In an environment with a lot of RF noise, such as those with multiple wireless networks or devices emitting signals on the same band, it is crucial to choose a Wi-Fi standard that can efficiently handle interference and maximize performance.

We give you some tips to select the most recommended Wi-Fi standard in such conditions:

1. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is currently the most recommended standard for noisy environments. It offers several significant improvements over previous standards, especially in terms of interference handling and efficiency in dense networks:

• OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access): OFDMA allows multiple users with different bandwidth needs to share a channel simultaneously, reducing competition for access and improving efficiency.
• MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output)- MU-MIMO allows the access point to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, which is useful for reducing waiting time and improving performance in dense environments.
• Target Wake Time (TWT): This feature helps improve energy efficiency and reduce congestion by allowing devices to schedule their wake-up and transmission times, thereby decreasing the likelihood of collisions.
• 1024-QAM: Increases data density to deliver higher performance over a given spectrum.

2. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

Although not as advanced as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5 is still a considerable option for environments with moderate interference. It implements MU-MIMO and offers good speed and reliability in the 5 GHz band, which is generally less congested than the 2.4 GHz band.

3. 5 GHz band over 2.4 GHz

Regardless of the specific standard, opting for devices that operate in the 5 GHz band (or that can operate in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but prioritize 5 GHz) is generally advisable in noisy environments. The 5 GHz band tends to be less crowded and has more channels available, reducing the likelihood of interference.

Additional considerations

• Spectrum evaluation: Before installing or upgrading a network, it may be helpful to perform a spectrum assessment to identify the least congested bands and channels in your specific environment.
• Network planning: Use network planning tools to optimize the placement of access points and minimize interference.
• Regular updates: Keep network device firmware up-to-date to ensure the latest enhancements and interference mitigation technologies are taken advantage of.

Selecting the right standard and careful planning can make a significant difference in the quality and reliability of wireless connections in noisy environments.