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Introduction

I had an interesting observation before a recent business trip. It struck me that when I step into a hotel room, every facet of hospitality surpasses the comforts of my own home. There’s 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping, and even the swift arrival of an aircon technician if needed. It’s a haven of comfort, luxury, and convenience.

On the other hand, every aspect of the hotel network will pale in comparison to what I enjoy at home without fail, even in the most luxurious suites. In my humble abode, I revel in a dedicated broadband connection or Fiber to the Home (FTTH) link that boasts speeds of 1 or even 2 Gbps. My home Wi-Fi connection is secure, and I can upgrade the router every 2 to 3 years. I have a second large LED monitor for my laptop to work on. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube keep me entertained and snacking late at night. A Covid-era colour inkjet printer is on standby.

So, why can’t we have the best of both worlds in a hotel room? With Digital Onboarding and a secure Wi-Fi profile, we could seamlessly connect to the hotel network. Likewise, having the capability to cast my content to the room TV securely would enable me to utilize my personal subscriptions for the latest episodes or stream my favourite Spotify and YouTube tunes. I can even request for housekeeping and room service online. Picture it: ordering room service, sipping on drinks, and indulging in the latest episodes in the lap of luxury.

The bar for hospitality is set so high in a luxury hotel that as an everyday consumer I cannot surpass it, and yet I easily outspend the hotel on consumer tech which surely is a minimal percentage a large hotel spends on coffee beans a month. From such a low base, the returns from an incremental investment in digital services far outstrip the increment returns to upgrade the already high hospitality aspect.

If we could indeed merge exceptional hospitality with efficient technology, wouldn’t that be a game-changer for the post-COVID era and the tech-savvy TikTok generation?

ANTlabs and Our Journey

Welcome to the future of hospitality, where technology meets exceptional guest experiences. At ANTlabs, we envision a transformative path that leverages Digital Onboarding to redefine how hotels engage with their guests and deliver digital services to deepen guest engagement and customer loyalty. In this blog, we embark on our journey through the Hospitality 2.0 Pyramid. This is a strategic framework, where the key to success lies in seamlessly integrating technology and hospitality, unlocking competitive advantage.

ANTlabs Hospitality 2.0 Pyramid

ANTlabs has over two decades of expertise in hospitality, collaborating with Telcos and service providers. Our technology, including internet gateways and Cloud Wi-Fi management platforms, has powered guest Wi-Fi solutions worldwide. Notably, our networking solutions played a vital role in facilitating connectivity during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, arguably the world’s largest hospitality event in recent history.

We use the Hospitality 2.0 Pyramid to systematically deconstruct the guest’s digital journey across diverse sectors, encompassing hotels, airports, stadiums, and F&B retail. At its core lies Digital Onboarding, the cornerstone upon which exceptional guest experiences are constructed.

Digital Onboarding: The Foundation for Excellence

Digital Onboarding, a seamless guest registration process, extends beyond mere Wi-Fi connectivity. It encompasses an array of user-friendly steps, including app downloads and enticing incentives for loyalty program enrollment, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay.

User Identification: A Crucial Step

Moving up the pyramid, User Identification is a pivotal phase where the recognition of users on the network takes center stage. The absence of authenticated user devices destroys the capacity to provide personalized and distinctive services.

User Recognition allows the network to associate a guest’s identity and elite member status, allowing for personalization while ensuring privacy. This is achieved via integration through the PMS interface, loyalty program databases, identity management solutions, or a combination of the above.

User Engagement: Elevating the Experience

In the middle of the pyramid, User Engagement comes into play where personalized interactions through digital services and apps enhance guest convenience and overall satisfaction.  For example, the use of AI Chatbots or just simple messaging maintains a high-tech, high-touch hospitality experience, in the absence of a trained and experienced guest relations officer.  As a returning customer, I am always vexed by talking with interns or inexperienced operators who don’t understand what I want.  In a previous stay, I didn’t have the same issue.  The use of technology can mitigate the global hospitality staff shortage and maintain a high level of guest relations.

Provision of Digital Services: Enriching the Journey with Digital Onboarding

At the pyramid’s peak lies the Provision of Digital Services. Here, the focus shifts to crafting tailored offerings and streamlining service requests and delivery, resulting in a memorable guest experience.   For example, elite status members may be entitled to premium Wi-Fi speeds, allocated public IP addresses, enjoy secured Wi-Fi connectivity, and even web filtering services on the hotel Wi-Fi network for better security.  Other services can include casting user content like NetFlix to the in-room large-screen TV, seamless access to chatbots for service requests, and many more.

