Wi-Fi 6 Access Points: How Can Enterprises Benefit From It?

We are living in a connected world where information is connected wired or wirelessly. For many enterprise environments, Wi-Fi is the key technology of digital transformation, especially when the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is implemented by many businesses. Since the new standard Wi-Fi 6 came out last year and brings the benefits of more than speed boost, Wi-Fi 6 devices are sweeping the market, pushing modern enterprise networks to upgrade towards Wi-Fi 6. As the heart of the Wi-Fi 6 wireless network, how can Wi-Fi 6 access points (APs) benefit enterprises? This post will drill down into it.

What Does Enterprise Wireless Network Focus on?

Before exploring what enterprise can benefit from the Wi-Fi 6 access points, let’s take a closer look at the focus of a general enterprise wireless network. Following are some common expectations enterprises hold to the wireless network despite that their industries and organizations are different.

• High Performance and Speed: Enterprises require wireless networks that offer high data rates and minimal latency to support a multitude of applications, from real-time communications to large data transfers. This is particularly critical in environments where time-sensitive information is shared.

• Reliability and Availability: An enterprise wireless network must be reliable with minimal downtime. Network availability is paramount for maintaining productivity, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on continuous connectivity for their operations.

• Security: With the increasing number of cyber threats, security is a top priority. Enterprises need robust security protocols to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches. This includes features like encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

• Scalability: As businesses grow, their networking needs also expand. A scalable wireless network allows enterprises to add more devices and expand coverage without compromising performance. This flexibility ensures that the network can adapt to future demands without requiring a complete overhaul.

Unparalleled Benefits of Wi-Fi 6 Across Numerous Enterprises

There are multiple wireless devices supporting Wi-Fi 6 protocols such as smartphones, laptops, and other devices. Only when you connect them to a Wi-Fi 6 access point can you reap the benefit of the Wi-Fi 6 protocols. Let’s explore what you will get if deploying Wi-Fi 6 access points in your enterprise.

1. Faster Speeds

Multiple factors influence the speed and quality of the network connection, but wireless access points play an important role. If the access points have been used for many years with the number of users in an enterprise environment growing, the old access point will slow down your connection.

In Wi-Fi 6, access points utilize both the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands. A top speed of 9.6Gbps can be reached theoretically. There is one point that should be noticed: Wi-Fi 6 is not boosting the speed of an individual device but improving the connection speed when multiple devices are connected. Therefore, the speed change by deploying Wi-Fi 6 access points is obvious in those large office ranges with heavy traffic. The seamless and enhanced speed capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 allow employees to enjoy a smoother and more responsive connectivity experience within enterprise settings. The high-speed capabilities enable quick access and transfer of large files, seamless streaming of high-definition content, and uninterrupted usage of bandwidth-intensive applications, eliminating any potential slowdowns.

2. Expanded Capacity for High-Density Environments

In Wi-Fi 6, 4 spatial streams are expanded up to 8 spatial streams, which represents Wi-Fi 6 MU-MIMO access points enabling more Wi-Fi devices to simultaneously receive data streams. The next-generation Wi-Fi 6 access points are introduced to configurations ranging from 8x8 MU-MIMO, tri-band 4x4 MU-MIMO, dual-band 4x4 MU-MIMO to dual-band 2x2 MU-MIMO. Choosing specifications can be dependent on the scale and the number of devices in an enterprise environment. Though theoretically 8 x 8 MU-MIMO AP provides higher throughput, however, 8 x 8 at 5GHz is not always better owing that it is expensive and power-hungry. Wi-Fi 6 AP with dual 5 GHz 4×4:4 radios will offer more capacity than a Wi-Fi 6 AP with a fixed 5 GHz 8×8:8 radio.

3. Enhanced Range and Coverage

Wi-Fi 6 brings forth advancements in beamforming techniques, including Basic Service Set Colouring, which allows for more accurate targeting of client devices. This technology minimizes interference between adjacent access points operating on the same channel. Such sophisticated technology leads to superior coverage, ensuring improved and consistent signal strength across larger areas, even in challenging layouts.

4. Enhanced Security and Privacy

Security is a significant concern in enterprise network design. The network is evolving, so do security threats. But luckily, Wi-Fi 6 access points improve security by implementing the new security standard Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3), which allows for better encryption, better authentication with a greater value proposition than WPA2. Except for the giant advance of WPA3, Wi-Fi 6 wireless controllers can be set up as an authenticator supporting web-based, 802.1x, mac address or local authentication for client identification. Combining Wi-Fi 6 access points with WLAN controllers and gateways, an enterprise wireless network solution delivers optimal security.

5. Improved Performance and Throughput

Enterprises are increasingly embracing Wi-Fi 6 access points due to the remarkable enhancements in performance and throughput. Wi-Fi 6 leverages cutting-edge technologies to efficiently manage and distribute bandwidth across numerous devices. As a result, latency is significantly reduced, and a substantial number of devices can be connected simultaneously. This enables enterprises to deliver seamless connectivity to multiple devices, enhancing operational efficiency.

6. Improved User Experience

Uninterrupted mobility is essential for maintaining seamless connectivity within enterprises when moving around the premises. By adopting advanced WiFi6 technology, users can enjoy faster and more stable wireless roaming experience, maintaining high-speed connectivity wherever they go. The precise positioning feature of WiFi6 ensures more accurate location information, laying a better foundation for personalized services. Additionally, WiFi6's anti-interference capability effectively reduces signal interference, ensuring network stability for users in crowded environments, further enhancing the quality of user experience.

Elevate Your Enterprise Network with FS Wi-Fi 6 Access Points

As enterprises seek to enhance their wireless network infrastructure, FS Wi-Fi 6 access points stand out as an optimal choice. FS offers a diverse range of high-performance Wi-Fi 6 access points designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises. These access points provide superior speeds, robust security, and remarkable scalability, ensuring seamless connectivity and enhanced network performance. FS Wi-Fi 6 access points also support advanced MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies, which are essential for high-density environments and offer efficient handling of multiple concurrent devices. With FS, enterprises can expect not just cutting-edge technology, but also exceptional customer support and comprehensive network solutions tailored to specific business requirements. By choosing FS, enterprises can confidently embrace the future of wireless communication.

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