Author
Bob Matthews
Wireless networking has evolved over time. The improved performance of Wi-Fi has resulted in the “bring your own device” (BYOD) explosion for business enterprises. Network managers must assess what this increased wireless demand will do to their wired infrastructure. Can they support higher data rates on aging infrastructure?
The vast majority of installed structured cabling is Category 5/5e and Category 6 with 10/100 and 1G Base-T switches. NBase-T includes new switching technology with intermediate switch speeds (2.5G and 5G) designed to operate on existing cabling infrastructure. The immediate impact to IT managers will be the deferral of potentially costly cabling upgrades as they move their wireless networks forward.
So if you are thinking about upgrading your local area network (LAN), you should ask the following questions:
- Should I upgrade my wireless network to the latest 802.11ac offering?
- How will it impact my wireline infrastructure (passive and active)?
- Will I need to replace my copper infrastructure with Category 6A cabling to support wireless technology advancements?
If you plan on attending next week’s 2016 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, I invite you sit in on my presentation The Impact of NBase-T on Wi-Fi Deployments. It takes place on Wednesday, February 3 at 9 a.m. EST.
Join me to learn more about the latest wireless offerings for your existing physical infrastructure. I will answer the questions above and many others from the audience.
