The Beacon Blog

Wi-Fi® and private cellular networks have different advantages and disadvantages, which makes a compelling case for their combined use.

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a fundamental challenge on a global scale. Our socioeconomic systems have been strained as a result, forcing entire societies to reexamine social practices and production systems that have often been in place for decades, if not centuries. These changes have caused a global economic recession worse than the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Stay-at-home orders around the world during the coronavirus have helped slow the spread of the pandemic. Staying connected while staying home has been easy for some, but more difficult for others.

The coronavirus pandemic– by its mere scale – has created new healthcare challenges around the world. As of this writing, COVID-19 cases have been reported in 185 countries. The total global confirmed case count has exceeded 3 million, and more than 200,000 individuals have lost their lives1.

Wi-Fi Alliance® spoke to several member companies at #CES2020 earlier this month and identified some of the biggest Wi-Fi® trends expected in the coming year. Below is the top list of Wi-Fi trends according to our members.

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought forth an ever-growing number of devices that use Wi‑Fi® technology. As more and more devices are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, networks are struggling to keep up. Imagine congested ecosystems like office buildings, airports, or stadiums.

Location determination through Wi-Fi® enables better patient care

In a short time, Wi-Fi has become a prolific and ubiquitous technology in hospitals. With the demand for wireless connectivity in medical settings on the rise and numerous benefits of wearable devices for patients and clinicians alike, Wi-Fi is well positioned to play a leading role in making the digital health vision a reality.

The widespread adoption of Wi-Fi® in hospitals in recent years has transformed healthcare – for the greater good. As a result of Wi-Fi, entirely new waves of medical devices are being created to take advantage of the mobile connectivity that Wi-Fi provides in healthcare facilities – wireless EKGs, infusion pumps, and blood pressure cuffs to name a few.

Although Wi-Fi® was initially focused on consumer markets, it quickly proved beneficial for industrial and enterprise settings. The finalization of the 802.11n standard in 2009 brought MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) and improved range. 802.11n also was the first standard to use both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.