The Power of Seamless Onboarding: Increasing Loyalty Program and App Adoption

This logical diagram visually illustrates how the onboarding process can increase loyalty program sign-ups and app downloads. Through Digital Onboarding, a Passpoint or Hotspot 2.0 compatible Wi-Fi profile can be effortlessly stored on the guest’s device, guaranteeing seamless login and roaming privileges within the hotel group.

Guests should be incentivized to download and install the hotel app, accept the Wi-Fi profile, and participate in the loyalty program. This strategic approach maximizes guest engagement and lays the foundation for comprehensive digital service delivery.

Merging Hospitality with Technology

The anecdote that started our journey highlights a crucial point: we deserve the best of both worlds, especially in a mid-scale to luxury hotel room. By harmonizing exceptional hospitality with efficient technology, hotels can gain a competitive edge in the post-COVID era and appeal to the tech-savvy TikTok generation.

Conclusion: Aligning Hospitality with Technology

In conclusion, the guest’s journey through the Hospitality 2.0 Pyramid encompasses onboarding, user identification, engagement, and personalized digital services. This alignment of exceptional hospitality with technology will help discerning hotels differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market.

Without Digital Onboarding and User Recognition, meaningful guest engagement is not possible. It’s akin to losing the front desk manager who recognizes your most loyal guests.  A new desk staff will greet and treat every customer the same, and guess what? Over time, your guests will also treat you just like any other hotel – without loyalty!

With Digital Onboarding, connectivity becomes seamless, and recognition instantaneous, ensuring that guests receive the elevated service they deserve.  Seamless connectivity and instant recognition can also be extended across all properties within the same hotel group or loyalty program.

And with that, we conclude our exploration of the future of hospitality technology. We trust that you’ve found these insights valuable as we navigate the dynamic intersection of hospitality and technology.

Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) looking to improve connectivity with their tenants can do so with the help of offering paid MDU Wi-Fi. Offering paid Wi-Fi to tenants provides numerous advantages for MDUs.

By providing seamless connectivity throughout the MDU space, residents will have constant access to high-speed internet services. This enhances a tenant’s renting experience and increases their living satisfaction.

Additionally, installing paid Wi-Fi networks offers property owners and managers a way to make money. These revenue opportunities include offering premium Wi-Fi packages or collaborating with service providers to offer value-added services.

Improved paid Wi-Fi networks in MDUs can improve connection while providing financial advantages to building owners or property managers.

The Benefits of Paid Wi-Fi for Property Managers

Property managers greatly benefit from creating a system that provides effective and compensated internet access within their multi-dwelling unit complex.

Revenue Potential

Landlords can create extra revenue streams by providing renters with paid Wi-Fi services.

Increased Tenant Satisfaction

Access to fast, dependable internet improves tenants’ overall quality of their renting experience.

Enhanced Network Performance

Paid Wi-Fi networks that have been optimized guarantee higher coverage and quicker speeds.

Streamlined administration

Setting up a centralized administration platform makes it simple for landlords to monitor and maintain the Wi-Fi network.

Strategic Edge

MDU properties equipped with optimized paid Wi-Fi present a unique and compelling selling point, attracting discerning renters who prioritize seamless connectivity. This technological advantage positions your offerings as a preferred choice for those who value a robust online experience.

The Benefits of Paid Wi-Fi for Tenants

Tenants of a multi-dwelling complex benefit from having a dependable paid internet connection since it makes one more accessible, productive, and satisfied.

Increased accessibility is first and foremost achieved by providing a steady connection that ensures ongoing access to online resources. This asset is valuable to tenants who need reliable internet for work, school, and entertainment.

Having internet service readily available to tenants offers them another benefit – peace of mind. Offering paid Wi-Fi to tenants eliminates the hassle of having to schedule and coordinate efforts with an internet service provider (ISP) to come and set up interment in their unit.

By not having to work with an ISP directly, tenants will also be given peace of mind of not being tethered to a contract regarding internet access. Property managers can offer tenants Wi-Fi access based on the length of the lease by offering paid Wi-Fi. If a tenant renews a lease, Wi-Fi access can be renewed simultaneously.

The Technological Benefits of Offering Paid Wi-Fi

Unlike traditional internet setups, having an in-house built network for an MDU space creates a more fluid network rather than a disruptive one.

