As hotel marketers, one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to curating a positive guest experience is providing fast and reliable internet connections. With increasing numbers of guests relying on Wi-Fi for online activities like streaming entertainment and video conferencing, investing in a well-equipped network can be key to customer satisfaction. If you are considering an upgrade or new installation of network equipment, then it’s worth taking some time to become familiar with Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) and its successor Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax). In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between them and how they can benefit the hospitality industry’s networking needs.
Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6: How Are They Different From Each Other?
In recent years, WiFi technology has advanced significantly, leading to the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax. Wi-Fi 5 or 802.11ac is the previous generation wireless standard that has been around since 2013. Both standards are still in use today, and understanding the differences between the two can help you make the best choice for your hospitality business. Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 are the fifth and sixth generations of wireless network technology, respectively.
Generally speaking, they both offer higher data throughputs than their predecessors while using the same 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency ranges. The main difference between the two is that Wi-Fi 6 uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for increased spectral efficiency and lower latency as compared to Wi-Fi 5 which does not make use of this technology. Wi-Fi 6’s uplink/downlink MU-MIMO is capable of providing higher data rates over longer distances – up to 8x faster than its predecessor in some cases. While this new technology requires new hardware to take advantage of its capabilities, it can be a huge benefit for individuals or businesses with high bandwidth requirements.
Here are differences between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6:
Bandwidth:
Wi-Fi 6 provides more bandwidth than Wi-Fi 5, with the ability to support up to 9.6 Gbps, compared to 3.5 Gbps for Wi-Fi 5.
Channels:
Wi-Fi 6 provides support for a larger number of channels than Wi-Fi 5. This means more devices can be connected without experiencing congestion.
Latency:
Wi-Fi 6 has lower latency than Wi-Fi 5, which makes it a better choice for real-time applications like video conferencing and online gaming.
MU-MIMO:
Wi-Fi 6 includes Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology, which enables multiple devices to be served simultaneously on the same frequency, providing faster speeds for all devices.
OFDMA:
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is another new technology introduced with Wi-Fi 6 that allows multiple devices to be served simultaneously on the same frequency, leading to more efficient use of the available spectrum.
Beamforming:
Wi-Fi 6 supports advanced beamforming technology, which helps to direct signals to connected devices, leading to better coverage and performance.
Power Efficiency:
Wi-Fi 6 is more power-efficient than Wi-Fi 5, leading to longer battery life for connected devices.
Backward Compatibility:
Both Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 are backward compatible, which means that devices using earlier standards can still connect to networks using these new standards.
Availability:
Wi-Fi 5 has been widely adopted and is available in a wide range of devices. Wi-Fi 6 is still relatively new, but its availability is increasing rapidly.
Cost:
Wi-Fi 6 routers and devices are currently more expensive than Wi-Fi 5 equivalents.
Benefits Of Upgrading To The Latest Wi-Fi 6 Technology
Upgrading to the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology offers several significant benefits, making it a compelling choice for businesses and individuals looking to improve their wireless network performance and capabilities:
Reduced Congestion:
- Wi-Fi 6 routers can better manage and schedule data transmissions, reducing interference and congestion on the network. This leads to more consistent and reliable performance, especially in busy environments.
Better Streaming and Online Gaming:
- Wi-Fi 6’s improved speed and lower latency make it an excellent choice for streaming high-definition content and online gaming. Buffering and lag are significantly reduced, providing a seamless entertainment experience.
Multi-Gigabit Internet:
- Some Wi-Fi 6 routers come equipped with Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for faster wired connections. This can be advantageous for devices like gaming consoles or workstations that require a wired connection for maximum speed and stability.
Seamless Roaming:
- Wi-Fi 6 introduces technologies like BSS Transition Management, which enables devices to seamlessly switch between access points as you move through your home or office. This ensures a continuous connection without interruption.
Management and Analytics:
- Many Wi-Fi 6 routers and access points come with advanced management and analytics tools, allowing you to monitor and optimize your network’s performance. This is particularly useful for IT professionals and businesses looking to maintain a high-quality network.
Support for IoT Applications:
- The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly expanding, and Wi-Fi 6 is well-suited to handle the diverse requirements of IoT devices, from smart home gadgets to industrial sensors. It provides a reliable and efficient platform for managing IoT ecosystems.
Upgradeable Devices:
- While Wi-Fi 6 is a significant improvement over previous standards, it’s also part of a broader Wi-Fi 6E ecosystem, which includes support for the 6 GHz band. As regulators open up the 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6E devices will become available, offering even faster speeds and less interference.
Future Applications:
- Wi-Fi 6 is designed to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 4K/8K video streaming. Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 prepares your network to handle these advanced applications seamlessly.
Environmental Benefits:
- Wi-Fi 6’s energy-efficient features not only extend battery life in devices but also contribute to reducing energy consumption, making it a greener choice for environmentally conscious users and organizations.
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 technology offers a wide range of benefits, including faster speeds, improved capacity, better security, and enhanced efficiency. It’s an investment that can significantly improve your network performance and meet the evolving connectivity needs of both consumers and businesses. Whether you’re upgrading a home network or an enterprise-level infrastructure, Wi-Fi 6 is a forward-looking choice that can provide substantial long-term advantages.
Optimizing Wireless Networks For Hospitality Businesses
Hospitality businesses need to ensure their wireless networks are optimized in order to provide the best possible customer experience. To do this, ensuring a strong signal is of utmost importance as weak signals can cause frustration for guests who are reliant on a reliable connection. Hospitality businesses should ensure their network capabilities match the demand of their guests, such as providing enough bandwidth to support those streaming or playing high graphics-dependent games.
