Written by Dennis Huang and Mark Hamilton
Wi-Fi is rapidly exceeding its initial origins as a 'best-effort' wireless endeavor as it evolves into a deterministic networking technology that frequently mirrors characteristics found in cellular networks, at a fraction of the deployment costs and operating complexity. This is due to operators who view Wi-Fi as a managed network to leverage and increase consumer expectations for ubiquitous Wi-Fi that is both fast and reliable.
Wi-Fi Vantage
However, Wi-Fi wasn’t originally designed to optimize performance beyond the access point (AP) and the devices connected to it. This is precisely why Wi-Fi Alliance introduced its Vantage and Vantage Release 2 certification, which makes it easier for users to select network devices that provide the best Wi-Fi experience in airports, stadiums, offices, campuses, retail locations, and service provider-managed residential networks.
Benefits of Wi-Fi Vantage
Indeed, Wi-Fi Vantage devices offer features that provide secure, light touch access to Wi-Fi networks, as well as mechanisms for the efficient use of spectrum and network resources in densely populated, dynamic environments. This means Wi-Fi network administrators using certified Wi-Fi Vantage products can deliver an optimal user experience with seamless and secure connections, increased throughput and the ability to allow more devices to operate on the same network.
In simple terms, Vantage can be thought of as a quality of service (QoS) certification, analogous to the automotive world’s introduction of the automatic transmission, to make Wi-Fi network infrastructure easy to manage. It smooths the workings of balancing client load on APs and client loads on specific frequency bands. Vantage also standardizes how AP and client communication can shift to another band or AP and formalizes client steering between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Clearly, Vantage is playing a major role in helping Wi-Fi transition from a ‘best-effort’ endeavor to a deterministic wireless technology that is now the de-facto medium for internet connectivity. This is why we are proud to be an active part of the Vantage community – and even more excited to announce that Wi-Fi Alliance has awarded our
T811 access point and
SmartZone 100 network controller the industry’s very first Vantage 2 certification. Vantage 2 certification was developed to help network operators deliver higher network efficiency, as well as easy to set-up, quality Wi-Fi connections, even in congested carrier environments, such as those found in airports, train stations, stadiums, campuses, and community Wi-Fi networks.
Conclusion
Consumers now expect ubiquitous Wi-Fi that is fast and reliable wherever they go. At Ruckus, we develop technology that delivers seamless connectivity and great user experiences no matter how challenging the environment is. Our recent
Vantage 2 certification illustrates how we are successfully improving wireless performance in dense and crowded locations to meet operator demands for the latest technology for optimizing managed networks, and consumer demands for consistently fast and reliable Wi-Fi.
