The theoretic maximum data transfer speeds across new 802.11ac Wi-Fi networks is 1.3 gigabits per second (Gbps). Unfortunately, hotels aren’t likely to match these speeds in day-to-day operations, most likely topping out at 433 Mbps on a good day. Still, the new Wi-Fi standard should give hotels and guests with the latest devices fast enough Internet connections to stream high-definition movies and real-time video conferencing.
The new gigabit Wi-Fi standard operates at the 5 gigahertz (GHz) frequency instead of the old standard of 2.4 GHz. Not to worry, though, since most access points and wireless devices manufactured today are dual band, says Netgear’s Thomas Cheng. “What that means is that you can access either standard. However, the clients being built aren’t always intelligent enough to know which is the band they should get on. They always try to get on whatever they can get on first, and unfortunately, 2.4 has bigger coverage because it’s a lower frequency band.” It also tends to be the most crowded, with overlapping signals from Bluetooth devices, portable phones, and even microwave ovens.
