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Collaboration goes futuristic with Wi-Fi 6

How the next Wi-Fi generation will change the way we work

by Stephanie Chan

Imagine taking meetings as if you were playing a realistic VR game–except instead of gameplay, you’re sitting in a virtual boardroom and brainstorming with the avatars of your coworkers. One of the most anticipated ways Wi-Fi 6 will change the way we live is in the future of work—with higher speeds and lower latency.  Collaboration at home and in the office can be this fun.

“When people talk about AR, VR, many immediately think gaming,” says Cisco Director of Wireless Product Management, Matt MacPherson. “But it’s not just gaming, now it’s rich collaboration services. As we go into these next technologies I think there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi, and it will offer a consistent, reliable network connection so that everything will be seamless—from downloads to videos. A higher bandwidth will achieve speeds up to four times faster than the previous generation, and it can improve the battery life in all of your smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.

Many are also excited for the coming of 5G, the next generation mobile connectivity. 5G will offer faster speeds and more reliable connections for your mobile devices. But it’s crucial to remember Wi-Fi 6, as it will work with wireless connectivity like 5G to keep people working or playing, wherever they are.

Remote working is already a new normal, but with new technology like 5G and Wi-Fi 6, it can become even more prevalent. The connectivity of Wi-Fi 6 will allow workers to do their job wherever, whenever. The Wi-Fi’s advancement in performance for networks will increase speeds and capacity for applications—this means 4K video, high-definition collaboration apps, and all-wireless offices. An all-wireless office allows employees to move freely around an office without having to plug in a network cable. Like much of how Wi-Fi 6 will change the way we work, it allows workers more freedom.

Wi-Fi 6’s flexibility means we can be flexible, too. More workers can keep homes outside of major corporate hubs and retain more of a work-life balance. This can help companies reach more global markets and recruit talent from more areas. And as was mentioned, it can change the way we take our meetings, too.

“I hate getting on a plane to go to a meeting,” says VP of Wireless Product Management Greg Dorai, “I think these technologies are going to make immersive experiences come to life, where to have a face-to-face meeting, you may not need to get on a plane. Wi-Fi 6 is wonderful for that—I’m very excited about the possibilities.”

Used with the permission of  http://thenetwork.cisco.com/.