Page 9 - EngineerIT December 2021

ICT

While Wi-Fi 6E presents solutions to burgeoning network problems, as global momentum 3. Leverage advanced analytics and
grows, the extra band should serve to alleviate pressure, and not simply become the next AIOps to improve user experience. As
overused and clogged network. With this in mind, here are some very specific use cases connectivity increases, so too do issues
that Wi-Fi 6E is best placed to accommodate. surrounding admin and troubleshooting.
• AR & VR. Whilst Wi-Fi 6E presents solutions to burgeoning network problems, it also By using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
aids in more specific use cases, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Machine Learning (ML), AIOps augments
For AR and VR to reach their full potential, they require multi-gigabit speeds. Beyond traditional network monitoring by
enhancing consumer markets such as gaming, both of these immersive technologies automatically identifying network,
have begun to cement their positions in the operations of organisations such as retail security and performance issues. This
and marketing. enables organisations to be proactive in
• Healthcare. The ongoing pandemic has turbo-charged the healthcare industry along solving issues before they have a chance
its path towards a digital future. Wi-Fi 6E allows for critical services and applications to to impact business operations and end
operate without the worry of latency issues. The extra band enables and supports the user experience.
need for mobility within a dense area, as well as aiding in the data-intensive service and 4. Self-assessment is key. Organisations
tele-medicine. must evaluate how Wi-Fi 6E can be
• Higher Education. If dense housing places considerable strain on networks, then higher deployed, how many client devices will
education campuses represent a far greater challenge. At the epicentre of the issue is benefit, how it will exist within their
student accommodation, with devices demanding more bandwidth per square meter current spectrum of operations, and
than in almost any other sector. With institutions placing increased emphasis on virtual whether upgrades are needed. An area of
learning, and as classrooms and learning experiences are enveloped within the digital interest for any organisation is the Access
sphere, Wi-Fi 6E can empower a deeper and more inclusive learning experience. Point to switch uplink speed.
5. Check on certification and standards.
Six steps to prepare for 6E When choosing a technology vendor to
As the world prepares for Wi-Fi 6E, business leaders must look to how this additional implement Wi-Fi 6E, it is vital to ensure
networking capacity can support their own digital transformation journey. Here are six key they not only have a track record of
strategies to get the most out of Wi-Fi 6E and help future proof Wi-Fi investments. proven innovation but also a commitment
1. Security first. The rapid transition to the cloud has left gaps in cybersecurity that to the highest industry standards.
continue to be exploited by cybercriminals. According to Bloomberg, cybercrime is now 6. Plan to Pilot. The pilot phase is imperative
as big a concern as infectious disease. Through adopting Wi-Fi 6E, organisations are when rolling out new infrastructure. It’s
mandated to utilise WPA3, the strongest available security for Wi-Fi. a key opportunity to test, identify issues
2. Maximise tri-band coverage. When adopting Wi-Fi 6E it is important to remember that the and be better prepared for broader
existing frequency bands will still be required and remain congested for the foreseeable rollouts. A well-executed pilot can deliver
future. To gain most benefit, it’s vital that organisations spread their operations across results and reduce the chance of negative
the breadth of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to maximise connectivity. impacts down the line.

A look to the future
Ultimately, when congestion on Wi-Fi
networks increases, the user experience
suffers. And even as normality slowly
returns across the world, it’s uncertain
what form it will take. What is certain
though, is that the digital transformation
that has been rolled-out is here to stay –
and we will continue to rely heavily on the
connections we’ve made over the course of
the pandemic whether at home, school, the
office or public spaces.
Organisations have already witnessed
the compelling results of all this
connectivity, such as greater efficiencies
and a more refined implementation of data.
Looking ahead, Wi-Fi 6E offers even more
opportunities for them to transform their
businesses and deliver compelling end user
experiences. The choice is obvious. n

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