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5 questions to answer before deploying Wi-Fi 6

The Wi-FI 6 measure (802.11ax) is bringing many exciting improvements to Wi-Fi that make it an enticing discretion. These include despatch in the form of real-world multi-gigabit wireless junctions but also support for high-density networks like those in stadiums. However it will take some careful reflection and planning to know when to take the leap to Wi-Fi 6.

Wi-Fi resources

  • How-to measure enterprise Wi-Fi despatchs
  • Test and review of 4 Wi-Fi 6 routers: Whos the fastest?
  • How to determine if Wi-Fi 6 is right for you
  • Wi-Fi 6E: When its coming and what its good for

Do you need the despatch?

To make multi-gigabit wireless despatchs practicable most Wi-Fi 6 approach points (AP) ship with a 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps LAN junction since almost all Wi-Fi 5 APs have a 1Gbps interface. Connecting a Wi-Fi 6 AP to a typical gigabit network is practicable but will bottleneck the despatchs of the Wi-Fi so clients wont be able to substantiate junction despatchs over 1Gbps to the inner LAN or internet.

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On the other hand you might not need such fast Wi-Fi-approach despatchs. For accidental Wi-Fi usage by smartphones and laptops in an service you probably dont. But it would help on networks with a high-density of users or those with sentient or high-throughput applications like streaming 4K videos – especially if the full is coming from within the LAN instead of the Internet.

Is your wired network prompt?

Evaluate your running network to see what needs upgrading on the wired side in order to get the multi-gigabit support. Heres what to look for:

  • Switches: Check the ultimatum data rate supported by any switches located between the APs and the router. If the Wi-Fi clients will be approaching network shares on the LAN pursue the path that the commerce will journey and evaluate those switches as well.
  • Power-over-Ethernet: If using PoE via the switch or outer injectors to faculty the APs check which PoE measure and data rates they support. Keep in mind that most Wi-Fi 6 APs will demand yielding with at smallest the PoE+ measure (802.3at). Though some APs will support the legacy PoE measure (802.3af) it will usually lessen the accomplishment of the AP and most likely only support a ultimatum data rate of 1Gbps. For future-proofing your PoE attend the newer PoE++ measure (802.3bt) if its useful on a switch or injector.
  • Cabling: To get better than 1Gbps on the wired side you need