By offering paid Wi-Fi to tenants, MDU spaces can optimize placing hardware devices where needed when setting up a network to offer paid Wi-Fi. Traditional internet setup in an MDU space requires a tenant to work with a third-party ISP and be provided with some hardware implementation (usually a router and modem setup) for the said tenant to gain internet access.

Requiring every tenant to set up their hardware for internet access can disrupt connectivity for tenants and their IoT devices. Thus potentially creating a less-than-appealing living experience.

Offering paid Wi-Fi improves the internet experience for tenants by delivering residents a reliable warp-speed connection. Imagine effortless access to online learning, streaming blockbuster films, and diving into other digital adventures – thanks to this tech transformation provided by the MDU.

Moreover, top-tier paid Wi-Fi offers property owners a competitive advantage, magnetizing prospective tenants searching for modern living infused with state-of-the-art technical amenities.

In essence, the implementation of optimal paid Wi-Fi possesses the power to revolutionize the lives of MDU inhabitants while simultaneously unlocking avenues of income for visionary building proprietors.

At GoZone WiFi, we are helping MDUs optimize their revenue generation through paid Wi-Fi. If you own or operate an MDU space and want to learn more about offering paid Wi-Fi to your tenants, contact us today to learn how we can help!

Houston-based company announces new brand identity to align with what is most important to its employees and customers – technology’s relationship to outcomes.

HOUSTON– SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 (BUSINESS WIRE)–World Cinema, the trusted provider of video, digital infrastructure, wireless connectivity, and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announces a new brand identity as WorldVue®. Rooted in the company’s core values and vision, this rebranding is a pivotal step toward realizing its long-term strategic goals and enabling WorldVue to position itself as the most relevant, trusted advisor. The name WorldVue represents a broader perspective, offering a clear vision of the future and emphasizing its dedication to innovation and growth to service every property across the globe.

“In August of 2022, we acquired Hospitality WiFi. Over the past year, we have focused on bringing together our mission to unify both companies as one. We are excited to announce our rebranding from World Cinema to WorldVue!” says Tommy Fatjo, Chief Executive Officer of WorldVue. “This decision was made to better reflect the evolution of the company, our industry and the needs of our clients and partners – all while ensuring a focus on an excellent customer experience.”

Founded in 1974, WorldVue is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest and staff experience. This next chapter aims to position the company as the go-to platform for designing, building and supporting property technologies. As WorldVue, the company’s core values and vision are now even more elevated and support a journey of innovation, collaboration and service excellence. Those values, encapsulated by the acronym CHIRP™ (Coachable, Humble, Intelligent, Responsive, Persistent), define how WorldVue operates internally and externally.

“Our rebrand signifies our commitment to not only staying relevant and adaptable to the ever-changing market dynamics, but also to providing the best solutions for our customers,” adds Robert Grosz, President and Chief Operating Officer of WorldVue. “Since day one, we have rallied around the idea that the world benefits from technologies that allow us to connect with each other to deliver entertainment and information.”

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, WorldVue believes the best way to serve its customers is to champion its employees and trusted contractors. The company is customer-centric, but employee-focused. WorldVue’s team is its differentiator. To stay updated on future announcements and learn more about WorldVue, visit www.worldvue.com.

ABOUT WORLDVUE

WorldVue®, formerly known as World Cinema, Inc., is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises on a global basis. With a dedication to customer service, WorldVue leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WorldVue is a single point of contact for all of a property’s technology needs.

Founded in 1974, WorldVue is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management. For more information, visit www.worldvue.com.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Emily Adams
worldcinema@phase3mc.com
336.870.5560

Ella Steele
Esteele@onewci.com
713.425.8343

BEDFORD, N.H. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Single Digits, a leading provider of intelligent managed networks, and OpenWiFi, a solution developed through the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations working together to advance global connectivity, today announced the successful deployment of an OpenWiFi network at the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Charlotte.

“The Single Digits Wi-Fi network deployment process was exceptional. We’re grateful to collaborate with forward-thinking organizations like them to significantly enhance our ability to provide comfort and convenience for the families we serve,” said Vicky Seksinsky, representative office administrator at RMHC of Greater Charlotte. “Staying connected with loved ones is paramount during a stay, and our new OpenWiFi network enables children and their families to do just that.”

The open source-based Wi-Fi network supports RMHC’s mission to embrace families of sick or injured children by providing the comfort and support of home during their greatest time of need. RMHC of Greater Charlotte’s mission aligns with Single Digits’ commitment to creating connected experiences that enhance the quality of life. This Wi-Fi deployment will offer families seamless internet connectivity, ensuring they can stay in touch with loved ones and access vital information during their stay.

