Since its inception in 1999, wireless LAN standards have evolved, making it challenging to keep track of the fastest and most secure options.
Fortunately, the industry recognised this naming dilemma and introduced Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) as a more user-friendly solution for network efficiency.. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and its potential to revolutionise construction sites. But first, let's take a quick look at the history of Wi-Fi.
A quick history of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi standards have undergone significant transformations over the years and understanding their evolution can help us appreciate the advancements offered by Wi-Fi 6. Here's a summary of the Wi-Fi generations and their corresponding standards:
- Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b) - Circa 1999
- Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a) - Circa 1999
- Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) - Circa 2003
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - Circa 2009
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Circa 2014
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Circa 2019
Introducing Wi-Fi 6: The key benefits
Wi-Fi 6 brings a plethora of tangible benefits that empower modern solutions for worker safety, construction efficiency and the ever-increasing demands of IoT sensor connectivity and streaming video. Let's explore the key advantages Wi-Fi 6 offers over previous standards.
1. Faster speeds for uninterrupted Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 offers significantly higher speeds, with an official rating of 9.6 Gbps, a substantial increase from its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which was rated at 3.5 Gbps. While individual device experiences may not show a three-fold increase in speed, the real advantage lies in the ability to maintain high speeds even with multiple connected devices simultaneously. In contrast to older generations where bandwidth was shared, Wi-Fi 6 ensures consistent performance regardless of device density.
2. Rapid performance in congested environments
Device density can often lead to reduced speeds in traditional Wi-Fi networks. However, Wi-Fi 6 leverages Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology to divide the load when transmitting signals. This enables a single Access Point to communicate with multiple devices concurrently, ensuring efficient and rapid performance even in high-density environments like construction sites.
3. Focused beams for enhanced speed and reliability
Wi-Fi 6 employs Beamforming technology, which allows the signal to be directed specifically toward wireless devices, improving both speed and connection reliability. Instead of a uniform signal spread across an area, Wi-Fi 6 focuses its transmission, resulting in superior performance and stability.
4. Advanced security measures
With the introduction of WPA3, an enhanced security protocol in 2018, Wi-Fi networks gained stronger protection against potential threats. While optional for older Wi-Fi networks, certifications from the Wi-Fi Alliance now mandate the use of WPA3, ensuring a more secure overall environment. WPA3 provides improved encryption, safeguards against hackers, and offers a standardised method for securely onboarding IoT devices.
5. Increased battery life for IoT devices
Reducing power consumption is not only crucial for personal mobile devices but also for IoT sensors deployed on construction sites. Wi-Fi 6's power-efficient standards, including Target Wake Time (TWT), allow more devices to schedule communication with the network. By activating their radio interfaces only when necessary, IoT devices can conserve energy and enable a wider range of small, battery-powered sensors that enhance various aspects of construction site operations.
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