What if you have high-speed internet but poor coverage within your company?
Imagine having a high-speed internet connection reaching hundreds of megabits per second, yet it fails to reach every corner of your office or factory. This issue is very common, especially in large companies or those spread over wide areas.
In this article, we will delve into this problem and provide practical solutions.
Understanding the Problem: High-Speed Internet vs. Poor Coverage
In many companies, subscriptions to ultra-high-speed internet services are made through providers. However, employees face issues connecting to Wi-Fi within the building. Why does this happen?
The primary reason lies in the internal network design. A traditional router, no matter how powerful, suffers from coverage limitations due to obstacles like thick walls, electrical devices, or even a high density of connected devices. This leads to "dead zones" where the signal is weak or nonexistent.
Poor coverage can significantly impact productivity, as employees waste time searching for a better signal or switching to mobile data. In modern work environments, where everything relies on the internet—from meetings to cloud data storage—this issue can be catastrophic. For example, in a large commercial company, the sales department on the upper floor may suffer from slow loading speeds, while the internet is fast at the main entrance.
This is where Wi-Fi 6 access points come in as a core solution. Wi-Fi 6, or IEEE 802.11ax, is the sixth generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering higher speeds and better efficiency in managing multiple connections. But why is it important? Let’s explore the key details.
What is Wi-Fi 6 and Its Main Benefits?
Wi-Fi 6 was officially launched in 2019 and represents a significant leap compared to previous generations like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Its key features include:
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Higher Speeds: Supports speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, 70% faster than Wi-Fi 5 on both bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz), enabling ultra-fast file downloads and seamless high-definition video streaming.
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Greater Device Support: Thanks to MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, Wi-Fi 6 access points can handle dozens of devices simultaneously without performance degradation. In companies with hundreds of connected devices (phones, computers, IoT devices), this reduces congestion.
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Wider Coverage: Offers broader coverage compared to previous generations, minimizing dead zones. It also includes Beamforming technology, which focuses the signal toward devices rather than distributing it randomly, improving reception over long distances.
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Energy Efficiency: Reduces battery consumption in connected devices, crucial for mobile devices in companies.
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Enhanced Security: Supports WPA3, providing stronger encryption against cyberattacks, protecting company data from breaches.
In a business context, Wi-Fi 6 supports IoT applications, such as smart control systems or security cameras, without impacting the main network.
Mesh Technology: The Optimal Solution for Expanding Coverage
Wi-Fi 6 alone may not suffice for large spaces. This is where Mesh Wi-Fi technology comes in, creating an interconnected network of access points to cover wide areas without sacrificing speed. How does it work?
Mesh technology consists of a main router (Base Router) and multiple additional nodes (Satellites). Each node acts as a signal extender but communicates with others via a dedicated channel (Backhaul), preventing speed drops typical of traditional extenders. Unlike conventional networks, where each extender relies directly on the main router, Mesh nodes form an interconnected network, enabling seamless roaming without connection interruptions.
Benefits of Mesh with Wi-Fi 6 Access Points:
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Comprehensive Coverage: Eliminates dead zones, especially in multi-story buildings or those with thick walls.
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High Performance: With Wi-Fi 6, the network can handle heavy traffic without delays, thanks to OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which divides channels into smaller units for multiple devices.
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Ease of Management: The network can be managed through a single app or centralized interface, with support for QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritize applications.
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Scalability: Add nodes as needed, making it ideal for startups or expanding businesses.
Practical Solution: Wi-Fi 6 Access Points with Mesh Technology
The optimal solution for poor coverage is using Wi-Fi 6 access points supported by Mesh technology. This combination ensures high speed and uniform coverage.
How to Start? Begin by assessing your company’s needs: the number of devices, the size of the space, and the type of obstacles. Then, choose Mesh-supported access points, such as those from Grandstream, a leading provider of networking solutions.
Example 1: Grandstream GWN7664
The GWN7664 is a Wi-Fi 6 access point from Grandstream, designed for high-density environments like large companies or multi-story buildings. Its key features include:
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Total speed of 3.55 Gbps with 4x4:4 MU-MIMO support.
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Coverage up to 175 meters, supporting over 750 concurrent clients.
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Full Mesh technology support, enabling an interconnected network with other points to expand coverage without performance loss.
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Advanced security with WPA3 and centralized management via GDMS for unlimited AP management.
Example 2: Grandstream GWN7660
The GWN7660 is a more cost-effective option for medium-sized businesses, with a speed of 1.77 Gbps and support for over 250 clients. It supports Beamforming and OFDMA and can be integrated into a Mesh network via centralized management (up to 50 APs). Its coverage reaches 175 meters, with high security and advanced QoS.
In an office scenario, the GWN7660 can serve as a base with additional nodes to cover multiple floors, resolving weak signal issues in remote rooms.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Perfect Network
If your internet is high-speed but coverage is weak, the solution lies in Wi-Fi 6 access points with Mesh technology. With Modn Telecom, you can get expert consultation and swift implementation. Don’t let a weak network hinder your growth—contact us today to transform your company into a fully connected environment.