Why Wireless LAN Should Go Beyond Wi-Fi: Embracing Private Cellular Solutions

Organizations should consider integrating private cellular networks with Wi-Fi for enhanced coverage, security, and reliability.

Although Wi-Fi has long served as the foundation of corporate wireless networks, it is now necessary to reevaluate its use in light of the emergence of 5G and private cellular networks (PCNs). Wi-Fi 7 promises fast speeds, but in important areas like network coverage and security, it frequently lags behind. Wi-Fi and private cellular integration can be used to address these constraints and build a more robust and efficient network architecture.

While Wi-Fi is a good option for high-speed internet access in constrained areas, its scalability and mobility are issues. For example, a lot of Wi-Fi access points are usually needed to cover huge areas or high-density locations like industrial facilities and warehouses. On the other hand, the same region can be covered by a single cellular access point, negating the need for substantial infrastructure and mitigating issues like signal interference caused by physical obstructions.

By using SIM-based permission to prevent unwanted device access and increase overall network security, private cellular networks provide increased protection. This is especially helpful in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and warehousing where continuous communication and real-time data sharing are essential. In its Indiana campus, for instance, Toyota Material Handling replaced Wi-Fi with a PCN to increase network resilience and operational efficiency.

Organizations are anticipated to make large investments in PCNs as the need for reliable and secure networks increases. By 2028, analysts project that businesses will invest $9 billion in private cellular networks. This change emphasizes how enterprises must combine PCNs and Wi-Fi to maximize network performance.