Wi-Fi gets Even More Advanced

From article, (When asked to share insights into the global Wi-Fi market, Watson pointed to some key trends including:

• There are 8 times as many devices connected to Wi-Fi as there are to mobile/cellular data networks; therefore, the future of Wi-Fi looks much more like a utility rather than an add-on. This expectation is driving the need for ubiquitous coverage to accommodate emerging technologies and the increasing number of connected devices.
• There is a move towards a free public Wi-Fi model where Ruckus anticipates larger cities to roll out smart city initiatives to improve efficiencies and drive wider connectivity.
• The newly certified 802.11ac Wave 2 standard is opening the door to gigabit Wi-Fi. Significant advantages this standard includes: one access point can transmit multiple data streams to multiple connected device simultaneously; better overall performance with the ability to transmit larger files; more bandwidth and flexibility; and greater interoperability options. 802.11ac Wave 2 has gained ground quickly, as it provides wireless speeds as fast as–or even faster than–wired networks. Many businesses are already using Wi-Fi as the primary way to connect to the local area network (LAN)—and they are rapidly migrating to 802.11ac Wave 2 to take advantage of its performance and capabilities.
• We are going to see an increase in people connecting to devices, along with devices connecting to devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) market in growing exponentially, and we are likely to see more practical roll outs of IoT deployments, particularly for global sustainability.
• The ability to use virtual reality modelling (high definition video) over Wi-Fi in localised environments. Networks have always been a constraining factor but we are starting to truly realise ubiquitous communication – one where we can disregard the network, but still get a fantastic experience.
• Everyone is talking 5G but we are likely 2 – 5 years away from a realistic delivery data. It has not been ratified as a standard and there is no clear path to market. While early adopters with low market share will try and be first to market in the hopes of gaining market traction, proof of concepts will need to be completed and verified – where standardisation will drive uptake.)

Wi-Fi to be seen as a "utility" in 2018

According to Gartner, artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, digital twins, event-thinking and continuous adaptive security, create a foundation for the next generation of digital business models and ecosystems will be the top strategic trends for 2018. No matter the industry, there will be significant potential for disruption as technology becomes embedded in everything in the digital business of the future and Ruckus agrees.