“TIP OpenWiFi empowers us to deploy more affordable Wi-Fi networks at a faster rate while also delivering superior performance,” said Joe Martin, vice president of product management at Single Digits. “Backed by the TIP OpenWiFi community of collaborators, this collaborative solution is truly a game-changer for the Wi-Fi industry — and a better solution for global connectivity. This initiative with the RMHC of Greater Charlotte reinforces our dedication to delivering reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi access in important community venues and ultimately providing connectivity for good.”

Leveraging community-driven OpenWiFi architecture to enable part multivendor, managed Wi-Fi networks, Single Digits integrates its managed services through The Connected Life Platform™. The program facilitates the easy installation and zero-touch provisioning of access points from Edgecore and NetExperience’s cloud controller, resulting in an efficient and effective setup process for RMHC of Greater Charlotte.

“We are delighted to partner with industry leader Single Digits to bring the benefits of OpenWiFi to the RMHC of Greater Charlotte. The OpenWiFi solution is perfectly suited for the public good, with lower costs, better access and an open platform,” said Bernard Herscovici, CEO of NetExperience.

In the spirit of Wi-Fi for good, Single Digits, OpenWiFi, NetExperience and Edgecore all partnered on a fundraiser — Raise Love #forRMHC. For every like, comment, repost or share on LinkedIn, the companies will donate to ensure that funds raised can fill a pantry with snacks in the RMCH of Greater Charlotte’s Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Known for launching networks that provide social impact, OpenWiFi was named a Finalist for the 2023 Leading Lights Awards for Best Public-Private Partnership. Since launching in 2021, OpenWiFi networks have been deployed globally in multifamily housing, dormitories on U.S. military bases and other commercial environments.

About Single Digits:
We give end users The Connected Life Experience® — the seamless, effortless and robust connectivity experience they expect — and show property owners how to break the bounds of uninspired connectivity to increase revenue, improve customer and resident satisfaction and ultimately maximize property value. We offer complete guest, resident and customer internet and connectivity solutions, including enterprise-class software, network design, engineering, professional services, ongoing maintenance, network monitoring, multilingual support, revenue reporting and authentication tracking. We currently serve over 3,600 customers globally, comprised of over 1 million guest rooms and apartment units across multiple industries, including hospitality, student housing, multifamily and senior living. www.singledigits.com

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte:
RMHC of Greater Charlotte focuses on embracing families of sick or injured children by providing the comfort and support of home during their greatest time of need. Since 2011, we have served over 4,000 families from across the Carolinas, the country and the world. For more information, please visit www.rmhofcharlotte.org.

About OpenWiFi:
Launched in 2021, OpenWiFi is a community-developed open-source platform designed to lower the cost of developing and operating Wi-Fi networks. Designed to include a cloud controller SDK and switches and enterprise-grade access point firmware validated to work seamlessly together, the platform’s unique approach to Wi-Fi creates an open-source disaggregated technology stack without vendor lock-in, ensuring a cost-effective and seamless way to deploy connectivity in a variety of use cases. OpenWiFi was created through the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations that are driving open and disaggregated infrastructure solutions to advance global connectivity. The OpenWiFi community currently includes more than 300 participants, including service providers, OEMs, ODMs, software ISVs, system integrators, silicon vendors and industry organizations. Learn more about TIP OpenWiFi here.

About NetExperience:
NetExperience is leading the transition to a disaggregated Wi-Fi and LAN network. The NetExperience Cloud platform includes sophisticated, highly scalable WLAN controller and management capabilities designed for Wi-Fi service providers. The platform is compatible with the key components of the Telecom Infra Project OpenWiFi and OpenLAN architectures and is compatible with OpenWiFi access points and OpenLAN Switch hardware. www.netexperience.com

shutterstock_753767836LTE connections can be quite expensive, and companies do not want to pay a monthly subscription fee for each IoT device. Various wireless technologies have attempted to expand the coverage area for LTE offloading or LTE device aggregation and faced a multitude of complications. However, Wi-Fi HaLow offers a unique combination of extended range, high data throughput, and signal penetration, making it the ideal choice for offloading LTE connections. This can be accomplished through either a dedicated network connection or LTE device aggregation using an LTE to HaLow access point. Numerous examples of this technology are currently under development and available on the market. While cellular technology remains the most versatile wireless technology, Wi-Fi HaLow is a close alternative option without the associated recurring costs.