Networks must be regularly monitored for any misuse or breaches of security, and be updated with the latest security features available. Finally, hospitality businesses should extend free access to attract more business while keeping their customers safe and satisfied at the same time. By creating an optimized wireless network that meets all these needs, hospitality business owners can ensure they stand above the competition and provide excellent customer service every step of the way.
Security Considerations When Using Wireless Networks
Security is a paramount concern when using wireless networks, as they can be susceptible to various threats and vulnerabilities. Here are key security considerations to keep in mind when using wireless networks:
Encryption:
- WPA3: Ensure that your wireless network is secured with the latest encryption standard, WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3). It provides stronger encryption and protection against brute force attacks compared to its predecessors.
Strong Passwords and Authentication:
- Complex Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your wireless network and change them regularly. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA for access to your wireless network or router’s management interface.
SSID Broadcasting:
- Disable SSID Broadcasting: By default, wireless routers broadcast their network names (SSIDs) to make it easier for devices to connect. However, disabling SSID broadcasting can add an extra layer of security by making your network less visible to casual attackers.
Network Segmentation:
- Guest Network: Separate your network into different segments, such as a guest network and a private network. This isolates guest devices from your sensitive data and devices.
Firewalls:
- Enable Firewalls: Ensure that your wireless router’s firewall is enabled and properly configured to filter incoming and outgoing traffic. Consider using an additional network firewall for added protection.
Firmware Updates:
- Regular Updates: Keep your wireless router’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve overall performance.
MAC Address Filtering:
- MAC Filtering: Implement MAC address filtering to allow only specific devices to connect to your network. While this is not foolproof (as MAC addresses can be spoofed), it adds an extra layer of access control.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS):
- Use IDS/IPS: Consider using intrusion detection and prevention systems to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and block potential threats.
Wireless Isolation:
- Client Isolation: Enable client isolation to prevent devices on the same network from communicating with each other. This can help mitigate certain types of attacks, such as those involving malware spreading within the network.
User Education:
- Security Awareness: Educate users (employees or family members) about safe Wi-Fi practices, such as not connecting to open or untrusted networks and avoiding suspicious links or downloads.
VLANs and Network Segmentation:
- Virtual LANs (VLANs): Implement VLANs to segment your network into smaller, isolated segments. This adds an extra layer of security by limiting lateral movement for attackers.
Third-Party Security Software:
- Antivirus and Antimalware: Install and regularly update antivirus and antimalware software on all connected devices to protect against malware threats.
Remote Access:
- Secure Remote Access: If you need to access your network remotely, use secure methods like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to ensure encrypted and authenticated connections.
Backup and Recovery:
- Regular Backups: Back up your router’s configuration settings and important network data regularly, so you can quickly recover from security incidents or hardware failures.
By implementing these security measures and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with wireless network usage and create a safer and more secure network environment.
Configure Routers & Access Points
Configuring routers and access points to deliver optimal performance can be a tricky task. This is because the onboard settings come with only limited functions and features, so tailoring these settings properly according to your usage needs becomes paramount. Fortunately there are some sure-fire ways to configure routers and access points for the best possible performance, such as optimizing features like QoS and port forwarding, configuring the device channel settings (including enabling MIMO technology) and ensuring that basic security settings are correctly enabled.
With these steps in place, you should see considerable improvement in network performance, including faster speeds and stable connections.
Which Is Better For The Hospitality Industry?
Wi-Fi is critical for the hospitality industry, as guests expect a seamless and fast connection during their stay. Both Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 have their advantages, but Wi-Fi 6 is the better choice for the hospitality industry because it offers:
Better bandwidth and coverage, which is essential for providing guests with high-speed and reliable internet access.
Improved support for multiple devices, which is essential in a hotel where guests may have multiple devices.
Low latency, which is essential for applications like video conferencing, which may be used by business travelers.
Better power efficiency, which is essential for mobile devices that guests bring with them.
In addition to the key differences between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, there are several other factors to consider when choosing which standard to implement in your hospitality business:
Density of Devices:
Wi-Fi 6 is designed to handle a higher density of devices than Wi-Fi 5. In the hospitality industry, this is particularly important since guests may bring multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
Security:
Wi-Fi 6 includes the latest security protocols, such as WPA3, which provide better protection against hacking and other security threats. This is essential in the hospitality industry, where guests expect a high level of security when connecting to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network.
Smart Homes:
With the rise of smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, door locks, and lighting systems, Wi-Fi 6 is a better choice since it can support a larger number of devices and is better at handling the multiple connections required for smart homes.
Gaming:
Wi-Fi 6 is better for online gaming since it provides lower latency and can handle a higher density of devices, allowing multiple players to connect to the same network without experiencing lag or interference.
Future-Proofing:
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard, which means it is more likely to be supported by new devices and technologies that will be introduced in the future.
In conclusion, Wi-Fi 6 is the better choice for the hospitality industry since it provides better bandwidth, coverage, security, and support for multiple devices. While the upfront cost of upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 may be higher, the benefits of providing a better guest experience and future-proofing your network make it a worthwhile investment.
Comprehensive Hospitality Offerings
By using PhoneSuite’s Direct hospitality products and services, you can expect to experience improved guest satisfaction, greater cost savings, and enhanced business efficiency. With their award-winning customer service team at your disposal, you can rest assured that no matter what the challenge, they will be there to provide the support you need. If you are looking for a partner in hyper-modernizing your hospitality business, then look no further than PhoneSuite.
Their suite of tools and solutions offers a proven track record of reliability and innovation that can help optimize guest accommodations for all types of businesses. With its comprehensive hospitality offerings, PhoneSuite is the go-to option for modern hospitality services. Make sure to reach out today and discover how their solutions can work for you!
