Wireless connectivity continues to break boundaries. From advances in Wi-Fi technology, to the 5G revolution and the co-working of both networks, the wireless communications landscape never ceases to amaze us. In this article, we’ll explore the five most exciting trends in wireless that you can’t afford to miss.
The wireless data communication market is valued at USD 1.54 billion and is expected to reach USD 4.88 billion by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 17.81% (Maximized Market Research data).
Behind these figures are a set of trends that are essential to understand the reality of the sector. Here are the 5 most important ones.
1.- The massive arrival of 5G
Major operators have already deployed 5G networks in most of their coverage areas, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
The latest data on 5G deployment worldwide can be found in Ericsson’s mobility report. According to the report, we are expected to reach 1.5 billion 5G subscriptions by the last quarter of this year.
Much of the responsibility for these figures is also due to the compatibility of 5G with WiFi networks. A convergence that brings an optimised experience with lower latencies, more capacity, range and security.
In this webinar you can learn more about the value of heterogeneous WiFi-5G networks.
2.- Last mile connectivity
According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), by 2022, 82% of urban dwellers will be using the Internet, while in rural areas this proportion is 46.7%. This is a gap that is gradually narrowing.
For this trend to continue and for end-users to enjoy quality connectivity, attention needs to be paid to the concept of the “last mile” of connectivity. That is, the “handover” to end-users.
In these remote scenarios, where network connection is complex, artificial intelligence-based algorithms and systems for optimising network performance, such as those from Galgus, are very useful. These simplify network management and processes, as well as speeding up deployments and reducing investment.
3.- The great Wi-Fi 7 revolution
WiFi 7 (or the 802.11be standard) is the next generation of wireless technology that promises to be about four times faster than its predecessor, WiFi 6, and to offer higher bandwidth and efficiency.
The arrival of WiFi 7, which is officially expected in 2024, will speed up the implementation of IoT and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) solutions, the development of virtual and augmented reality applications, the consolidation of Industry 4.0, the take-off of the metaverse and multimedia content of the highest image and sound quality.
Here you can find out more about what the arrival of WiFi 7 will bring.
4.- Location Analytics
Beyond pure connectivity, WiFi networks have a functionality and an added value of great relevance for many productive sectors and for Public Administrations. This is their ability to count and geolocate devices.
By relying on solutions that provide relevant and reliable data, it is possible to gain detailed knowledge of people’s behaviour in a specific indoor or outdoor environment, such as smart cities, shops, stations, airports or hotels, among others.
This streamlines the management of the services they provide, resulting in greater customer and user satisfaction.
But, we insist, these data should be as close to reality as possible. Therefore, we must consider solutions that provide proven results, such as Galgus, which is capable of tracking devices that are not connected to the network and avoid the distortion of the results generated by the randomisation of MAC addresses.
5.- Transport connectivity
The possibility of connecting to a WiFi network is an increasingly valued option for passengers on any means of transport. So much so that it can be decisive when it comes to choosing a particular company.
According to this OCU article, 71% of 1,500 users surveyed rated having a WiFi network at airports as “important” or “extremely important”.
On the other hand, we have a publication from the train company Icomera which says that 134% more of its passengers are connecting to its WiFi services since the pandemic.
A WiFi network that meets the demands of today’s travellers makes it possible for them to communicate with their loved ones, chat, surf, video call, work, study or access multimedia content without interruption.
Undoubtedly, a factor that greatly enhances the travel experience, making long waits and journeys of many hours more pleasant and productive.
So much for this review of the current wireless trends. A panorama in which WiFi connectivity is the protagonist. At Galgus, we want to continue contributing to its expansion and improvement. If you would like to know how we make it possible and how we can help you with our solutions, contact our team and we will give you all the details.