LTE Device Aggregation with Wi-Fi HaLow

LTE device aggregation involves connecting multiple sensors and devices to a single access point that is connected to a cellular network. Wi-Fi HaLow to LTE gateways can be used to reduce the number of required cellular connections. A single HaLow access point can cover an area of up to 2.73 square miles in ideal conditions. Assuming there are multiple devices in an outdoor environment, Wi-Fi HaLow could combine these multiple LTE devices into one LTE connection to cover IoT deployments for various purposes such as smart cities, agriculture, critical infrastructure, and oil fields.

LTE Offloading

Wi-Fi HaLow can eliminate the need for LTE connections by directly connecting an access point to the internet, allowing you to have total ownership of your infrastructure. Especially if you have a roaming device in a limited area, using Wi-Fi HaLow instead of LTE may be preferable. This would be particularly beneficial for any remote locations that lack LTE coverage but require device roaming capabilities, such as the mining, logging, or critical infrastructure monitoring industries.

What Does Wi-Fi HaLow Do Better

The goal is to minimize the number of subscription-based connections and reduce operating costs. Wi-Fi HaLow covers a large range by default and can extend to even farther in a mesh configuration, surpassing every other wireless technologies except for low data rate LPWANs. The data speed of a Wi-Fi HaLow network is significantly faster than LoRa and Bluetooth Low Energy, making it capable of supporting demanding applications such as cameras and videos, rather than just a sensor network. It can also support thousands of devices from a single access point, allowing for dense IoT deployments. Wi-Fi HaLow stands out as the perfect wireless technology partner for LTE device aggregation or LTE offloading thanks to the right mix of data throughput, range, and connection support it offers. Let’s explore some real-world examples that showcase the benefits of HaLow.

Smart City Example

shutterstock_1574880754For our first example, let’s retrofit a city’s bus stops with connectivity for monitoring each bus stop and connecting digital signage. Breaking up the concrete and installing fiber internet connections and hardwiring each bus stop is likely way too expensive to consider. The simplest idea would be to connect each bus stop with LTE technology but then you’re paying a monthly cost for each bus stop. So you are probably going to want to aggregate as many bus stations as you can for the cost saving. Traditional Wi-Fis such as Wi-Fi 4, 5, and 6 would probably connect to a bus station across the street going the other way, possibly covering half of the bus stops which is still not ideal. In such scenarios, Wi-Fi HaLow would be the ideal solution. According to TransitWiki, the average distance between bus stations is often less than a quarter mile apart. This means one Wi-Fi HaLow AP assuming a one-mile range could reach 9 bus stations on each side for a total of 18 bus stations – reducing the cost of operating expenses by 95% compared to cellular. Notwithstanding such a long-range coverage with no service fee, Wi-Fi HaLow is the sole wireless technology providing Mbps-level data throughput enough to update digital signage and provide camera images of each bus station. This could increase the safety of passengers through monitoring, updating bus arrival times, tracking bus locations, updating digital advertisements, and monitoring bus stop usage for the potential of reducing the monthly costs to under a tenth of adding an LTE modem to each bus stop.

Critical Infrastructure Example

Often times, critical infrastructure such as a riverbank can be large, without power, and possibly remote. Monitoring such a large stretch of land could be done with LTE-M-enabled sensors; however, Wi-Fi HaLow would not only be effective, but also offers lower power consumption and lower operating costs. A single Wi-Fi HaLow AP could reach 1 mile in each direction, effectively covering 2 miles of the riverbank. Each AP could also support a wide range of devices such as cameras for visual monitoring of the riverbanks, water monitoring sensors to measure water level, and connected current meters to measure water flow. Wi-Fi HaLow can support multi-year battery life making it feasible to be deployed in remote areas without power, with the data throughput to support higher data-driven applications such as visual monitoring. A HaLow AP could connect directly to a network if one was available, cutting out the need for any LTE connection. This would leave recurring maintenance costs low and limited to device failure replacements and the manpower to service the batteries.

Electric Car Charging Example

Companies looking to install electric car charging stations face numerous challenges, as they are often installed on someone else’s infrastructure. One major challenge is establishing a reliable connection to enable payments for use. Laying down a network cable involves cutting through a lot of asphalt, which can be expensive. While LTE is an option, it adds to the overall cost. Traditional Wi-Fi could be used to connect to infrastructure, but parking lots are typically large, and signal transmission through thick walls can be challenging. Moreover, unknown interference from mobile phones and Bluetooth devices can affect signal quality. Wi-Fi HaLow operates at a sub-gig frequency, which helps to avoid many of these issues and ensures connection reliability between stations. With a range ten times greater than traditional Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi HaLow provides greater flexibility on where infrastructure can be installed, making it ideal for large concrete structures like parking garages. Finally, Wi-Fi HaLow uses the latest in Wi-Fi security, WPA3, ensuring the safe transmission of payment information.

