Wi-Fi 6 and Beyond: Why Your Network Is Holding You Back
Your venue might look state-of-the-art — but if your Wi-Fi hasn’t been upgraded since the last drinks menu change, chances are it's becoming a problem. From point-of-sale systems and wireless AV control to guest apps, lighting, and staff tablets, today's venues are pushing more devices across their wireless networks than ever before.
The good news: Wi-Fi has evolved. Wi-Fi 6 (and the soon-to-launch Wi-Fi 7) are specifically designed to handle high-density, high-demand environments like clubs, bars, restaurants, and event spaces.
Why Wi-Fi Matters More Than Ever
Almost every modern venue tech system relies on Wi-Fi in some way:
Cloud-based POS
Mobile ordering
AV control apps
Streaming media
Smart lighting and IoT systems
Digital signage
Guest access portals
If your network is lagging, it doesn’t just slow down internet access — it undermines every system that relies on it.
What’s New in Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is built to solve the problems older networks couldn’t handle.
👉 Intel Overview: What is Wi-Fi 6?
Key Upgrades:
1. More Device Capacity
Handles up to 4x more devices on a single access point — perfect for busy venues with dozens of systems and guests online at once.
2. Faster Speeds
Theoretical throughput of up to 9.6 Gbps across multiple streams.
3. Lower Latency
Ideal for time-sensitive systems like AV control, live visuals, and synced lighting.
4. Better Power Efficiency
Improved battery life for connected devices like wireless mics, tablets, and mobile POS.
5. Target Wake Time (TWT)
Devices only check in with the network when needed, reducing congestion and battery drain.
Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is around the corner, promising:
Even lower latency
Multi-link operation (using multiple bands at once)
Speeds over 30 Gbps
Enhanced interference management
While Wi-Fi 7 hardware is just entering the market, Wi-Fi 6 offers immediate, proven benefits for venue operations.
Common Venue Problems Wi-Fi 6 Solves
Slow POS terminals
Older access points can’t handle peak demand — leading to laggy orders and frustrated staff. Wi-Fi 6 delivers consistent performance, even under load.
Lag in wireless AV control
Lighting and audio systems that rely on tablets or wireless triggers need stable, low-latency connections. Wi-Fi 6 makes control smooth and reliable.
Unreliable guest Wi-Fi
Improve guest experience and keep customer devices off your operational network by using advanced traffic management and VLANs.
Too many devices, not enough bandwidth
Smart lighting, music streaming, security cameras, tablets, sensors, and signage — Wi-Fi 6 gives you the headroom to run everything at once without dropouts.
Best Practices for Deployment
1. Use Enterprise-Grade Access Points
Brands like Ubiquiti UniFi, Aruba, Ruckus, and Cisco Meraki offer reliable hardware that supports high-density environments.
2. Create Dedicated VLANs
Segment your traffic:
POS
AV control
Guest access
Staff devices
IoT or lighting systems
3. Plan Coverage Strategically
Don’t just rely on one central access point. Spread APs across the venue to cover:
Booths
DJ areas
Staff-only zones
Outdoor areas
4. Use a Controller or Cloud Dashboard
Track device counts, bandwidth usage, interference, and device health in real time.
5. Enforce Guest Policies
Use captive portals or time-limited guest access to prevent abuse and protect bandwidth for critical systems.
Security Advantages
Wi-Fi 6 supports the latest security protocol, WPA3, which includes:
Stronger encryption
Protection against brute-force attacks
Safer public network handling
Combined with proper network segmentation, this helps keep guest access secure and your systems protected.
Future-Proofing with Wi-Fi 6
If you’re investing in automation, PoE lighting, AV over IP, or cloud-managed control systems, your wireless network can’t be an afterthought. It has to be part of the core infrastructure design.
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6:
Reduces system lag
Increases operational uptime
Makes onboarding new tech easier
Supports hybrid work models for staff and management
Lowers support calls and tech frustration
What’s Next: Wi-Fi 7 Readiness
If you're building a new venue or major fit-out, consider planning for Wi-Fi 7. That means:
Installing Cat6a cabling to access points
Ensuring switches and firewalls can support multi-gigabit speeds
Using future-ready AP mounts and power infrastructure
Even if you start with Wi-Fi 6, you’ll be able to upgrade easily when Wi-Fi 7 becomes widely adopted.
The Bottom Line
Your wireless network isn’t just an IT issue — it’s a foundation for how your venue functions. From back-of-house operations to front-of-house experience, it touches every system and every person.
Wi-Fi 6 is the most impactful upgrade you can make to futureproof your venue's digital infrastructure. And if you're still on older standards, you're already behind.
Talk to our team about designing a wireless backbone that supports your venue today — and scales for what’s next.