Wi-Fi has moved from a nascent technology to one that is widely accepted and become so commonplace that we wonder how we ever functioned without it.

It started from autonomous access points and was followed up by controller-based architecture (with a centralized controller and thin access points). And, as we learned from the challenges in deploying Wi-Fi and the ability of the environment to impact user experience, companies have constantly tried to innovate. Some focused on building dynamic channel or power planning, some built controller-less networks, and others tried to make it work in single channel. (Don't deploy single channel until you have read the challenges here.)

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With the unexpected success of 802.11ac Wave 1 and 802.11ax on the horizon, it seems that the value proposition of 802.11ac Wave 2 is lost before it has arrived. And, perhaps rightfully so. One should wait.

The vast majority of Wi-Fi deployments are evolving toward high density scenarios. Hospitals, schools, residential apartments, stadiums etc. and 802.11ax is designed for that.

+ MORE ON WAVE 2: 802.11ac Wave 2: Sooner Than You Think, Part 2 +

We live in an era where human experience has become the driver. and all existing 802.11 standards were focused on improving peak link throughput or aggregate throughput. 802.11ax focuses on the metrics that reflect user experience such as individual user throughput, individual user performance in high density areas, power efficiency when using battery powered devices etc.

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Wi-Fi has become the fourth utility we need - after water, gas, and electricity. Everything is being "wifized." My watch, my phone, my TV, my iPad, my DVD player, my coffee maker, my refrigerator, my weighing machine! Schools, hospitals, businesses, coffee shops… it's everywhere. We can’t live without it, but hopefully it is not killing us slowly. I say this because FCC guidelines for maximum allowed transmit power of Wi-Fi Access Points are based on the assumption that Wi-Fi signals are received by a human body from a distance for one transmitting Wi-Fi antenna. However, we are not exposed to just one transmitting Wi-Fi antenna anymore.

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To maximize innovation and competition in wireless space, the FCC and other international regulatory organizations have always allowed a part of the spectrum as unlicensed, along with the licensed spectrum. Unlike licensed spectrum, which is available for exclusive use via auction (to the highest bidder), the unlicensed spectrum is available for people to share. People can use unlicensed spectrum just by following technical rules. They do not need government authorities telling them what to do. This model has worked exceptionally well, as consumers ultimately have been able to choose what best serves their needs. Cellphone connectivity is one of the top innovations in licensed space, and Wi-Fi in the unlicensed space. Can't live without either!

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