched network risks becoming a bottleneck to future Wi-Fi networks. Deploying mGig capable switches will mitigate this, providing connectivity speeds of 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps and 10Gbps to access points and help futureproof your wired network for the new Wi-Fi standards. We see this being a huge component of network design in the coming years.
5. The move towards personalisation
The power of big data has started to change the way the world works. Targeted ads, specialised content and various other uses of this valuable resource are commonplace today. But as Wi-Fi networks, potentially using AI technology and machine learning, get smarter at predicting what type of speeds we’re looking for, the kind of experience we expect, and even the content we consume, we’ll start to expect a higher standard of personalisation from our Wi-Fi providers. It remains to be seen just how intrusive these changes will feel, and how widespread, especially as GDPR and other societal shifts seek to protect privacy and confidentiality.
If you want to upgrade your Wi-Fi ready for the latest technological innovations, or simply want to meet the demands of your workers, customers or students in the here and now, get in touch with us at Redway Networks today.
If you want to upgrade your Wi-Fi ready for the latest technological innovations, or simply want to meet the demands of your workers, customers or students in the here and now, get in touch with us at Redway Networks today.
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Whether you have a single or multi-site supply chain, there’s no denying that warehouses are a hive of activity, and a hub for manufacturing and logistics – and they’re getting busier and busier.
Hardware and software in the warehouse are both on a steep incline, but incorporating new technology into your network can compromise its performance. Often warehouses are having to attempt a balancing act between supporting these additional devices and applications, and minimising black-out spots, drop-offs and shrinking coverage.
As warehouse wireless experts, we know how to achieve 100% coverage in these unique and challenging environments where machines, racking, picking devices and even the building itself can compromise your connectivity. This blog discusses some tips you can use to boost your warehouse Wi-Fi coverage.
So how can you improve your warehouse wireless coverage?
Conduct a wireless network site survey
Start by conducting a Wi-Fi site survey to identify areas with weak signal coverage, interference sources, and dead zones. This survey helps determine the optimal placement of access points (APs) for better coverage and signal strength throughout the warehouse.
Upgrade to modern Wi-Fi standards
Ensure that your wireless infrastructure is based on the latest standards, such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6). These standards offer improved speed, capacity, and performance compared to older versions. Upgrading to newer access points and compatible client devices can significantly enhance Wi-Fi performance.
Determine AP quantity – don’t overdo it!
When installing APs, you have to think about the size of your warehouse as well as the number of people working in it. Five people in a small warehouse can use one access point without any problem, as there will be enough bandwidth to go around. In a large warehouse, you’ll have to increase the number of APs in order to enjoy stable enterprise Wi-Fi coverage.
Optimise AP placement, taking racking and electronics into consideration
Proper placement of access points is crucial for effective coverage. Consider the warehouse layout, building materials, and the specific needs of each area when determining the ideal placement of access points. Mirrors, walls, machines and metal racks can prevent network signals from reaching some parts for your warehouse. Position them strategically to minimise interference from physical obstacles and metal structures that are common in warehouse environments to improve signal flow.
Manage channel interference
Warehouse environments often have various sources of interference, including machinery, equipment, and neighbouring networks. To mitigate interference, use Wi-Fi management tools to monitor and analyse channel usage. By selecting channels with less interference and adjusting channel widths, you can improve overall WLAN performance. If your router shares a channel with multiple Wi-Fi devices, you may experience signal issues. Use a less crowded channel to extend your wireless network signal range.
Optimise network configuration
Fine-tuning network configurations can enhance performance. Adjust settings such as channel bandwidth, transmit power, data rates, and Quality of Service (QoS) parameters to optimize performance for the specific requirements of the warehouse environment. Consult the documentation provided by your wireless equipment manufacturer for recommended settings.
Implement VLANs and network segmentation
Implementing VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and network segmentation can help prioritise and manage network traffic effectively. Separate critical operations, such as inventory management or order processing, from general Wi-Fi usage to ensure that essential tasks receive the necessary bandwidth and network resources.
Update firmware and software
Regularly update the firmware and software of your wireless network equipment to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Keeping your devices up to date can help optimise performance and address any known issues.
Monitor and analyse performance
Utilise network monitoring and analysis tools to continuously monitor warehouse wireless performance, identify bottlenecks, and troubleshoot issues proactively. These tools can provide insights into network traffic, signal strength, device connectivity, and potential performance bottlenecks, allowing you to make informed decisions for further optimisation. These are becoming increasingly automated through the use of APIs and cloud software, making productivity optimisation an effortless process.
Consider Professional Assistance
If optimising warehouse wireless performance becomes challenging, consider consulting with a professional network engineer or Wi-Fi specialist. They can perform a detailed analysis of your specific environment, recommend customised solutions, and assist in implementing best practices to maximise wireless performance to boost warehouse efficiency.
As technology becomes more efficient and affordable, much focus has now turned to how education WiFi systems can be best deployed in the classroom to aid in the development of students. But while a lot of attention has been given to how proposed Intelligent Classroom Management systems will benefit students, little has been said about how it will benefit teachers.
Here are just a few ways wireless Intelligent Classroom Management systems will improve the teaching experience.
More efficient communication
Lightspeed’s intelligent classroom management system ” Classroom” will allow a teacher to intuitively and easily check the workflow and progress of individual students, without the need to constantly circulate around the classroom. If a student is having a degree of trouble, the teacher can ask a simple question such as “Need help?” and receive a straightforward yes or no in reply. Students are much more likely to ask for help if it can be done subtly like this, without drawing the attention of their classmates. This allows teachers to better direct their attention to students who need it.
Check browsing history
Online classroom management will also allow teachers to keep a close eye on what students are looking at, either through being able to view the device screen in real time or to examine the student’s browsing history. This can all be recorded if necessary, to show to parents or school administrators. The knowledge that their entire browsing history can be recorded should mean students are less likely to let their attention wander from their work, meaning teachers should find it easier to maintain student concentration.
Overviews at a glance
For teachers, there is no longer a need to physically ask who has completed their work, who is still doing their work, and who might need help. It can all be easily logged and tracked through Lightspeed’s intelligent classroom management programme, which means that teachers are able to better divert their attention to students who actually require some help to complete their tasks. Teachers will also have quick and simple access to students’ real time activity on the screens they visit, which can help when composing term reports.
Redway Networks are proud to work alongside our latest partner Lightspeed Systems, who are the leading providers of classroom management and web filtering within the education sector.