How to ensure wireless network infrastructure supports Wi-Fi 6/6E?

As the use of wireless devices continues to soar in today's hyper-connected world, the FCC recently released 1200 MHz (1.2 GHz) of spectrum for unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band, greatly expanding the amount of bandwidth available to Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies.

For industry and consumers, this next step in the evolution of wireless networks not only accelerates the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), but also promises less interference and lower latency, ultimately meaning higher performance and faster speeds.

The wireless coverage of the 6 GHz band is similar to that of the 5 GHz band, so leading access point (AP) vendors say that 5 GHz technology has been established without the need to further increase the number of APs, change AP locations, or re-perform wireless site surveys for environments with the 5 GHz band.

But that doesn’t mean the change is without consequence. While the number and placement of APs don’t need to change, the cabling infrastructure that connects them together must be prepared to support the higher throughput capabilities of Wi-Fi 6/6E.

Likewise, because industry standards now also recommend uplink capacity of at least 25 Gbps in fiber backbone infrastructure to support increasing Wi-Fi 6/6E traffic and higher speeds, it is more important than ever to follow industry standards and best practices when designing and deploying next-generation wireless network infrastructure.

Wi-Fi 6/6E Infrastructure Checklist

Given the breadth of impending wireless connectivity, wireless APs are now deployed in a wider range of controlled and uncontrolled environments and spaces. Given that they are critical network endpoints in today’s digital world, these devices must be deployed in a way that optimizes coverage while meeting unique and often critical requirements for protection, security, accessibility, code compliance, and aesthetics.

So, consider the following as you take your next steps:

Coverage

To optimize coverage, wireless APs, by their very nature, must be oriented to provide the best line of sight and avoid being blocked by building structures. Therefore, it is critical to deploy them at the proper location and height without being obstructed by wall panels, ceilings, joists, and other ceiling components.

Harsh Environment

For outdoor, near-building deployments, it is important to protect wireless APs from the elements such as rain, snow, sun, and extreme temperatures. Per FCC rules, in the 6 GHz band, only APs designed for outdoor operation may operate outdoors.

Safety

Protecting wireless devices from theft, vandalism, and accidental damage is critical in open locations such as schools, hospitals, and other public places. Wireless AP enclosures in these areas should include locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to the device and supporting infrastructure and comply with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Comply with regulations

Specific types of spaces may have regulatory requirements that need to be met when deploying wireless APs. For example, hospitals and healthcare facilities need to follow an infection control risk assessment (ICRA) procedure to protect patients from any consequences of routine maintenance or major renovation and construction projects in a healthcare environment.

aesthetics

Many commercial buildings are designed to high architectural standards and ceilings and walls must remain aesthetically pleasing. In these cases, wireless designers must plan to meet architectural preferences while also ensuring that wireless APs remain exposed to maintain better coverage.

Installation Notes

In addition to mounting wireless APs horizontally on ceilings or walls to maintain optimal coverage, the proliferation of wireless communications may require that wireless APs be installed in unique locations, such as outdoor environments and/or beneath seats in large sports stadiums.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you will be prepared to address the most pressing Wi-Fi 6/6E needs and make smart, future-proof decisions as the market further evolves.