5G needs new Wi-Fi tech to succeed, Cisco says

As the tech industry talks up 5G networks, Cisco Systems Inc. says the coming revolution in connectivity will depend in large part on something perhaps unremarkable: Wi-Fi.

A new version of the ubiquitous short-range connection technology, called WiFi 6, is set to be launched this year, and its backers say it can connect more devices to a single access point, with faster data transfers and quicker response times, providing a powerful underpinning for 5G networks.

The key to seamless switching: better WiFi

Gordon Thomson, vice president of enterprise networking sales at Cisco, said that while 4G brought mobile high-speed Internet to consumers, little effort was made to make it compatible with WiFi, which reduced its potential to transform business. This time, he said, with two new technologies, 5G and WiFi 6, debuting later this year, the network will be filled with electronics that can communicate with other electronic devices, not just smartphones. Among them, WiFi will be crucial.

"To date, we have connected people and devices," said Gordon Thomson. Now, he said, we are entering a world of interconnectedness. I believe it will drive the coming business transformation.

Cisco is one of the world's largest equipment manufacturers and the backbone of enterprise networks and the Internet. Cisco estimates that 50% of Internet data traffic is transmitted over WiFi. Mobile phones need to be able to switch seamlessly between cellular networks and WiFi, and wireless access points will become more important.

Cisco, one of the leading vendors of such access points to enterprises, is offering new WiFi 6 access equipment, a core switch that will better direct traffic, and is working with companies such as Samsung Electronics to ensure roaming between phones and WiFi is seamless, Thomson said.

Reza Rasoulian, who oversees connectivity deployments for cruise operators at Carnival Corp., said the company’s passengers are bringing more connected devices on board and demanding better service. A large ship will have as many as 5,000 access points to meet that demand, he said.

He said the company is looking for new network technologies to help it deploy fewer wireless routers and enable automated services such as tracking, baggage and ship management, among other aspects. This is especially difficult because wireless technology faces tough challenges, including high demand and lots of radio interference. He said new WiFi 6 improvements and new management features, such as the ability to more carefully track data traffic and usage, will help deployments.