Wireless (and specifically, preparing for 802.11ac) is a part of every conversation I am having with our clients because the next generation of wireless networks is so exciting.  I wanted to highlight what I think are some of the expected and unexpected benefits from implementing a next generation wireless network:

• Boost to your existing 11n clients: users have reported twice the performance of 11n clients over the newer 11ac APs. [For more details, see "802.11ac 'gigabit Wi-Fi' starts to show potential, limits"]
• Some APs (like Cisco Meraki’s MR34) will come with a 3^rd radio that can provide Wireless IPS or be used to provide real-time view of the 2.4 and 5 Ghz spectrum performance. [For more details, see "Setting the standard for wireless: The MR34 with 802.11ac"]

• Multi-Multi-Multi! MULTI-user MULTI input, MULTI-output: 802.11ac allows for two or more conversations to happen concurrently which will reduce latency. [For more details, see "Cheat sheet: What you need to know about 802.11ac"]
• Better client device battery life due to 802.11ac’s ability to the wider 80 MHz channel.  Devices get their data more quickly and complete their transmission much sooner. [For more details, see "802.11ac: The Fifth Generation of Wi-Fi Technical White Paper"]

And this is just the first wave.  Wave 2 of 802.11ac is expected in 2015 and this week Cisco announced that their new Aironet 3700 series APs will support a modular upgrade to support the new specification.

If you are interested in learning more about 802.11ac and how its capabilities can map to your business needs, contact Savant for more information.