Is It Worth Upgrading to WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 is the latest wireless networking protocol. Professionally known as 802.11ax, it promises remarkable benefits compared to the previous 802.11ac standard, better known as WiFi 5. The WiFi Alliance also seeks to make it easier for users, devices, and software to identify various networking protocols. It does so by encouraging creators of all products and services that utilize WiFi to designate such networks by a numerical sequence. Key Features and Benefits of WiFi 6 WiFi 6 has the following advanced features: 1). Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). This feature divides WiFi channels into smaller frequencies in areas with high network demand. Multiple clients can conveniently connect to one AP simultaneously. The AP allocates smaller portions of the channel, known as resource units (RUs) to each client, which maintains network stability. 2). Multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO). It’s a complementary technology to OFDMA, in that it also enables a wireless network to schedule access for multiple users. They can stream data simultaneously through an 8-link upstream and downlink support, which allows compatible devices to share bandwidth equitably. 3). Target Wake Time (TWT): This function allows an access point to define specific times for separate stations to access your network. It saves battery life and increases network efficiency by activating access only when required. TWT is especially suitable for IoT devices. 4). Beamforming: Rather than broadcasting data in every direction, WiFi 6-enabled routers can detect the source of the request and transmit a localized data stream in its direction. Although beamforming isn’t unique to WiFi 6, it works better with this networking standard. These and other innovative features offer several advantages. One of them is faster speeds, which result in better throughput. Higher upload and download speeds are relevant in an increasingly interconnected world, with bigger and higher quality files. It’s convenient for tasks such as video streaming, Security Cameras, and online gaming. Other benefits of WiFi 6 include better traffic prioritization, network efficiency, increased battery life, and enhanced WPA3 security. How WiFi 6 Differs from Previous Networking Protocols WiFi 6 has a data transfer rate of up to 9.6 Gb/s, which is significantly higher than WiFi 5’s maximum of 3.5 Gb/s. Higher-order modulation (1024-QAM) technology enables an improvement of up to 25% in data transmission speed and overall network efficiency. WiFi 6 can accommodate up to eight simultaneous users per AP, compared to WiFi 5’s four. Innovative technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO make this efficiency possible. While WiFi 5 only utilizes the 5GHz frequency band for data transmission, the latest networking standard uses both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands to ensure better throughput. Since lower frequency signals have longer ranges, WiFi 6 offers optimum coverage for both long and short distances. Another key difference is in the way networking standards utilize MU-MIMO. WiFi 5 only enables this feature for downlinks, while WiFi 6 allows bidirectional MU-MIMO. This means multiple users can upload and download simultaneously. What Does the Future Hold for WiFi 6? WiFi 6E offers a major improvement of the 802.11ax protocol. While WiFi 6 uses the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, WiFi 6E will also utilize the newer 6GHz band. According to the WiFi Alliance, it has 14 more 80 MHz and 7 extra 160 MHz channels. These additional channels are suitable for congested areas with lots of networks. Since they don’t overlap, they allow clearer internet access for connected devices. Other anticipated improvements to WiFi 6 include network efficiency through better uplink MU-MIMO, increased range through spatial re-use, and longer battery life for connected devices. What are WiFi Certified Devices? The WiFi Alliance is keen to ensure the smooth interoperability of WiFi 6 devices. Its certification program verifies that various security and performance features meet the required standards. As opposed to past tests that focused mainly on improved bandwidth speeds, WiFi 6 certification focuses on the performance of such devices in shared environments. Other than OFDMA and MU-MIMO compatibility, qualifying gadgets must also support WPA3 security, TWT, 1024-QAM, and 160MHz channels. A product with the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal provides quality assurance. Is WiFi 6 Worth It Now? WiFi 6 networks and devices offer backward compatibility with previous protocols. This flexibility and convenience allow you to enjoy the best of all available networks. You also experience improved network security and long-term cost savings. WiFi 6 is worth it, especially if increased bandwidth, fast data transfer rates, and overall network efficiency are your key concerns. As the pace of adoption rises, it makes more sense to invest in the latest routers, switches, and other networking devices that help you reap maximum benefits. At Bluelight Technologies, we always stay up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies. As a premium provider of IT solutions for more than 5 years now, we have the know-how to help you upgrade your systems to the best possible standards. Our skilled staff, timely shipping schedule, committed customer care reps, and world-class after-sale services make us your vendor of choice. Please contact us today for more details.
