Increased adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) demonstrates the growing demands for Wi-Fi networks to deliver optimal performance, reliability and security, according to wireless network provider Xirrus.
"The rapid expansion of IoT and BYOD necessitate that all businesses re-evaluate how they design their Wi-Fi networks to meet users' expectations to connect anywhere, on any device, at any time," said Shane Buckley, Xirrus CEO, commenting after the results of the firm's 'Where the Wires End' survey were announced.
The study found that a vast majority of consumers (76%) connect to Wi-Fi outside of their home on a regular basis. Moreover, the study revealed the growing expectation of connectivity everywhere. Additional key findings include:
• Wi-Fi usage trumps security: Most respondents (79%) do not feel that public Wi-Fi is secure; however, the majority of users (62 percent) still connect to public Wi-Fi.
• Travellers would change hotels and airlines for better Wi-Fi: More than half (66%) of travelers would change hotels for a better Wi-Fi experience; 49% would change their preferred airline provider.
• 'Bad' Wi-Fi keeps workers from doing their jobs: A large majority (84%) of respondents reported bad Wi-Fi has kept them from doing their job.
• Wearables and IoT adoption create demand for high-density Wi-Fi: Today, almost all consumers (90%) own at least one once connected device (e.g., laptop, smartphone or tablet). However, a surprising number (one in three) own a wearable device of some kind (e.g., smartwatch, fitness band).
"We are now more than ever a mobile, wireless-reliant society," added Buckley.
"The proliferation of Wi-Fi connected devices combined with the expectation of steadfast connectivity has put increased demand on Wi-Fi networks everywhere.
"Nowhere is this more apparent than in the enterprise. Our study highlights the need for organisations to reinforce their networks to ensure a seamless connected experience for users at all times, no matter the location."