Learn about the issues that make Wi-Fi problematic and how it is solved.
Episode #12-48 released on August 15, 2022
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Wi-Fi Networking is seen as problematic, and for many advanced applications, needs, and even environments, it is problematic, but the question is, is Wi-Fi always problematic?
The biggest issue with Wi-Fi is the frequency, overlapping of frequencies, the number of devices on a given frequency, distance, electromagnetic interference, and the hotspot itself.
The first issue we should talk about is the frequency. When we think of Wi-Fi, we most often equate it with the 2.4 GHZ spectrum. This is the most commonly used frequency which means that many, many devices are using it.
The next issue is overlapping of Frequencies, more specifically the channels. This is a big issue for 2.4GHZ wireless and is less of an issue for newer frequency ranges. The overlapping of channels means that there is far more interference affecting traffic than individual channels would be if they did not overlap at all.
The next issue is the number of devices on a given channel and frequency. The more devices are connected on a specific frequency, the more interference and delays will be experienced. And the more this number approaches the maximum supported by IP protocols and the hotspot, the more likely the Wi-Fi itself is going to fail or stop working properly.
Distance is, also, an issue. You need a strong signal that can go far away by at the same time it has to, also, travel through Windows and solid objects, and still maintain a strong signal to work.
Electromagnetic interference is definitely an issue to never forget, if anything is affecting the current Wi-Fi signal with any kind of EM field, it would drop the Wi-Fi network or stop it from working properly. The most common issues are related to microwaves and 2.4GHZ networks, but other devices do cause issues.
And the biggest issue, is the hotspot itself. But there is good news. Newer hotspots support a range of Wi-Fi frequencies and ranges, meaning you are not limited to over saturated frequencies when you need a better, stronger signal. This means you can enjoy yourself using Wi-Fi further than we could 10 years ago with newer generation devices, and this will continue to ring through for the foreseeable future.
Newer Wi-Fi standards have significantly improved Wi-Fi networking, and speeds once thought only possible with wired connections are getting more and more achievable with each new update to Wi-Fi standards and technology. There will be a day where wired connections and Wi-Fi will be just as good, if not better, depending on the application and device. And when this comes to pass, many of the cables we have in our homes and cities will no longer be needed and our dependance and various other resources will drop.
So, to answer the question, is Wi-Fi networking problematic, the answer is no, especially with newer standards and as we move forward, we will only benefit more and more from reliability and the positive environmental affects that we still have to deal with to this day.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Dot Net