Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic nearly 60% of U.S. workers who say they can do their jobs from home are doing so compared to 23% before the pandemic, according to a 2022 study from Pew Research. Clearly, teleworking is here to stay, and with it a marked increase in the number of connected devices. The typical American household now owns an average of 16 connected devices, says Parks Associates research, an increase from 13 in 2021.
But it’s not all speed and smiles
Apart from the normal challenges associated with working from home—finding a quiet location, juggling schedules, connecting multiple devices for work and play—one in seven Americans (15%) is also dealing with daily internet connectivity issues and more than a half (53%) are experiencing issues at least once a month, according to a recent report from Waveform.
Do the box stores have the answer? (Hint: no)
For some consumers, the go-to solution is to buy more (or better) technology. At their local electronics store or favorite online retailer, these consumers find a wide (some might say overwhelming) array of WiFi routers, extenders, boosters, repeaters, and mesh systems, all promising to deliver better coverage and throughput. But do they deliver on that promise? Not necessarily.
Generally, adding more technology makes things more complicated, not simpler or better. And often the internet service provider (ISP) can’t help when called because the newly purchased technology lacks the necessary remote support capabilities.
It doesn't have to be this way.
Managed WiFi brings it home
Consumers want two things when they are working from home: a stable connection and adequate coverage for every connected device in their home. And most would prefer to get both things from a single company.
A good managed WiFi solution, available from an ISP, offers four things to consumers:
- Simplicity: A single, reliable Wi-Fi system that provides superior coverage and throughput, validated and provided by the ISP, removes the stress of having to evaluate a complex array of products and make their own purchase.
- Security: Automatic firmware updates and integrated gateway-based security (that offers protection for all connected devices) provides peace of mind.
- Affordability: Most consumers prefer modest monthly payments, instead of the steep upfront costs associated with purchasing a WiFi system.
- Support: Product warranties and 24/7 omnichannel technical support (e.g., phone, online chat, or mobile app) are valuable should any technical issues arise.
The impact of WiFi 6 (and 6E) on managed WiFi
The WiFi 6 standard introduced in 2019 (aka IEEE 802.11ax) included more than 50 new enhancements, most of them designed to improve data rates, capacity, coverage, and power efficiency.
The performance benefits are clear
Most recently, dozens of countries have approved the use of the 6-GHz band—in addition to the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands already in use—for use as new, unlicensed spectrum. The Wi-Fi Alliance predicted that 338 million “Wi-Fi 6E” compatible devices would enter the market in 2021, designed to take advantage of this new spectrum, which will not be clogged up with legacy devices. The result is less interference, enhanced performance, reduced latency, and increased security.
And so is the opportunity for ISPs
The box stores are ready for WiFi 6 and 6E: consumer-grade WiFi routers and gateways supporting both WiFi 6 and 6E—some costing hundreds of dollars—are available now to support the growing number of compatible consumer devices.
ISPs can get ahead of the big box curve by offering a managed WiFi service powered by carrier-class WiFi 6 and/or WiFi 6E systems. They can differentiate themselves strongly with an offering that is more affordable, future-proof, and comes with premium technical support and the protection of a comprehensive warranty.
Greg Owens is senior director, product marketing, at Calix.