A new Wi-Fi upgrade could improve connectivity in emerging markets

For many enterprises, a slow internet connection can hamper business. The average workplace now consists of various Wi-Fi-connected devices like laptops and smartphones, all of which are usually linked to a handful of routers within the same building.

This load can cause internet connection speeds to slow down significantly, leading to connectivity issues, decreased productivity, and a limited ability to access information.

It’s also just really frustrating for both the employees at these companies and the end consumers who use their products – after all, why bother trying to buy something online when it takes forever to load the listings?

In emerging markets with underdeveloped Wi-Fi infrastructures like Indonesia, where internet speeds are at 200 Mbps on average, the situation is even worse.

The answer to the problems created by an increased load on routers could be Wi-Fi 6.

A Wi-Fi upgrade

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest iteration of the set of local area network protocols that enable access to the internet. The technology supports 4x higher network bandwidth and user concurrency compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5, explains Tony Shi, the chief technology officer of Southern Pacific enterprise networking solutions at Huawei.

Tony Shi, chief technology officer of Southern Pacific enterprise networking solutions at Huawei / Photo credit: Huawei

The key draw of Wi-Fi 6 is that it enables more devices to use the same network without things slowing down.

Additionally, if the network realizes that it is only sending a small amount of data in a transmission, it can use the remaining bandwidth to send information to other devices on the network.

All of this helps users get more out of every transmission from their router.

The benefits of this are most tangible in offices, where multiple devices – all requiring large amounts of data to be transmitted – are connected to the same network.

However, Wi-Fi 6 can be useful outside of offices as well.

“[Warehouses] can improve their operation efficiency and lower the safety risk of their staff in the warehouse of their distribution center in the logistics industry through the use of automatic guided vehicles,” says Shi.

Wi-Fi 6 could also enable logistics companies to use the internet of things to track packages within a warehouse or storage area.

Impact on emerging markets

Developing countries are often home to manufacturing plants and producers of raw materials, and having accurate delivery information would boost efficiency.

However, most existing Wi-Fi infrastructures in these markets are unable to cope with the sheer amount of devices required for IoT to be implemented effectively. Wi-Fi 6 would make an immense difference.

Photo credit: ximagination / 123RF

Additionally, due to its ability to handle connectivity with a much higher number of devices, the tech can be deployed by governments to provide better internet services in public areas. This will be especially helpful for the developing world, where only 44.7% of people have access to and are using the internet.

By providing free or cheap Wi-Fi in public areas such as community centers and libraries, people who would have otherwise been unable to afford home Wi-Fi or personal mobile data plans would be able to use online services for things like job applications or online shopping.

A wireless future

Having better internet connectivity can drive productivity and boost company efficiency.

As developing markets continue working toward improved online access, Wi-Fi 6 will go a long way in ensuring that businesses and governments are able to take full advantage of the internet. It will also minimize the need for complex, wired infrastructures to deliver better internet services.

“The biggest contribution of Wi-Fi is to liberate people from traditional, wired networks and to provide convenient network services for individual users and social organizations,” says Shi.

Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology infrastructure and smart devices. Its Huawei AirEngine Wi-Fi 6 product helps enterprises build Wi-Fi 6 networks, enabling them to move toward a fully connected, intelligent world.

Find out more about Wi-Fi 6 and how it benefits your enterprise business by watching Huawei’s webinar here.