5 Reasons to Use IT Managed Services
An increasing number of companies are employing IT managed services. It’s not hard to see why. The business world is becoming more and more reliant on information technology. So many companies are realizing that they can save on costs while staying ahead of the competition in IT developments. By employing managed IT services, companies can improve efficiency. This is because they are concentrating on the rest of the business. While they can leave the experts to take care of the IT services. Keep reading to discover the 5 reasons why you should use managed IT support. 1. Cost-Effective One of the top reasons why companies choose managed IT services is because it’s much more cost-effective than hiring permanent staff. The resources required to manage your IT services can be immense. The demand for your tech-savvy staff members will gradually become overwhelming to handle. If you’re determined to grow your company, it’s important to outsource IT services so that your staff can concentrate on other stuff. For small and medium-sized businesses, it makes financial sense to outsource it to a professional IT management firm. This why the finance team can calculate exactly how much is required to manage the IT systems each month. Your financial team will surely thank you for helping them determine the budget for monthly operations expenses. 2. Access to Latest Tech Knowledge How can small and medium-sized businesses be expected to keep up with the latest development in technology at the time? By outsourcing your systems to IT managed services, you can leave the experts to address any issues. This means that you get access to the latest tech knowledge and resources to make sure your company stays ahead of the game. But the best part is that you don’t have to pay over the odds for it. 3. Maximize Uptime Uptime is the time in which a computer network is up and running. If you want to keep your company’s IT systems running all the time, it’s important to have managed IT support from the professionals. Emergencies and disasters happen. Your company needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If you’re not downtime could cause untold damage to your credibility and ability to operate. By outsourcing your IT services to the experts, they’ll make sure your company has a business disaster recovery plan (BDR) in place in case of downtime. 4. 24/7 Service With managed IT services, you don’t just get the occasional check-in. But rather it’s a 24/7 service that ensures your IT systems are running properly all the time. No matter how big or small the problem, you could consult the managed IT services for a solution. You can sleep easy knowing everything is taken care of. But sometimes you won’t even notice that there was a problem. Before you know it, the IT managed support will have everything working soundly once again. This means that any slight glitches or pesky bugs will be taken care of immediately. 5. Security and Data Protection Do you work with other organizations and client data? It’s important that they can trust you. If they know that you have a secure IT system in place, they will have no problem doing business with you. With managed IT services, you confidently know that your client’s data is protected. Regulations and compliance are constantly changing. It’s difficult to keep up with the latest policy changes. By employing managed IT support you can rest peacefully that your system will comply with the regulation. IT Managed Services Now you know the reasons why employing IT managed services makes sense for your company. From ensuring that your client’s data is secure to make sure your company has the latest technology at hand, it’s important to outsource IT support. If you’re interested in obtaining IT services, get in touch with us today!
