Research shows that more than 13 billion Wi-Fi enabled devices are currently in use. It is a standard that connects more units than any other wireless technology. It supports a variety of technological achievements, ranging from email systems and convenient Internet distribution in office buildings to digital systems in sports and leisure facilities or life-saving medical devices. Nowadays, Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in connecting people, technologies and businesses around the world. And that is a great reason to join the international celebration of the World Wi-Fi Day.
High quality Wi-Fi networks are now used, among other things, to power the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment. This is a trend that is gaining in popularity (especially among companies), based on the use of private equipment for business purposes. This means, for example, accessing the network and corporate data from an employee's smartphone, tablet or laptop. But that is not all. One of Europe's largest sport and outdoor music festivals, "Compact Cross", provides Wi-Fi access to 220,000 participants. Owing to this, the event gains much more momentum, is mobile, social and easily accessible. In the United States, Bowen Center (a medical center) bases its operations on Wi-Fi to provide the best possible care for patients, supporting EMR (Electronic Medical Record) system, telemedicine projects (including remote treatment) and the operation of important medical devices.
Extreme has played a significant role not only in the evolution of wireless connectivity, but also in setting new standards for interoperability. Two of our companies, Symbol Technologies and Enterasys Networks, together with Cabletron Systems, are the first members of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). WECA was created to ensure interoperability for wireless LAN cards, devices and access points from different manufacturers. The aim was to help consumers and make it easier for them to take decisions about the purchase of appropriate equipment. Thanks to these efforts, any product with a Wi-Fi logo can now work with other Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Twenty years of Wi-Fi journey
Wi-Fi modules have come a long way since the launch of the first 802.11 standard devices. At that time, wirelessly connected products were called WaveLAN. In an article from 2003 (2003 Wired article), a Wi-Fi network card was defined as "a box the size of a cover and costing no more than a dinner for two. Magically distributes broadband Internet in an area the size of a football pitch, receiving World Wide Web with a card no bigger than a matchbox. The next laptop you buy will probably have Wi-Fi built-in.
"At that time (long before the launch of the first iPhone), devices such as PCs and laptops were most often connected on a peer-to-peer basis. Today, Wi-Fi enables schools to use modern interactive whiteboards with Wi-Fi, displays or VR headsets. Smart hospitals use infusion pumps with Wi-Fi modules, patient condition monitors and video systems. Smart homes with remote-controlled locks, lighting, music, TV and even doorbells are becoming increasingly common. Wi-Fi is used in industry (smart factories), robotics, and many other fields. You can also find very unusual uses of this standard - such as egg toasters, smart water bottles, baby changing stations, wine bottles, dental floss, toothbrushes or Wi-Fi Barbie.
Working for Enterasys and Cabletron, Chantry Networks and Siemens, I was the first to introduce Wi-Fi to the market, and in setting CAPWAP standards. Twenty years later, the speed of advanced technological innovation continues to grow, and our company is in the perfect place and time to make the most of its Wi-Fi investments
Cristian Mircea, Vice President for Technology at Extreme Networks
Now, in 2019, Extreme is the first company to offer Wi-Fi access points 6. We are the official provider of Wi-Fi solutions for the NFL, including 28 stadiums, as well as numerous sport and e-sport arenas. Wi-Fi solutions, such as those that help you calibrate your stadium, have a tremendous impact on your industry's growth by enabling you to serve more users and their devices more efficiently.
Nowadays, people appreciate positive experiences more than material goods. Whether participating in a sporting event, staying in a hotel, shopping or using the Internet at a university – consumers have high expectations and every detail counts for them. To meet these demands, you need to take into account everything from the look and feel to the benefits of Wi-Fi.
If you press the light switch and it does not work, you will be surprised. Are you wondering what this is all about? Nowadays, Wi-Fi is expected to be equally reliable. Reliability and stability are the key to providing users with a satisfying experience, and that is a priority for us
Devin Akin, Sales Director at Extreme Networks
Wi-Fi plays a key role in our lives. The 802.11 standard has reached its peak in many sectors, and its next iteration, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), will support innovative projects, improve standards and technological capabilities even better. One of the best things about networking is that Wi-Fi has become the driving force behind many valuable projects. It is not just about creating another faster connection or a newer access point with the latest chipset – it is about creating completely new opportunities for areas such as personalised shopping, life-saving medical systems, or support for software that can solve science secrets or respond in real time to various events.
In recent months, there has been a lot of talking about the future of wireless technologies. The interest in 5G and CBRS technologies is growing. Will Wi-Fi be replaced and eventually superseded? We don't think so!
Wi-Fi is a Swiss wireless communication penknife that can handle virtually any type of device.
Claus Hetting,Wi-Fi NOW
802.11ac is a solid Wi-Fi standard that has proven its worth to this day. 802.11ax was designed with the same technologies, but with a few improvements and new features. Wi-Fi 6 is aimed to improve network performance in high-density environments and enhance its performance in industry - from optimising IoT (Internet of Things) deployments to increasing videoconferencing capabilities. Of course, it will also continue to be used to connect devices around the world, while at the same time raising the standard of the equipment in which the new module will be installed.