Conclusion

Today, LTE device aggregation is possible using various wireless technologies such as LoRa, Wi-Fi, and BLE. However, Wi-Fi HaLow stands out as the best option that strikes a balance between data throughput, low power consumption, range, and signal penetration for LTE device aggregation without the recurring costs. As the frontier of Wi-Fi HaLow, NEWRACOM is working with various customers who are developing innovative solutions using Wi-Fi HaLow to reduce the number of LTE-enabled devices they require. If you have an idea of how Wi-Fi HaLow can be used, feel free to contact us through our contact page.

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain and Austin, TX – September 12, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance®, the leading Wi-Fi® industry organization, successfully hosted the first public demonstration of the next generation of Wi-Fi technology (“Wi-Fi 7”)  in the Middle East. The demonstration was organized in conjunction with the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) meeting in preparation for the upcoming 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23). As spectrum regulators gathered in Manama to consider regional alignment on WRC-23 agenda items, Wi-Fi Alliance demonstrated the critical importance of the 6.425-7.125 GHz band to the future of Wi-Fi in the Middle East and worldwide.

During the event, Wi-Fi Alliance® shared with the ASMG members the rapid growth of the Wi-Fi ecosystem in the 6 GHz frequency band, the socioeconomic benefits this brings to a country, and how the latest Wi-Fi technologies will further accelerate those benefits. Representatives from
Wi-Fi Alliance members – Broadcom, Cisco, HPE Aruba Networking, and Meta – showed how the latest generation of Wi-Fi operating in the full 6 GHz band drives innovation in their products and services to the benefit of consumers and businesses.

With the support of Broadcom, Wi-Fi Alliance hosted a regional first public demonstration of Wi-Fi 7 for ASMG participants. One demo showed the throughput capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 using Broadcom’s Wi-Fi 7 access point and client device reference designs. The demo showed a Wi-Fi 7 device operating in a 320 MHz channel at over 11 meters distance with throughputs of up to 3.7 Gbps downlink and 3.4 Gbps uplink. Another demo showed how multi-link operations (MLO) can provide deterministic low latency even when the radio waves are fully loaded.

Kevin Robinson, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance said:

“Wi-Fi Alliance and industry partners are advocating for an outcome at WRC that will allow for licence-exempt use of the full 6 GHz band. Only then will the industry be able to deliver Wi-Fi’s full potential in the band, offering innovative new products and services that will support the connectivity agendas of countries around the world. By globally harmonizing use of this band for Wi-Fi, significant progress can be made to reduce congestion, leverage the potential of the growing number of fiber connections, and meet demand in a more energy efficient way.[1]” 

Chris Szymanski, director of product marketing for Broadcom’s Wireless Communications and Connectivity Division added:

“These demonstrations showcase the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 products that are sampling with our customers.  The demonstrations were in configurations that we expect to be widely available in the market soon. The opportunities are real. This is a win-win for Arab states and would allow administrations to make advanced wireless broadband services accessible to their citizens, while still giving priority to fixed satellite services and fixed microwave services.”

 

About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

As discussed in a recent blog post, we have noticed a growing interest in Mobile Data Offloading solutions. Operators of 4G networks that have not yet invested in 5G need the extra capacity as the volumes of video traffic continue to grow and when shutting down legacy 3G networks. Operators of 5G networks are also interested in the same type of solutions but for a different reason. The higher frequencies of the 5G spectrum make it difficult and expensive to provide good indoor coverage.

With Enea Aptilo Service Management Platform (SMP) and equipment based on the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards, operators can roll out complementing and cost-effective solutions indoors as well as in high-density locations to meet subscribers’ expectations in terms of user experience and quality of service.

In this interview on Wi-Fi Now, Johan Terve, Senior Marketing Director, elaborates on the current drivers for Wi-Fi offload, stresses the importance of seamless and secure connectivity, and explains how Wi-Fi potentially can help operators reduce energy costs.

