It is
imperative that employers in Egypt build stronger Wi-Fi networks to support the
influx of mobile devices, work style and demands of employees. Aruba’s regional
director gives organizations tips on creating next-generation wireless networks
CAIRO,
Egypt, 24th June, 2014: Mobile devices are everywhere - and they're
changing the way things are done. From the way people work and play to how they
interact with one another. Technology is also altering what employees are
coming to expect from their employers. This mobile proliferation has bred a new
group of people dubbed #GenMobile. This generation expects to have access to
resources and information whenever and wherever they need them and to balance
their professional and personal lives. For #GenMobile, flexibility and mobility
are business as usual.
Ammar Enaya,
Regional Director at Aruba Networks, Middle East & Turkey says that while remote working is certainly in demand in Egypt, the concept
of traditional offices and working hours will still exist. The focus on a more
flexible work environment is mainly driven by knowledge workers - industries
such as the financial and professional services are leading the way in this
transition. But the likes of healthcare and retail will continue to require
more traditional workplaces, for obvious reasons.
So what does this suggest
about the workplace of the future? It indicates it will be one in which
employees have complete flexibility to access information and collaborate, and
where business processes become increasingly automated.
This means employers will
need to shift their thinking on the concept of the workplace to one that meets
the needs of #GenMobile employees. Those who offer the conditions sought after
by #GenMobile are more likely to attract and retain the best talent. And more
importantly, of course: satisfied employees make for productive employees.
Gearing up for #GenMobile
In
a survey conducted by Aruba Network of 5,000+ respondents worldwide, including
the two biggest IT markets in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and United Arab
Emirates (UAE) on the enterprise mobility trend, 57% of #GenMobile workers were
found to prefer connectivity via Wi-Fi compared with 3G/4G or wired networks[1]. This
no doubt will reflect the same result in Egypt as well. It is therefore most
important for organizations in the country to build stronger Wi-Fi networks to
support the influx of mobile devices, work style and demands of #GenMobile. IT
departments can create rock-solid Wi-Fi foundations by following five easy
steps:
Install
802.11ac: To accommodate the rapid increase in traffic today and in the
future, migrate to 802.11ac. The 802.11g standard provides a maximum network
throughput of 54 Mbps, and actual real-world throughput of just 20 Mbps. That
means four devices running 5-Mbps HD video sessions would max out the network.
802.11ac
gives organizations gigabit Wi-Fi speeds and ensures they are ready for new
802.11ac devices like the Dell Latitude, MacBooks and Samsung Galaxy
smartphones. Over 250 devices are already 802.11ac Wi-Fi certified.
Even
802.11n Wi-Fi clients will get a boost, operating 40 percent faster on 802.11ac
access points (APs). Faster transmission also helps extend smartphone battery
life 33 percent by enabling the mobile device radio to finish sooner and enter
sleep mode, for less power use.
Put
Wi-Fi everywhere: The defining aspect of #GenMobile is that these employees connect
from all locations all the time, and prefer Wi-Fi over other connectivity
options. Clearly, the hotspot model of deploying Wi-Fi only in areas where
people traditionally congregate will no longer work. IT departments need to
plan for network access in every corner, from board rooms to locker rooms and
elevators.
Organizations
that already have 802.11n Wi-Fi, should consider deploying 802.11ac first in
areas that serve lots of users. Then, over time, migrate fully to 802.11ac
Wi-Fi. Outdoor 802.11ac APs can even extend Wi-Fi to parking lots, courtyards
and sidewalks.
Manage
interference: Interference is a fact of life, but poor performance doesn't have
to be. Maximizing performance requires a WLAN that constantly scans the Wi-Fi
spectrum for interference and self-heals within seconds of finding a problem.
Plan
for crowds: Today, each member of the #GenMobile crowd carries an average of
three mobile devices. By 2015, ABI research predicts that there will be 18.8
billion Wi-Fi enabled devices worldwide! So networks need to be built with the
stability and performance to handle lots of connected devices.
Deal
with sticky clients: Most smartphone users suffer from sticky client syndrome. That
is, a smartphone connects to the first AP it encounters and stays connected,
even if the user roams closer to another AP.
That
means that an iPhone stays connected to the lobby AP even though it has moved
upstairs and is now at the employee's desk. This is bad for the employee and
bad for the rest of the network that might be waiting for the device to
complete upload on a slow link. Utilizing a smart Wi-Fi solution which
automatically moves devices to the appropriate AP helps overcome this
difficulty.
Conclusion
In
short, employers in Egypt need to put ample mobile measures in place for
#GenMobile, and soon - or risk scaring away future talent. With flexible and
remote working such a top priority, and the traditional ‘productive’ working
hours slipping away, organisations need to improve their mobile credentials,
and close the #GenMobile gap.
