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5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety

Enhancing Construction site safety with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Since its inception in 1999, wireless LAN standards have evolved, making it challenging to keep track of the fastest and most secure options.

Fortunately, the industry recognised this naming dilemma and introduced Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) as a more user-friendly and efficient solution. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and its potential to revolutionise construction sites. But first, let's take a quick look at the history of Wi-Fi.

A quick history of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi standards have undergone significant transformations over the years and understanding their evolution can help us appreciate the advancements offered by Wi-Fi 6. Here's a summary of the Wi-Fi generations and their corresponding standards:

  1. Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b) - Circa 1999
  2. Wi-Fi 2 (802.11a) - Circa 1999
  3. Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) - Circa 2003
  4. Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - Circa 2009
  5. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Circa 2014
  6. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Circa 2019

Introducing Wi-Fi 6: The key benefits

Wi-Fi 6 brings a plethora of tangible benefits that empower modern solutions for worker safety, construction efficiency and the ever-increasing demands of IoT sensor connectivity and streaming video. Let's explore the key advantages Wi-Fi 6 offers over previous standards.

1. Faster speeds for uninterrupted Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6 offers significantly higher speeds, with an official rating of 9.6 Gbps a substantial increase from its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which was rated at 3.5 Gbps. While individual device experiences may not show a three-fold increase in speed, the real advantage lies in the ability to maintain high speeds even with multiple devices connected simultaneously. In contrast to older generations where bandwidth was shared, Wi-Fi 6 ensures consistent performance regardless of device density.

2. Rapid performance in congested environments

Device density can often lead to reduced speeds in traditional Wi-Fi networks. However, Wi-Fi 6 leverages Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology to divide the load when transmitting signals. This enables a single Access Point to communicate with multiple devices concurrently, ensuring efficient and rapid performance even in high-density environments like construction sites.

3. Focused beams for enhanced speed and reliability

Wi-Fi 6 employs Beamforming technology, which allows the signal to be directed specifically toward wireless devices, improving both speed and connection reliability. Instead of a uniform signal spread across an area, Wi-Fi 6 focuses its transmission, resulting in superior performance and stability.

4. Advanced security measures

With the introduction of WPA3, an enhanced security protocol in 2018, Wi-Fi networks gained stronger protection against potential threats. While optional for older Wi-Fi networks, certifications from the Wi-Fi Alliance now mandate the use of WPA3, ensuring a more secure overall environment. WPA3 provides improved encryption, safeguards against hackers, and offers a standardised method for securely onboarding IoT devices.

5. Increased battery life for IoT devices

Reducing power consumption is not only crucial for personal devices but also for IoT sensors deployed on construction sites. Wi-Fi 6's power-efficient standards, including Target Wake Time (TWT), allow devices to schedule communication with the network. By activating their radio interfaces only when necessary, IoT devices can conserve energy and enable a wider range of small, battery-powered sensors that enhance various aspects of construction site operations.

5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety
5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety
5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety

The Impact of Wi-Fi 6 on Construction Sites

Wi-Fi 6 holds immense potential for transforming construction sites into smarter, safer and more efficient environments. Here are some ways in which Wi-Fi 6-enabled technology can revolutionise construction sites:

1. Streaming high-quality video and remote expertise

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can provide real-time video feeds to remote experts, minimising risks during critical procedures. By streaming high-quality video over Wi-Fi 6, construction professionals can access expert guidance from anywhere, improving safety and efficiency.

2. Intelligent vehicle systems and safety measures

Network-connected vehicles equipped with reversing cameras and AI systems can leverage Wi-Fi 6 for intelligent decision-making. By analysing camera feeds and communicating with the wireless network, vehicles can determine the safety of reversing movements and allow backward motion only when it's secure.

3. Real-time monitoring for worker safety

Wearable IoT devices capable of monitoring workers' vital signs, such as heart rate, can transmit data in real time. Wi-Fi 6 facilitates reliable and secure connections, ensuring workers in hazardous zones, or at heights, operate within safe physiological parameters, enhancing overall safety on construction sites.

4. Location tracking and Cloud-based security

By utilising Wi-Fi signals for worker location tracking through triangulation, construction sites can enforce safety protocols and enhance security. Wireless devices transmitting location data to Cloud solutions enable real-time monitoring and immediate alerts if any processes or safety standards are compromised.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi 6 presents a game-changing opportunity for the Construction industry, enabling faster, more reliable and secure wireless connectivity. By embracing Wi-Fi 6, Construction professionals can leverage smart technologies, IoT sensors and streaming video capabilities to enhance safety, efficiency and automation on construction sites.

As the industry progresses towards a connected future, Wi-Fi 6 paves the way for safer, more efficient construction practices. Start exploring the possibilities of Wi-Fi 6-enabled devices today.

5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety
5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety
5 key benefits of Wi-Fi 6 & how it can improve Construction site safety

About UK Connect

With a rich background in the Construction industry, UK Connect has been a trusted Connectivity provider since 2013. Our expertise extends across various sectors including Public Services, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Logistics, Mining and more. Discover how our comprehensive Connectivity solutions can elevate your business at www.ukconnect.com.

For all media-related enquiries, contact marketing@ukconnect.com.

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"Wi-Fi 6 is the next evolution in wireless technology, designed to meet the increasing demands of digital construction sites. With a greater focus on efficiency and capacity, Wi-Fi 6 ensures reliable connectivity for all devices."
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