Wi-Fi: Helping you get connected
Getting connected and staying connected to the internet is an essential part of all spheres of life and without it companies would find it challenging to operate. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that facilitates the connection to your local area network and supports the sharing of information by devices. This gives organisations more flexibility in positioning devices and people within offices as they are no longer dependent on plugging into a structured cabling connection.
With untethered access to documents, emails, applications, and other resources, employees can roam where they need to and still have access to resources for getting the job done. It makes it easier for companies to expand and for staff to work in areas that may have been challenging to reach with the wired network. Wi-Fi makes it easier for organisations to provide guest access for their customers and business partners without compromising the security of their main network.
We have the technical know-how to install and implement an effective Wi-Fi network so you have seamless connectivity across all your devices.
Making the connection
The most common way for users to connect to the Internet wirelessly is with a desktop wireless (Wi-Fi) router. These routers look like small boxes with multiple short antennas to help broadcast the signal throughout a home or workplace. The users proximity to the Wi-Fi router will affect bandwidth and throughput due to dissipation of signal the further away the user is.
To improve connectivity across a site it is important to have multiple wireless access points. A wireless access point is similar to an amplifier within your home sound system. An access point takes the bandwidth coming from a router and repeats it so that many devices can connect to the network throughout your home or business premises. Wireless access points provide more than simply extending Wi-Fi connections, they can also give useful data about the devices on the network, provide proactive security, bluetooth connectivity to IoT devices and serve many other practical purposes.
Wi-Fi 7: The new era of connectivity
The IEEE 802.11 standard defines the protocols that enable communications with current Wi-Fi-enabled wireless devices, including wireless routers and wireless access points. Wireless access points support different IEEE standards. The standards operate on varying frequencies, deliver different bandwidth, and support different numbers of channels.
The latest standard is Wi-Fi 7. This provides organisations with the ability to have more efficient networks as well as faster connections, while also providing effective cybersecurity. The rise of cloud computing, AI, IoT, as well as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) that require higher bandwidths, has been a key driver in the development of Wi-fi 7. The first release of Wi-Fi 7 was in spring 2024.
The standard provides organisations with the ability to have more efficient networks as well as faster connections, while also providing effective cybersecurity. The rise of cloud computing, AI, IoT, as well as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality that require higher bandwidths, has been a key driver in the development of Wi-fi 7. The key benefits of Wi-fi 7 are reduced latency and buffering, which means networks are better able to cope with the demand for seamless access but also provides the opportunity for VR and AR to be used more widely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology that enables digital devices within a certain area to communicate via radio waves.
It is a trademark that refers to the wireless technology called IEEE 802.11. The term is used to describe the family of 802.11 specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN technology. As the specification is incrementally refined, the previous specification becomes a defacto standard or “protocol”. A Wi-Fi protocol (802.11N, for example) defines a number of factors such as how the data being sent and received is shaped, operating frequency (e.g. 2.4GHz or 5GHz), channels available, data stream speed, and MHz bandwidth. The protocol further specifies how wireless error checking and retransmission is accomplished. In order for two Wi-Fi devices to communicate with each other, they must both support the same protocol.
How does Wi-Fi work?
The IEEE 802.11 standard defines the protocols that enable communications with current Wi-Fi-enabled wireless devices, including wireless routers and wireless access points. The standards operate on varying frequencies, deliver different bandwidth, and support different numbers of channels. The latest standard is Wi-Fi 7.
What is a wireless access point?
A wireless access point (AP) allows wireless devices to connect to the wireless network. An access point takes the bandwidth coming from a router or switch and repeats it so that many devices can connect to the network from further away.
What is a wireless or desktop Wi-Fi router?
Wireless routers are commonly found in homes. They are the hardware devices that Internet service providers install or dispatch to allow you to connect to the Internet.
What is a mobile hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a common feature on smartphones with both tethered and untethered connections. When you turn on your phone’s mobile hotspot, you share your internet connection with other devices.
What is a wired network connection?
A wired network connection is generally used for permanent devices that are not mobile to enable access to a local area network (LAN).
What is the disadvantage of a network cable?
A network cable would require well planned installation and routing, especially in a business environment. In some cases, installation may be impossible without a basement, attic or access to the framework of the building during construction.
What is the advantage of Wi-Fi?
The advantage of Wi-Fi is that the wireless technology can go where cable can’t. It is less expensive than building a cabled network and is generally fast enough for most applications. Additionally, the wireless technology allows greater accessibility so by definition provides connectivity to more people and devices.
Is Wi-Fi going to replace wires?
Wired and Wi-Fi technologies generally need to co-exist. For example, a wireless access point needs power and the ability to transmit data back and forth to the switch or router.
When should you have a wired connection?
When a network connection requires maximum speed and stability, that connection should be wired. For example, if you have security cameras, gaming PC’s, gaming consoles and devices used for high quality entertainment like 4K video streaming. Additionally, if a device is permanently in one location, our advice would be for it to be hard-wired to the network.
What is the Wi-Fi Alliance?
The Wi-Fi Alliance is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi. Its vision is to connect everyone and everything, everywhere. Its work includes development of Wi-Fi technologies, requirements, and programs that promote a robust global Wi-Fi ecosystem.
What is the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA)?
The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) brings together a broad range of individuals and organizations from a wide range of technical and geographic points of origin to facilitate standards development and standards related collaboration. With collaborative thought leaders in more than 160 countries, we promote innovation, enable the creation and expansion of international markets and help protect health and public safety. Collectively, our work drives the functionality, capabilities and interoperability of a wide range of products and services that transform the way people live, work, and communicate.