From Slow Lane to Hyper-Speed: How Hotels Embrace Wi-Fi 6

In today's fast-paced digital world, a reliable and high-speed internet connection has become an absolute necessity for both business and leisure travelers. Whether it's streaming their favorite shows, attending virtual meetings, or staying connected with loved ones, guests expect seamless connectivity throughout their hotel stays.

Recognising this growing demand, hotels are now turning to the latest technological advancement in wireless networking: Wi-Fi 6.

The transition from the sluggish, unreliable connections of the past to the lightning-fast speeds of Wi-Fi 6 is transforming the hospitality industry. As guests increasingly rely on their mobile devices for work and entertainment, hotels are investing in this cutting-edge technology to meet their evolving needs.

With its remarkable performance improvements and enhanced capacity, Wi-Fi 6 is set to revolutionise the way guests experience connectivity during their hotel stays.

This article explores the remarkable journey from the slow lane to hyper-speed as hotels embrace Wi-Fi 6. We delve into the key features and advantages of this next-generation wireless standard and how it outperforms its predecessors. Additionally, we examine the challenges that hoteliers face in implementing Wi-Fi 6 and the strategies they are adopting to ensure a smooth transition for their guests.

What do I need to consider before I make a decision to upgrade?

Upgrading the Wi-Fi for your hotel involves several factors that you should consider to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:

1. Network Requirements
   Assess your hotel's network requirements by considering factors such as the number of guests, the size of your property, and the typical internet usage patterns. Determine the number of devices that will be connected simultaneously and the bandwidth they require.

2. Coverage and Capacity
   Evaluate the current Wi-Fi coverage in your hotel and identify any dead zones or areas with poor signal strength. Consider the layout of your property, including walls, floors, and other physical obstacles that might affect the signal. Determine the desired capacity to ensure that your network can handle the expected number of users and their data demands.

3. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
   Review your existing ISP contract and assess whether it meets your current and future requirements. Check if the ISP offers higher bandwidth options, scalable plans, and reliable service with minimal downtime.

4. Technology Standards
   Research the latest Wi-Fi technology standards, such as 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). Newer standards offer improved performance, higher speeds, and better support for multiple devices. Consider the compatibility of your existing devices and whether an upgrade to newer equipment is necessary.

5. Network Infrastructure
   Evaluate your hotel's existing network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and cabling. Determine if any upgrades or replacements are needed to support the new Wi-Fi system. Ensure that your network equipment is capable of handling higher bandwidth and providing sufficient power to access points.

6. Scalability
   Plan for future growth and scalability. Consider the expected increase in the number of guests and their evolving data requirements. Choose a Wi-Fi solution that can be easily expanded or upgraded to accommodate future needs without significant disruptions.

7. Security
   Prioritize the security of your Wi-Fi network. Look for solutions that offer robust encryption protocols (e.g., WPA3) and guest network isolation to protect guests' data and prevent unauthorized access. Consider implementing a system for user authentication and access control.

8. Management and Analytics
   Evaluate the management capabilities of the Wi-Fi system. Look for features such as centralized management, monitoring tools, and analytics that provide insights into network performance, user behavior, and usage patterns. These can help you optimize network resources and troubleshoot issues effectively.

9. Budget
   Assess the financial aspects of the upgrade, including the cost of new equipment, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Balance your budgetary constraints with the desired performance and features of the Wi-Fi system.

10. Professional Assistance
    Consider engaging a professional network consultant or an IT service provider with expertise in Wi-Fi deployments for hotels. They can assess your specific requirements, recommend suitable solutions, and assist with the installation and configuration process.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about upgrading your Wi-Fi system for your hotel, ensuring an enhanced guest experience and efficient connectivity.

Why you should be upgrading your hotel to Wi-Fi 6

1. Faster Speeds
   Wi-Fi 6 offers significantly faster speeds compared to previous generations. It utilizes advanced technologies like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) to efficiently handle multiple devices simultaneously. This means guests can enjoy faster and more reliable internet connections, especially in high-density areas where many devices are connected at once.

