The COVID-19 pandemic has changed considerably the way we live and work, pushing more and more people toward remote working as the safest bet for staying employed. This, in turn, has demonstrated the fact that we rely on Wi-Fi networks for both work and play. Demand for good Wi-Fi connections is probably bigger than ever before, as more and more people join the ranks of those working from home, using various apps and platforms to perform their daily tasks. Companies everywhere have started to cut back on the number of meetings, while work travel is at an all-time low, but this does not mean people are communicating less than usual. Since we live in the digital age, we have come to rely on our digital tools even more.
This trend has increased the need for better Wi-Fi infrastructure, especially in larger offices or homes. But just how great is this need for better, more secure wireless infrastructure, and what are the solutions we should be looking into? Should we rely on conventional Wi-Fi routers or opt for mesh networking systems?
The Growing Need for Speed
In April 2020, global tech market advisory firm ABI Research studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall Wi-Fi infrastructure. According to the firm, the pandemic influenced the way people around the world work, and as more and more started working remotely, the existing infrastructure proved inadequate.
“The hope, of course, is that the impact of COVID-19 will be very short-lived and that people will be able to return to work, school, and normality as swiftly as possible. In the longer term, today’s necessities could lead to an increased desire and testbed for flexible and remote working and learning in the future, while companies may shift marketing and business resources away from conference-centric approaches toward new online and virtual marketing tools, particularly as additional concerns grow over the impact of climate change via international travel,” said Andrew Zignani, Principal Analyst at ABI Research. However, with effective treatment or vaccine still missing and a virus that’s still spreading around the world, there is an increasing need for better, more reliable Wi-Fi infrastructure and higher speed.
Mesh Wi-Fi System vs. Conventional Routers
While conventional routers do have limitations, especially when it comes to larger offices and properties, a mesh Wi-Fi system is actually a wireless internet structure that uses one main router and numerous nodes, reducing lags and improving coverage.
These nodes are specially designed to provide service even in the areas the main router doesn’t usually reach, making the mesh Wi-Fi system the perfect alternative to conventional routers in bigger spaces, or in those areas of the house that struggle to get connectivity. As a bonus, a mesh keeps all the nodes within a single network, meaning that users will continue to use a single SSID and password for Wi-Fi access. However, while a mesh Wi-Fi system may be the answer for a large home or office, it is by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. As research proved, a regular router can actually be more adequate than a pricey mesh system for a compact home of approximately 2,300 square feet.
What About Wi-Fi 6?
While opting for either conventional routers or mesh Wi-Fi systems may have more to do with the size of the property than strategic decision making, Wi-Fi 6 can also be considered as a solution to some connectivity issues. Just like 5G provided a better experience in cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 is said to provide better internet connectivity, including faster performance and safer infrastructure for companies around the world.
However, upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 may be the best cost-effective option for smaller properties that can be covered by a single router, according to recent tests. Single unit users may see an increasing performance improvement at affordable prices, while those who prefer mesh systems may be faced with a more difficult decision. With mesh Wi-Fi systems being relatively new themselves, users are not likely to upgrade in the near future, while impulse investments are hardly advisable in difficult times. An equally important aspect that users should consider before upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 is the actual devices they use. Older phones and laptops will not support Wi-Fi 6, and those who prefer to keep using these devices may want to also postpone any upgrade to Wi-Fi 6.
The COVID-19 pandemic has a lingering impact on our daily lives, and the transition from traditional to remote working is no exception. This has caused multiple other changes along the way, as it becomes clear that we’re relying on technology, multiple platforms, apps, and reliable Wi-Fi networks to overcome the consequences of working from home. We are forced to admit that our current technology is under a lot of strain, but we have also started thinking about intelligent solutions.
