Companies frequently underutilize their network’s true potential. When deploying WiFi, the focus often remains narrowly on connecting basic devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets, while the network’s broader capabilities are overlooked.
Businesses have diverse needs requiring multiple wireless solutions tailored to specific use cases and aligned with their work requirements.
Many people believe they must choose a single solution, but a holistic view of the entire network is essential, especially when considering wireless solutions.
For instance, the initial perception of private 4G and 5G anticipated they would be universal solutions. However, a complete migration rarely makes sense. WiFI is universally present, and surprisingly, LoRa is also common in both business and residential settings, frequently used for lighting, thermostat systems, and Amazon Sidewalk. LoRa serves as the primary connectivity for devices lacking Bluetooth. While Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) gains popularity, LoRa is integrated into numerous devices, including Alexa often integrated in businesses via a WiFi gateway.
The widespread adoption and understanding of WiFi make it a fundamental element of both home and business wireless networks. After all, who doesn’t have WiFi? Consequently, network deployments often prioritize WiFi solutions due to customer familiarity and their reasonable implementation and maintenance costs.
In contrast, private LTE and 5G involve higher initial and ongoing expenses, making them suitable primarily for solutions demanding high security and reliability.
A significant challenge today is to maximize total network value. This can often be met with resistance when proposing network expansion or upgrades. as network transformation requires sufficient budget. However, justifying expenditures typically can be accomplished by demonstrating a direct link to revenue generation or cost savings. Regardless of the impetus, financial justification is paramount.
Network Transformation
If you have the budget or a reason to make changes, view it as a network transformation, rather than a simple upgrade which might undervalue the necessary work. Too often, minimal changes lead to further modifications within a year or two due to shortsightedness, creating a cycle that can eventually lead to stagnation.
You’re likely planning an update anyway, right? Ensure you consider all your needs, including wireless and all relevant use cases.
If you are not leveraging WiFi 6E or 7 to utilize the newly available 6GHz spectrum, you’re missing out on significant improvements in throughput and loading. WiFi 7’s ultrawide 320MHz channels will greatly benefit bandwidth-intensive users. These upgrades, along with others, will greatly enhance existing capabilities. Think beyond just laptops to encompass all connectable devices, such as equipment in a manufacturing setting, alongside employee devices, data files, and guest networks.
Today, we have the ability to connect more devices than ever before. Why not make the most of it and connect as much as you can with your wireless?
Connectivity is great for all use cases, but including Internet of Things (IoT) technology and devices, you will have the ability to demonstrate a greater return on investment for your network.
You likely have environmental and lighting control, integrated alarms, and monitoring equipment for alerts, updates, and outages, possibly even tracking relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Expanding connections beyond these most obvious capabilities is the logical next step.
IoT devices can cover almost anything. Think about sales systems, inventory updates, scanning in equipment or credit cards, RFID tracking, vibration monitoring systems, cameras. The list could be endless depending on your specific business.
For IoT, you could use your existing network and for challenging areas, consider adding HaLow, with its lower spectrum, for extended coverage and better penetration.
The connected device may determine which wireless network you can use. The end device you need is likely configured for one technology. For example, scanning and monitoring devices use LoRa while cameras are generally WiFi. BLE may be a solution whereas some equipment may be private LTE.
The good news is that LoRa devices employ WiFi gateways, a standard integration method shared by other technologies, so connectivity is not a significant complication. While managing an extra device must be considered, the final, integrated network will address all your operational demands.
When planning your network transformation, consider these points:
Ensure the planning phase includes the solution from beginning to end along with scaling options. And don’t be afraid to bring in help when needed.
Specific Use Cases
With a clearer understanding of available and diminishing limitations, we can now examine specific business use cases.
Most IT professionals think the network is just there to support workers and guests, but it is a powerful tool that can increase automation and reduce limitations. It should be viewed as a way to save overhead costs.
When setting up for a specific business, how do you see the network? Do you use all the tools available when planning the network transformation and conducting upgrades?
Data: Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets
We all know this is the primary use of WiFi. While the coverage may not be ideal, you can add plenty of hotspots indoors as well as mesh radios to extend the coverage.
Most teams are looking at network transformation now that WiFi 7 is available and the 6GHz spectrum is available to WiFi in the US. This is opening more bandwidth than ever before. Now you can improve reliability, throughput, and loading all with new spectrum. This adds more value to the network as well as improving the quality of experience for end-users.
Devices: Cameras, Sensors, and Controls
We have some of these capabilities riding on today’s WiFi networks. We may have lighting controls and thermostats already connected with the ability to monitor and control those systems from a central location. We also want to install thermostats and light switches anywhere without running wires.
Cameras are also desired in most places for safety, security, or data. This is another thing that is being added to every business in one way or another.
What about sales systems? We want our cash registers, credit card machines, and inventory management systems all connected to the network. They must be and the opportunity to make these systems mobile creates entirely new efficiencies. We can move them almost anywhere thanks to WiFi.
