TORONTO – The explosion of connected devices and streaming services in the home that rely on Wi-Fi connectivity has resulted in the need for smarter Wi-Fi networks that can provide extended, uniform coverage and can serve as the foundation for Internet of Things in the home.
Wi-Fi mesh will not only “blanket a home with a strong Wi-Fi signal,” says Peter Vandenengel, president of Wi-Fi equipment tester Netperian, but such systems can also be set to automatically fix connectivity issues as they arise, centralize the control of data, media, and smart devices, as well as provide network analytics. Vandenengel provided an update on the state of Wi-Fi Mesh this week at the 2018 Canadian ISP Summit in Toronto.
He explained that standard Wi-Fi routers have a limited range and require Wi-Fi extenders to expand their signal, which can be difficult to set up. Enter Wi-Fi mesh systems that consist of two or more router-like devices that work together and are much easier to set up and do not require multiple network names.
Unlike a Wi-Fi router which broadcasts Wi-Fi from a single point, Wi-Fi mesh systems have multiple access points, explained Vandenengel. One point acts as the primary router, while one or more other access points, called nodes, capture the router’s signal and rebroadcast it. Mesh nodes can also connect directly to the primary routing node or through other nodes to optimize coverage and reach.
This past May, the Wi-Fi Alliance announced an EasyMesh standard which promises to deliver a standards-based approach to deploying adaptable networks comprised of multiple access points from different vendors. Vandenengel listed the key benefits of the new standard:
- Flexible design: Extended coverage through optimal placement of APs without requiring a wired connection
- Easy setup: Automatic onboarding and configuration of Wi-Fi EasyMesh devices
- Network intelligence: Self-organizing network collects information and adapts to ensure optimized performance
- Load balancing: Client devices are automatically guided to connect to the best available AP
- Scalability: Easily add APs wherever needed, even from various vendors
He cautioned thought that “established Mesh vendors may not want interoperability” due to their heavy investment in the current platform. Also, advanced features on one system may be lost if combined using EasyMesh with another system.
Vandenengel outlined four main areas where ISP providers can possibly monetize their investment in mesh Wi-Fi: through Wi-Fi upgrade fees, Wi-Fi optimization services, enhanced home network support, and total home management positioning. (Cartt.ca recently covered how Brandon’s Westman Communications has launched such services.)
He noted that both Wi-Fi upgrade fees and optimization services are now standard practice in the industry. For Wi-Fi upgrades, he added that “Cloud management does drive operational savings,” but also comes with added customer expectations and can be expensive to purchase. The optimization service has the benefit of reducing post-install technical issues and provides the opportunity to upsell hardware. The downside is it could just be a break-even proposition and diverts your technical resources.
The move to offering enhanced home network support (to include PCs, printers, etc.) is limited in the industry and is similar to offering “insurance” which can be profitable under the right conditions. The last option, total home management positioning, is an attempt to “target home networks as a catalyst to secure the customer on all fronts.” He added mesh and the accompanying management tools are the growing solutions that ISPs are using to “win the home.”
Mesh Wi-Fi solutions are currently being provided by Smart/RG, AirTies and Calix. Bell is currently using Plume which features a customer app to help with installation. Rogers uses Eero (the first company to introduce a home mesh Wi-Fi system) but will likely be moving to Plume, says Vandenengel. Telus is using Arcadyan hardware for its Mesh solution, which also features an app to assist with installation.