2. Increased Capacity
   Wi-Fi 6 has enhanced capacity management capabilities, allowing it to support a larger number of devices without sacrificing performance. This is particularly important in a hotel environment where numerous guests and their devices are connected simultaneously. With Wi-Fi 6, you can ensure a seamless experience for all guests, even during peak usage periods.

3. Improved Latency
   Wi-Fi 6 reduces latency or lag time, making it ideal for applications that require real-time communication, such as video conferencing or online gaming. This can be particularly valuable for business travelers or guests who rely on smooth, low-latency connections for work or entertainment purposes.

4. Enhanced Range and Coverage
   Wi-Fi 6 includes features like Target Wake Time (TWT) and improved beamforming techniques, which can extend the range and coverage of your wireless network. This means guests will experience better connectivity in all areas of your hotel, including rooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces.

5. Support for Emerging Technologies
   As technology continues to advance, devices are becoming increasingly Wi-Fi 6 compatible. By upgrading to Wi-Fi 6, you ensure that your hotel is prepared to support the latest devices and emerging technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart home devices, and virtual reality (VR) systems. This future-proofing can save you from frequent upgrades in the coming years.

6. Competitive Advantage
   Offering a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection is a crucial factor for guests when choosing a hotel. By upgrading to Wi-Fi 6, you can differentiate your hotel from competitors and provide a superior guest experience. Positive reviews and recommendations regarding your hotel's Wi-Fi connectivity can lead to increased bookings and guest satisfaction.

While upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 requires an investment in new infrastructure and equipment, the long-term benefits, including improved guest satisfaction, increased efficiency, and the ability to support emerging technologies, make it a worthwhile consideration for your hotel, but before you jump in feet first, let’s discuss if this is really the right decision.

Why you shouldn’t be upgrading your hotel to Wi-Fi 6

There could be several reasons why your hotel may not need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 (also known as 802.11ax). Here are a few possibilities:

1. Sufficient performance
   If your current Wi-Fi network is providing satisfactory performance and meeting the needs of your guests, there may be no immediate need to upgrade. Wi-Fi 6 offers improvements in speed, capacity, and efficiency compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), but if you're not experiencing significant issues with your existing network, an upgrade may not be necessary.

2. Guest devices compatibility
   While Wi-Fi 6 provides benefits, it requires compatible devices to fully leverage its advantages. As of now, many consumer devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets still support Wi-Fi 5. If most of your guests have older devices, they won't benefit from the upgraded technology. However, as more devices start supporting Wi-Fi 6 in the future, it may become more relevant to upgrade.

3. Budget constraints
   Upgrading a hotel's Wi-Fi infrastructure can be a significant investment, involving the purchase of new access points, switches, and other equipment. If your hotel has budget limitations or other pressing priorities, it may not be feasible to allocate funds for a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade at the moment.

4. Future-proofing considerations
   If you are planning to upgrade your network infrastructure in the near future or if your current Wi-Fi equipment is relatively new, it may make more sense to wait for the next iteration of Wi-Fi technology, such as Wi-Fi 7, which is expected to offer even greater performance improvements.

5. Consultation with Siemlus
   It is always recommended to consult with the Siemlus Team who can assess your specific network requirements and advise you on the necessity of an upgrade. They can evaluate your existing infrastructure, consider your hotel's unique needs, and provide expert guidance on whether a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade would be beneficial.

Conclusion

Assessing these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6.

Remember that the decision to upgrade your hotel's Wi-Fi network depends on various factors, including current performance, device compatibility, budget, and future plans.

Why not speak to the Siemlus team and we can walk through your options and solutions. We can help you explore the transformative power of this technology and its potential to revolutionise the way we connect and experience hospitality or how we can help support your existing set up to ensure you only have to upgrade when your really need to.

Get Expert Wi-Fi Advice Today!

Are you struggling with slow Wi-Fi, dead zones, or complex network setups? Our team of experts is here to help! We offer personalised advice and solutions to enhance your Wi-Fi experience.

Email us: hello@siemlus.com

Or give our team a call: +44(0)330 016 1920