Wi-Fi & Network Solutions
The advent of increasingly agile and flexible work practices, plus the availability of increasingly powerful and sophisticated smart phones and tablets, has created a significant increase in the demand for Network resources.
In addition, technical solutions to support increasing requirements for greater collaboration flexibility, including BYOD and BYOM has introduced new challenges to Network Designers and Professionals, over and above those presented by traditional fixed wire solutions.
The increase in the power and sophistication of these new devices and work practices, has tended to create a number of performance issues and Bandwidth Bottlenecks.
To date, the design and deployment of Wi-Fi services has largely been based on site audits that produce heat maps that will identify the optimum location for new Wireless Access points.
The base assumption of this model is that staff work at fixed desks and that a lot of the day-to-day operations remained static.
Knowledge of the Business culture and the location and interaction of staff, particularly, within agile environments will be a significant factor in the set up and location of Wi-Fi services.
The good news is that new solutions are available. The new Wi-Fi v6 Standard, soon be underscored by the ratification of Wi-Fi v6e, and the availability of Multigigabit switching, will significantly improve the speed and performance of Network and Wi-Fi services.
New developments in Wi-Fi services, Multigigabit Ethernet switching will offer significant increases in Wi-Fi speeds across existing Cat 6 and Cat 6A cabling systems. This will deliver much higher levels of speed and performance without the need to re-cable.
With advances in Multi-Link operation leading to a significant development in terms of real time audio and video.
Historically, networks are designed with the intention that they are a fixed element, with the built-in option there to update and renew some elements.
In any environment, the overall performance of the Business is dependent on the quality and specification of three main Network elements and how they operate together.
Data Cabling Systems: Tend to be a feature as part of works in new Premises or as upgrades in existing Properties. They are typically designed and implemented on the understanding that they are “installed once and used for years” They require time and planning to access to install and, in occupied premises can cause significant disruption to the existing environment during the period.
Network Switches, Router/Firewalls Security and VOIP: By their very nature, they are designed to be upgradable at both a physical and software level, and are easier to replace in terms of disruption, but often incur higher costs.
Physical Wireless Access Points: These are often deployed as part of an initial network installation or upgrade, then largely forgotten, until someone complains about poor access or slow speeds. Most Business networks are supported by Wi-Fi v4 technology, which struggles to meet the increasing demands placed upon it.
The performance and interoperability of three essential elements are pivotal to a business’s ability to thrive and adapt. Traditionally, innovations and improvements in these elements weren’t always a primary reason to make changes to existing networks, as other factors came into play. However, a new era is on the horizon with the impending introduction of Wi-Fi 7, and it’s crucial to prepare now to future-proof your network.
The recent publication of the Wi-Fi 6 and 6e standards, alongside Multigigabit Ethernet, has already brought a seismic shift in network capabilities. Even existing data cabling and networks can harness this enhanced performance. What’s more, future upgrades and modifications promise to elevate performance levels even further.
In the past, the design and deployment of Wi-Fi services relied heavily on site audits producing heat maps to optimize the placement of wireless access points. This model assumed that staff primarily worked from fixed desks, and day-to-day operations remained relatively static.
However, times are changing. We advocate revisiting this approach, acknowledging that heat maps are just part of the equation for achieving the best network solution for each building or floor. Understanding your business culture and how your staff interact, especially in agile environments, is becoming increasingly vital for configuring Wi-Fi services effectively.
Looking forward, Wi-Fi 7 is just around the corner. Preparing for its introduction today will be a game-changer for your business’s overall network strategy. Wi-Fi 7 promises to revolutionize network speeds, security, and reliability, setting a new benchmark for what’s possible. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing these advancements, you’ll ensure that your business remains agile and competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Don’t wait; the future of networking is knocking on your door.
In summary, the newly available Wi-Fi and Multigigabit Ethernet devices will deliver significantly greater power and performance, even onto existing data Cabling and Networks. Future upgrades and modifications will deliver even higher levels of performance.