Smart Home Upgrades for Your Remodel
Smart Home Upgrades for Your Remodel Before you start remodeling your home this summer, think about adding some smart home upgrades to your remodeling budget. With these high-tech additions, you can boost the market value of your property while you make your home a safer, more comfortable environment for you and your household. If you have already planned to renovate your home this summer, why not add some smart home features while you’re at it? Since smart home upgrades often require you to modify certain aspects of your home to accommodate the new technology, it’s more economical—price-wise and time-wise—to add them during another renovation. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, having several smart features may make it a standout from all the other homes in its class. This, says New York Magazine, may help it sell more quickly. Here are some smart home upgrade suggestions to get you started: 1. Smart Thermostat A programmable thermostat can save you quite a bit of money over the years. It dials back the climate control while you’re out and turns it back on when you return. A smart thermostat, though, can sense when you’re at home or away and will adjust your home’s temperature automatically. You can also control it from an app on your smartphone. That way, you can set it to return your home to its normal temperature while you’re still at work so you’ll be comfortable the moment you walk in the door. You can even install extra sensors around your home with some systems so that you can regulate the temperature room by room. 2. USB Outlets If you’re remodeling your kitchen, consider adding a few USB ports to your new outlets. That way, you can charge your device or look up a new recipe online without the awkward look of standard power adapters. Make sure the outlet provides 4.8 amps of charging power. Have a licensed electrician install it to ensure safety. 3. Smart Smoke Detectors Since most deaths from home fires occur due to poorly functioning or absent smoke detectors, these devices are necessary to have in the home. Unfortunately, most of the standard models people buy at their local hardware store will go off whenever you cook something at high heat. Smart smoke detectors, though, can detect when you’re just cooking something and when there’s a real fire danger. Bonus: Many home insurers will give you a discount on your premiums when you install smart smoke detectors in your home. 4. Built-In Sound System Standard wired sound systems can ruin the look of a room, even as they provide the mood-setting background music for dining or parties. Their wires and bulky equipment can turn a well-furnished living room or dining room into a tangled mess. Built-in smart sound systems, though, can mount right on your walls, cabinetry, or ceiling, blending in with the background seamlessly. 5. Home Automation System Designed to integrate a wide range of smart devices into one complete system, a home automation system serves as a control center for the entire collection of devices. Once you have installed it, make sure that you choose future smart devices that integrate with your system. 6. Smart Door Locks With a smart door lock, you’ll never have to frantically search through your pocket or purse for a key, or worse—hide it somewhere that thieves will probably discover anyway. Enabled with WiFi or Bluetooth technology, these smart home devices can detect when you come home, unlocking the door as you approach it. You also can program a smart door lock to give friends and family access to your home. 7. Motion Sensors and Other Security Devices Installed around your home’s perimeter, these devices can detect movement around your home. That way, if a burglar wants to sneak around your home to enter from a back window, you can catch him or her before the act. Other sensors can detect broken glass or forced-open windows or doors, sending you alerts on your mobile device even if you’re not home. Some systems even give you the option of turning on all the lights in your home or flashing them on and off to let your neighbors know there’s something fishy going on at your home. 8. Smart Sprinklers In the summertime, a smart sprinkler system can save you time by automatically adjusting your lawn’s water usage by the season and the weather. Programmable from your laptop or smartphone, these devices can also save you money, since they only water your lawn and garden as needed. 9. Smart Home Security Cameras Perimeter cameras, doorbell cameras, and interior cameras can help you identify who’s coming around your house even when you’re not home. Installers integrate these cameras right into your home’s design, so you’ll never notice they’re there. Burglars, too, won’t know exactly where the camera’s hiding, so you can catch them well before they make their move. Interior cameras can also help you keep an eye on your pets while you’re gone. If you have a babysitter or nanny, they can help ensure your kids’ safety when you’re at work or out on the town. 10. Smart Lighting Lighting your home can take a toll on your energy bill. When you install smart lighting, you can dim the lights or turn them completely off when you leave the room. You can customize some systems to grow gradually dimmer as the night wears on, giving your body an easier transition to sleep. When you leave for work the next morning, you can program them to turn off when you’re away from home. With these devices, you can turn them on and off from your smartphone, allowing you to seem as if you’re home when you work late or go on vacation, discouraging break-ins during your absence. 11. Smart Fireplace If you plan to install a gas or ethanol fireplace during your remodel, make it a smart one. These fireplaces make it easy to control the burn remotely