Wi-Fi Offload is back as it is 2013 again, says Johan Terve

O-RAN brings revolution to the wireless industry by introducing openness, interoperability, and disaggregation in network architectures. Our video series, 3 for 3, provides 3 answers for 3 pressing questions about trends in wireless test. LitePoint’s Middle Wen discusses O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) and explores its unique functionalities that make it different from traditional RAN. He also talks about the benefits of O-RAN and the advantages of O-RAN RU testing using LitePoint’s advanced solutions.

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Contact us to learn more about LitePoint’s advanced O-RAN RU testing solutions

Austin, Texas, – August 7, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® is augmenting Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6® testing protocols to support the regulatory authorization process of 6 GHz standard power devices pursuant to recently published Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) guidance. Release of this new testing allows product vendors and service providers to verify that the 6 GHz standard power devices meet the technical requirements in Part 15, Subpart E of the FCC rules pertaining to operations under control of the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system.

Wi-Fi Alliance members undergoing Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 testing can leverage nine Wi-Fi Alliance accredited Authorized Test Laboratories (ATL) – that are also FCC-recognized accredited test labs –– to efficiently complete regulatory testing of their 6 GHz standard power devices.

Certification for Wi-Fi 6E devices, as part of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, helps ensure products meet high standards for interoperability, security, and a range of application specific protocols. Wi-Fi® interoperability in 6 GHz promotes worldwide innovation and a diverse 6 GHz ecosystem. With the new standard power device testing capability, members can maximize efficiency and expediency in obtaining regulatory equipment authorization, while ensuring their devices meet high Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ standards.

Wi-Fi Alliance is leading the development of specifications, test plans, and training modules to enable implementation of 6 GHz standard power devices under control of the AFC system, and this new capability further underscores our work goal to drive the broadest possible adoption of 6 GHz. The AFC system approach maximizes spectrum availability for license-exempt devices, such as Wi-Fi, by dynamically determining channel availability at specified locations to avoid and protect licensed operations in the 6 GHz frequency band.

Additional information is available through our website: Wi-Fi Alliance 6 GHz AFC Resources

About Wi-Fi Alliance® |  www.wi-fi.org

Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

What is digital infrastructure and why should it be a primary focus?

Digital infrastructure is the foundation for connected operations, offering the means for the continuous transfer of large amounts of data to support solutions that use that data. It’s the backbone of the technology ecosystem, playing a vital role in almost every part of a property’s operations.

Several types of digital infrastructure are commonly used in hospitality and residential properties:

  • Fiber offers many benefits over other options:
    • High bandwidth, fast speeds, low latency, and less “lossy” over distanceLonger service life (typically 20+ years)Easier to scaleSafer due to its inability to generate sparksLess subject to interference from electrical noise in the surrounding environmentMore secure data transmission
    • More environmentally friendly
  • Copper cabling such as CAT6/6A Ethernet is another option, with pros and cons:
    • Less expensive than fiber in terms of material costs, but needs more frequent replacement
    • Lower capacity than fiber, but faster than other cabling or wireless options
  • Multiplexer technology can be used to deliver gigabit bandwidth over an existing coaxial cabling infrastructure, usually for specific applications such as in-room entertainment.
  • Wireless backhaul solutions are useful for situations where wired solutions would be impractical or impossible (such as linking one wing of a building to another across a well-used public space like a lobby), but they also have some drawbacks:
    • Less disruptive to install
    • Require more maintenance and either line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight positioning
    • Subject to many types of interference from the surrounding environment
    • Usually less available bandwidth
    • Transmissions tend to be slower

Some technologies that can be used for wireless backhaul include:

  • WiFi, especially gigabit WiFi, uses high-speed, high-capacity access points to transmit larger amounts of data; these APs may even include technology to improve non-line-of-sight transmission to cover broader areas.
  • Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) uses spectrum recently approved for commercial use. CBRS offers 5G speeds and lower latency than WiFi and can handle a large amount of traffic that will not be disrupted by local WiFi or cellular networks.

In recent years, we’ve seen exciting developments in technology for hospitality and residential properties: updated standards that support better WiFi, a wider variety of in-room entertainment options, and solutions for greater automation and personalization. These technologies all require robust connectivity that can support large amounts of data. But even as these connected applications shift from options to necessities, affecting whether people choose your property and how much they’re willing to spend, many properties may not have the needed digital infrastructure to support them.

What are the risks of not having the right digital infrastructure?

