SD-WAN technology has gained popularity over the last few years as organisations seek to modernise their network infrastructure.
Blog Post
Future proof your school network with WiFi 6
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Sector: Education
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Service: Managed WiFi Networks
Table of Contents
What is WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 is the next generation of WiFi. It’ll still connect you to the internet, but with more advanced technologies to make that happen more efficiently, speeding up connections in the process.
Just as mobile broadband has progressed from 3G through 4G and now 5G, WiFi has evolved too. WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the most recent iteration of the WiFi network protocol. It offers a substantial upgrade over its predecessor and can significantly boost wireless performance across your school.
What if our internet connectivity is fast and reliable? Isn’t this enough?
Even with fast and reliable internet connectivity, if your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a legacy system, it will affect the overall user experience, and you may need an upgrade. Our FREE wireless network survey will tell you all you need to know.
Does WiFi 6 Make a Difference?
WiFi 6 standard does make a significant difference to the user experience. WiFi 6 is compatible with the latest devices, enabling WiFi 6 to optimise download and upload speeds thanks to the larger bandwidth.
With WiFi 6, uploading large video files to a Cloud-based drive or multitasking and recording during video calls can be done with ease
How Fast is WiFi 6?
WiFi 6 promises a staggering theoretical of up to 9.6 Gbps throughput, much faster than the maximum 3.5 Gbps of WiFi 5. WiFi 6 is also more efficient at handling network traffic which drops latency by 75%.
Give your students the best learning experience with faster WiFi 6
One-to-one adoption and reliance on cloud-based apps and solutions mean more internet-connected devices than ever in schools and colleges. Add to this an increasing use of immersive learning technologies, like augmented and virtual reality, and it’s easy to see why wireless networks are under strain.
WiFi 6 is built to handle all these technologies at the same time. So upgrading your school or college’s wireless LAN to WiFi 6 will improve the experience for students, teachers and other school staff. And help to future-proof your digital transformation.
What are the enhanced benefits of WiFi 6?
Along with its high speed, WiFi 6 comes with some network benefits, including security features.
1. WPA3
One of the most popular WiFi security protocols is WiFi Protected Access (WPA), which requires you to enter a password to access the network. WiFi 6 comes with the new, improved WPA3, making it harder for potential hackers to access your network..
2. Target Wake Time (TWK) Helps Battery Life of the Devices
Target Wake Time (TWK) improves the battery life of devices connected to a WiFi 6 router. The TWK establishes efficient communication between the WiFi broadcaster and connected devices to determine better wake-up and sleep time. The WiFi radio of the device only activates when needed, meaning the device consumes less battery power.
WiFi 6 provides reliable wireless coverage across your entire school.
More Reliable
It provides a consistent, dependable network for seamless connectivity.
More Capacity
It transmits more data to more users than previous WiFi standards.
More Bandwidth
It achieves speeds up to four times faster than previous WiFi generations.
Enhanced Security
Its improved WiFi Protected Access (WPA3) makes it harder for hackers to access your data.
Enhanced Features
It has improved device battery efficiency. Better WiFI coverage and support make it ideal for IoT devices.
How do I install WiFi 6?
Simpli-Fi provides an end-to-end service for your wireless LAN upgrade. Our Education Specialists help plan, supply and install your WiFi upgrade. We will provide a complete site survey to ensure we design a solution that facilitates your requirements. We make it easy so you can concentrate on teaching and learning.
Simpli-Fi and Cambium Networks working in partnership
We’ve partnered with Cambium Networks to offer your school or college world-class WiFi performance and reliability. Working with Cambium Networks, we can provide a complete WiFi 6 wireless solution. Cambium provides us with the relevant hardware, like access points and wireless controllers, and Simpli-Fi provide all the technical services you’ll need to survey, plan and install your new Wireless Network.
What funding is available for WiFi 6 upgrades?
The DfE Connect the Classroom scheme is a programme funded by the Department for Education that aims to help schools across the country access an effective, comprehensive, education-focused wireless network. It launched in 2014 and recently announced new funding of approximately £150m to invest in modern, high-spec Wireless and LAN infrastructure, including upgrades to WiFi 6 over the next three years.
If your school has been invited to apply for DfE funding under the Connect The Classroom Scheme, Simpli-Fi can help. Our team of education specialists have designed and installed hundreds of WiFi networks. They are qualified to guide you through the process of upgrading your system with a minimum of disruption.
How do I check if my school qualifies for funding?
Use a graphic similar to the below with the following content:
Step 1
Confirm you qualify
Look for an invitation from the DfE. if you have not received one, contact the DfE. You may be required to submit a bid. We can help you with this.
Step 2
Talk to one of our education experts.
Complete our form and a specialist will be in touch. We will arrange an initial consultation, followed by a survey to undersatnd the specific needs of your school, including current infrastructure, layout and any physical building challenge that we need to consider with the design.
Step 3
Our recommendations
We will provide you with a full upgrade proposal based on the outcome of our consultation and survey. Will will take into account available budget and specific timelines for your project.
Step 4
Apply for funding
We will assist you to submit you application for funding to the DfE. We will work with our partner Cambium to ensure your application is in line with the DfE funding criteria.
Step 5
Begin your WiFi project.
With funding secured, our team will work with you to develop a project plan that ensures there is minimum disruption to your teaching and learning.
Step 6
installation and onboarding
Our team are education specialists and understand how to work with our school clients to install your upgrade with minimum fuss. Once installed, we will ensure it’s as easy as pushing a button for your whole team to enjoy your new generation WiFi.
Whether or not you receive the DfE funding, we’ll help you create the best wireless solution in your school. From a complete site survey to specification and delivery, our Education Specialists team guides you through the process.
How do I start my WiFi 6 upgrade project?
If you’ve received an email from the DfE to say you qualify for Connect the Classroom funding, contact our education specialists to discuss your next steps.
The process is simple if you don’t qualify for funding but still want to discuss an upgrade. We’re here to help.
- Get in touch to book your FREE consultation with our education specialists.
- We will provide you with recommendations and a quotation that you can submit to your IT advisor from the DfE, who will confirm if you qualify for funding.
You can also find us as an Approved Supplier on Everything ICT, a compliant ICT procurement framework for education that allows schools to purchase from a single supplier quotation, saving time and effort.
Get in touch to discuss your WiFi 6 upgrade.
Discover how The Lion Academy Trust has benefited from a WiFi upgrade.
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Gary
As founder of Simpli-Fi, Gary's knowledge of cutting-edge networks and technology solutions is second to none. Gary has worked on countless projects over the years, from straightforward connectivity projects to complex, large-scale networking projects across multiple buildings.
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