by Ryan Huffman
Sometimes, it feels like technology moves faster than the industry, and end users can reasonably adopt it. An example of this currently on my mind, expected to take a step forward in 2024, is Wi-Fi technology. Because it may get mixed up in cellular network technology due to similar numerical identification and perceived similarities in functionality (wireless access to the internet), some people may not be aware that Wi-Fi actually has its own standards that get modified occasionally. It’s certainly not something the end user needs to make themselves aware of–just connect to an available network and get online. Fortunately for many, modern technology rarely asks users to understand why or how it works.
Basically, a new Wi-Fi standard is set to be ratified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) by the end of 2024. The IEEE is the organization that develops the standards, and then a separate non-profit organization called the Wi-Fi Alliance tests and certifies devices as being compatible with the standards under more consumer-friendly branding such as “Wi-Fi 7”. The rebranding makes my job a little easier because I get to talk about Wi-Fi 5, 6, or 7 instead of 802.11ax or 802.11be. The “headline” items with these new standards are generally increased bandwidth and, therefore, higher data rates. The “why” and the “how” are technical details that aren’t necessarily important here.
What is important, looking at library tech needs is that the standards are generally backward compatible with devices connecting to the networks but not with the devices broadcasting the networks. A Wi-Fi 6-certified device will be able to connect to a Wi-Fi 7-enabled network, but a Wi-Fi 6 access point will not be able to broadcast a Wi-Fi 7 network. There may be exceptions to backward compatibility with older devices that do not support enhanced security measures required by newer technology. In order to support the highest number of devices possible, the library system needs to stay with the curve rather than ahead of it in this particular area. Unfortunately, there is no set duration that one version will be in place before the next one hits the market. Wi-Fi 6 received the official endorsement from the IEEE in early 2021, while the previous version had been in place since 2013. One was in place for almost 8 years and the next one only went for about 3 before a new standard was developed. There is already talk of Wi-Fi 8, expected as early as 2028!
When it comes to upgrading our wireless networking capabilities in each of the branches, the library system will need to invest in new wireless access points. Those are the round white devices with blue lights you might see on the ceilings or walls of your local branch. That device is what actually allows a wireless device like a smartphone to connect to the network, so upgrading those would be imperative. Due to increased bandwidth or power demands, there may also be updates required for cabling or network switches if the current infrastructure cannot support the demands of the new technology. That cost could start to add up pretty quickly with 25 wireless access points scattered at branches around the county, and it is certainly something that takes a good bit of planning and preparation to roll out. The library may not be the first to adopt the latest standard of Wi-Fi technology as it becomes widely available to the market but striking a balance between device compatibility and offering modern capabilities makes this an important topic in the world of library Information Technology.
Ryan Huffman is Computer Systems Director for the Adams County Library System.