In enterprise networks, the higher rates and increased capacity of ‘802.11ac’ will break down the last remaining barriers to the all-wireless office.
By Santhosh V Perumal/Business Reporter
Wi-Fi will be key to growth of businesses in Qatar but the telecom sector needs upgrade as wireless network in the country is fast running out of capacity, according to a study.
Finding that the technology revolution in Qatar is spilling over into the consumer space; a study by inMobi said with the growing demand for Internet access on these devices, both at home and in corporate environments, “wireless networks in the country are running out of capacity fast.”
Wi-Fi, the primary mode of access to high-speed Internet for most mobile users, has transformed the way in which users interact with their devices, it said; adding smartphone penetration in the country is at 75%.
“Businesses in Qatar are beginning to realise the potential for Wi-Fi as a platform for innovation - helping them transform the workplace, deliver new services and thus grow their revenues,” it said.
High-speed networks are now required by all sizes and types of businesses, from small and medium businesses to large enterprises and even government and public sector offices, it added.
As Qatari businesses look at rolling out a new network or adding capacity in certain areas of their networks, they should select the best performing products available, it said, adding delaying the rollout will mean increased downtime for employees as they spend more time waiting for file transfers.
Ammar Enaya of Aruba Networks Middle East and Turkey, said older ‘802.11n’ wireless enterprise networks were, however, not capable of meeting user expectations.
Highlighting that the number of wireless devices was exploding in the enterprise, he said the ‘802.11ac’ standard provided better signal and coverage for lower cost than its predecessors.
In enterprise networks, the higher rates and increased capacity of ‘802.11ac’ will break down the last remaining barriers to the all-wireless office.
While the advantages of ‘802.11ac’ are evident, its uptake in Qatar still lags behind the global average, the study found.
One of the key factors keeping IT decision makers in the country on the fence is that the advancements and features offered by the ‘802.11ac’ standard will come in multiple waves, it said.
As has always been the case, innovation will continue with Wi-Fi since the demands for throughput capacity and density will continue to push the networks, it said.
Stressing that ‘802.11ac’ addresses the most pressing consumer and business needs today and is set for rapid expansion across the entire Wi-Fi ecosystem, the report said “the sooner businesses in Qatar embrace 802.11ac; the greater will be their rewards.”