There are several risks in not upgrading your digital infrastructure:

  • You’re likely to get complaints from guests and residents, potentially resulting in lower reviews and the loss of business to other properties. Also, guests are seeking a home-like experience, and both hotel guests and MDU residents place a premium on smart capabilities; if you can’t offer these things, you’ll lose business to others who can.
  • It is more expensive to keep older infrastructure running and to keep your existing systems running without the insight and control that comes with having a modern digital infrastructure.
  • Older solutions may not require connectivity, but their downsides include a lack of support and potential shortages of replacement equipment.
  • Older non-connected systems are more difficult to manage. For example, staff can’t just apply updates and settings across all locations from the cloud if they’re not using connected solutions.
  • There are security risks/vulnerabilities in older infrastructure and solutions that don’t have modern security features built in. There is also the potential for failure of systems that don’t have cloud backup, such as phone systems with local PBX or CCTV with only on-site recordings.
  • It’s getting harder to recruit and maintain good staff, and surveys indicate that upgrading technology is now a key strategy for staff recruitment and retention in the hospitality industry.

What kinds of solutions can the right digital infrastructure enable?

Digital infrastructure supports solutions that can provide a better experience, improve efficiency, and offer cost savings. Below are some examples of how this might look in practice.

Common amenities and basic operations

Items such as phones, TVs, and your front desk might seem basic, but how well they work can make the difference between a pleasing experience that’s easy to manage and a difficult experience that offers more pain than enjoyment. The right digital infrastructure can help:

  • Fast, accessible, reliable WiFi throughout the property (indoors and outdoors) is noted as a must-have for hotel guests and MDU residents.
  • With modern VoIP phone systems, either premise-based or cloud-based, it’s crucial to have a reliable way to transmit data, not only for performance but also for management and updates.
  • Common area CCTV cameras use digital infrastructure for real-time monitoring and to transmit data from cameras to storage in the back office or the cloud.
  • Both front office and back office functions rely on digital infrastructure, including everything from touch-free check-in options to your PMS.
  • Restaurants and event spaces require digital infrastructure to support things like your POS system, business presentations, and conference offerings.
  • Entertainment options need a robust digital infrastructure that can handle large streams of data, especially for newer options. Most hotel guests now say they’d like to be able to cast content from their own devices, and over 1/3 say that would influence their choice of hotel.

Smart solutions and the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an environment of connected objects such as sensors and controls that are often incorporated into smart solutions. This kind of technology ecosystem can result in better service and improved operations at lower cost and offers the smart, contactless, personalized functionality that guests and residents are coming to expect.

Smart solutions enabled by a robust digital infrastructure include:

  • Operational monitoring and automation using smart thermostats, smart lighting, and other items with occupancy sensors and/or check-in/check-out data can improve energy management by adjusting settings based on whether a room is occupied.
  • Workforce automation technology can improve the efficiency of your staff, improve workflow, and reduce burnout.
  • Similarly, in smart event spaces hosts can easily adjust door access settings, temperature, lighting, and more based on the needs of an event.
  • Mobile keys offer touchless functionality, allow for remote configuration and management, reduce operating costs, and improve the security of your entire property.
  • Personalization of settings for climate control, lighting, audio, and more can make guests and residents feel more at home, and they’re increasingly asking for these features.
  • Maintenance and logistics solutions offer preventive maintenance to detect issues before guests or residents complain and to respond more quickly to their needs. For example, smart solutions are available that monitor for problems such as air quality issues and water leaks.
  • For greater efficiency of operations, you can use smart solutions with asset tracking sensors to alert your staff when shelves need to be restocked, RFID & GPS tags to track and locate equipment such as food trays and luggage carts, and usage tracking to determine when to restock inventory.

Going beyond the basics

A properly planned and implemented digital infrastructure will be ready to support technologies that are only now being envisioned and developed, as well as some that are just starting to be used at higher-end properties, such as:

  • Guests and residents are seeking a touchless approach. Voice-controlled devices allow guests and residents to order room service, schedule appointments, access concierge services, adjust lighting, temperature, curtains, and door locks, control TV and entertainment options, and more.
  • Some properties are now using robots and virtual assistants to alleviate staff shortages and provide touchless service while maintaining high service scores.
  • Modern properties are also implementing technologies such as AR/VR and facial recognition to add to the “wow!” factor by providing new ways of interacting with the property.

As connected solutions are increasingly adopted by hotels and MDUs, the need for fast, reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission is always growing. Without a modern digital infrastructure, properties can add all the services in the world, but they won’t be fully functional. The right digital infrastructure can tie everything together, making solutions easier & less expensive to operate & manage, as well as improving the guest/resident experience, making operations more efficient, and saving money.