If extended coverage is needed, WiFi HaLow’s lower spectrum provides better penetration and range, opening new connectivity possibilities.
Even battery-powered end devices benefit from WiFi HaLow’s improved power profile making it ideal for expanding networks to remote areas or temporary setups. The availability of diverse WiFi options provides flexibility and cost-effective network utilization.
Manufacturing Solutions
Manufacturing environments often involve numerous connected workers, which necessitates both secure and open network segments.
A dedicated public network for employees and visitors is essential, alongside reliable wireless connections for manufacturing equipment. Real-time monitoring, configuration updates, and continuous operation with planned maintenance are critical. Determining the appropriate network – WiFi, LoRa, or private LTE/5G – may depend on the equipment OEM’s specifications. In such cases, working backward from the device requirements is necessary. WiFi or LoRa offer simpler out-of-the-box connectivity, while private LTE/5G involves more complex network building and spectrum considerations.
Regardless of the technology, thorough design for coverage, throughput, connectivity, and security is paramount. Consider the growing importance of 3D printing in design and manufacturing, which typically relies on WiFi or wired connections, again emphasizing the need to align the wireless network with the end device’s requirements for bandwidth and continuous connectivity for sending configurations and real-time monitoring.
Inventory and Logistics Solutions
This is something that all businesses that handle products or packages must take care of. The question is how far can they monitor each item? Will it just be in the inventory on the distribution center racking or on a pallet awaiting shipping or all the way to the end destination?
Each use case will require a specific solution. Some may need multiple solutions to track properly.
Warehouses have one solution and delivery has another while manufacturing will have yet another. If you do more than one of these, then you need to pull them all together. Will you use RFID to track it in the warehouse? Will you use LoRa or WiFi to track it across the warehouse? Will you use something else to track it across the country?
These are all considerations when putting the network together to solve this problem.
Medical Solutions
IoT describes a vast network of interconnected devices. Within healthcare, this evolves into the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), a specialized category focused on interconnected medical devices, software, and health systems. These technologies collect, analyze, and transmit health data, aiming to improve delivery, outcomes, and efficiency. IoMT includes wearables, remote monitoring devices like infusion pumps, advanced imaging systems (such as MRI machines), and smart hospital beds. The increasing use of these devices is transforming healthcare.
This growing IoMT reliance makes hospital WiFi critical for patient care. Unlike general IoT, IoMT device failure due to unreliable WiFi can have severe consequences. Imagine a malfunctioning insulin pump or a missed critical alert. Stable WiFi is vital for timely interventions and patient safety.
As hospitals integrate IoMT, robust WiFi is paramount. Addressing weak signals, inadequate bandwidth, and facility-related disruptions is crucial. Proactive maintenance, prioritized bandwidth for medical devices, and continuous monitoring are essential. In the IoMT era, a hospital’s wireless network is a lifeline, demanding top reliability for safe and effective modern healthcare.
Network Monitoring
A key objective is preventing outages in continuously operating plants with constantly monitored equipment. Amazon’s Monitron solution, utilizing LoRa with WiFi gateways, exemplifies proactive monitoring by detecting potential equipment failures through vibration analysis. Integrating such solutions can enable predictive maintenance. Tracking uptime, downtime, and throughput is also essential for proactive network planning through regular report reviews, which is preferable to reacting to complaints.
A Network Operations Center (NOC) can significantly contribute to this effort. While software monitoring has its place, larger networks often benefit from a dedicated team overseeing network health. If considering outsourcing for these services, choosing a trustworthy team is crucial.
Getting Expert Wireless Networking and Comprehensive IoT Support
When seeking a reliable partner for your wireless networking and IoT needs, look no further than Wifinium. As a complete end-to-end solution, Wifinium guides companies through every stage from initial design and seamless integration to final acceptance and ongoing management, all supported by its US-based NOC. The highly trained team excels at evaluating complex technical challenges, integrating cutting-edge core technologies, and orchestrating project execution with precision. With a strong focus on wireless communications, networking, and security, Wifinium ensures post-integration experience is smooth and efficient.
Wifinium’s experienced professionals design, build, and manage wireless networks of any scale, whether indoor or outdoor, bringing in-depth knowledge of wireless and network design and implementation. Extensive experience spans diverse sectors, including education, transportation, government, and large venues, all actively adopting IoT technologies. Boasting a project team with more than 200 years of combined expertise, Wifinium offers unparalleled capabilities in wireless network design, implementation, integration, testing, and turn-up.
Wifinium provides a comprehensive suite of solutions encompassing managed WiFi services, cable carrier WiFi, CBRS/point-to-multipoint distribution, point-to-point backhaul, and a full spectrum of NOC services, including live event and network monitoring, KPI tracking, remote and onsite support, and managed IT services. Furthermore, its networking and security offerings include CIO/CISO services, network and security assessments, network design and engineering, and telecommunications (VoIP) solutions.
At Wifinium, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Whether you have questions about our services, need assistance with an ongoing project, or simply want to learn more about what we do, our team is ready to assist you. Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss how Wifinium can elevate your connectivity experience.
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