The fundamental difference between Tanaza and Classic Hotspot

The fundamental difference between Tanaza and Classic Hotspot


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From a cloud-based management system to a hotspot system, and back. Tanaza’s journey towards creating the next WiFi management platform for service providers and the features that distinguish Tanaza’s latest platform from the Tanaza Classic Hotspot system.

When meeting with Tanaza customers that are currently migrating to our latest Tanaza’s platform, the inevitable questions always pop. “Sebastiano, why do you have two software? And what are the differences between them?” There’s a reason why these customers got confused in the first place.

A bit of history to refresh our beginnings

Tanaza started in 2010 with the first cloud management multi-vendor platform ever conceived. Then, we entered the hotspot business when we released the complete Tanaza Classic feature set. Afterward, we decided to refocus on cloud management for service providers and developed the latest Tanaza platform.

Well…
I tried to answer the questions about our brand name in my previous blog. However, I think there are still a couple of things to clarify on how the features overlap. Particularly now that the two products are integrated and can work together on the same WiFi deployments. I believe it is essential to understand the difference.

What is the difference between Tanaza and Tanaza Classic?

Tanaza

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Tanaza platform, which has the same name as the company.
This platform provides advanced cloud management features, including centralized configuration and remote monitoring, for service providers (check the complete list of features). Also, it will include -currently under development, a very basic splash page with click-through access.

Tanaza Classic

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Classic Hotspot (cloud.tanaza.com, editor.tanaza.com and dashboard.tanaza.com). It is an advanced hotspot system for WiFi marketing, social hotspots, and WiFi monetization. Also, it includes a small set of cloud management features.

When using both products together, it is clear that you can get the best of both products. On one side, a professional enterprise-level product to manage WiFi access points. And, on the other side, a complete set of marketing features.

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However, when using Tanaza you only use the hotspot features included in Tanaza Classic, and not the basic cloud management ones which are outdated, when compared to the latest Tanaza features. Similarly, when using the Classic Hotspot advanced hotspot system, you won’t use the basic click-through splash page included in the Tanaza platform.

The two products also will be available separately to make sure that users can get the most suitable software solution for their needs. In case users want to use the Tanaza platform features, they will need to use one of the compatible access points listed here. Alternatively, they might go for a Cosmo Networks access point.

Instead, in case of users who prefer the Classic Hotspot features, they would need to select an access point in the compatibility list, which also includes some legacy and end of life devices.

Reduce Operating Costs of Wi-Fi Networks

How to reduce operating costs with remote WiFi Network Management


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WiFi Network Management.

Wireless is evolving, accelerated by IoT devices, more connections, and more bandwidth-hungry applications. Future WiFi networks will need more wireless capacity and reliability as the IoT marketplace is changing rapidly. This, however, puts a lot of pressure on the network’s infrastructure, and Service Providers need to find the best solution to cope with the demand while keeping network deployments costs down. 

Managing such a complex ecosystem can be stressful and confusing when too much time and money is wasted on daily tasks. Networks are expensive, and just a few businesses can operate without them. However, even if networks are essential for business operations, the money invested in them is always seen as a sunk cost.

Many companies believe that the initial investment of network deployments ends at the time of purchase. Most people do not consider that the initial investment is only a small percentage of the costs they will have to face for use and maintenance.

Gartner, Inc. shows that only 20% of the total expenditure is reflected in the purchase of hardware, software, operations, and administration costs. In contrast, the remaining 80% is invested in what is defined as indirect costs, e.g., end-user operations like technical support or maintenance costs. Thus, the price of WiFi networks goes above and beyond the initial investment.

Five ways to reduce the operational costs of WiFi networks

1. The cost of vendor lock-in

One of the most significant barriers that MSPs and Solution Providers can face when deploying networks is the equipment’s high cost. Some solutions require specific tools in terms of hardware (brand/model), which can represent an essential cost if you need to change the hardware at some point.

Choosing closed software and hardware technologies can lead to huge OpEx, which might increase CapEx very quickly. Nonetheless, the movement of Open-Source is gaining momentum in the networking space. Enterprises are moving towards software-defined networks developed on open-standards.

This means that organizations are not locked into a single vendor when purchasing networking equipment, which can be a substantial cost-saver factor.

The more complex networks become, the more they cost to operate and maintain. A multi-vendor software can solve these difficulties because it lets you choose to work with different brands and models, including your WiFi devices.

2. On-premises system-based

Another obstacle to the growth of MSPs could be the up-front cost of the on-premises infrastructure maintenance to keep the networks up-and-running. Instead, with a software-as-a-service approach, users can easily manage networks remotely, scale businesses, and pay only for the services used. 

In this way, users can reduce not only up-front costs and maintenance costs but also CapEx by adopting a “pay-as-you-go” subscription approach.

3. Overlooked hidden costs

As mentioned above, the subscription model can replace CapEx expenses with a budget-friendly pay-as-you-go approach. This model can have many advantages and could fit your enterprises’ needs. But, its impact over time must be correctly estimated. 

Like ordinary maintenance, these costs should be previewed into a long-term analysis that compares both the purchase and subscription model’s real costs for any network investment you are planning.

Vendor’s bundling packages during the sales process also deserve a review. In a full package, users theoretically can rely on enhanced value through added features and multiple components, which is fine if the bundle package has everything. If not, the likelihood of paying for not used features is high, which will cause higher prices in the operating costs.

4. Total cost of ownership

TCO – the total cost of using and maintaining an IT investment over time – is often ignored and unbudgeted, presenting an inaccurate spending analysis. TCO in WiFi networking considers the initial purchase costs and the additional costs that arise over time and depend on the units wasted.

Although the TCO cannot be the only element to be considered in a company’s technological choice, it still remains one of the fundamental causes of underestimating very high operating costs.

5. 24/7 Support and Monitoring

According to the Enterprise Management Associations (EMA) ‘s research, Network Engineers and Operators use numerous monitoring and troubleshooting tools in their daily activities. Managing networks implies to provide 24/7 support and to be always available for customers. 

Nevertheless, if you are an MSP that deals with many clients from multiple locations, this can be a significant costly problem. Consider the transportation costs to get to the customer’s premises to install, troubleshoot, or reboot a device or even upgrade the firmware. Therefore, no matter which WiFi management software you use, to reduce costs and time, make sure the software you choose allows you to operate and monitor the networks remotely.

Remote monitoring as a solution

We recommend relying on a management platform with remote monitoring capability to reduce WiFi networks’ operational cost. It will allow you to manage all your networks and hardware equipment fast and efficiently from one place, without going on-premises.

The WiFi remote monitoring technology allows you to instantly access your equipment and operate networks based on that information. Moreover, you have a full 24/7 overview of the networks and get notifications of any critical operational issues on the system as they occur.

Moreover, it allows you to reduce costs by centralizing your IT staff or adapting your organization to make it more efficient. Managing your WiFi infrastructure remotely gives you the opportunity and the time to focus on your projects, like improve your product and service, innovate, deliver excellent customer service, etc.

Tanaza the WiFi cloud management solution

Tanaza is a cloud-based management solution to operate WiFi networks. It allows the remote deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting of WiFi networks from an intuitive and responsive dashboard.

Tanaza works with all access points powered with TanazaOS, the Linux-based operating system for multi-vendor devices. Also, it has a well-crafted selection of Tanaza Powered Devices that come with the Tanaza software already installed to give customers a plug & play experience.

The Tanaza platform allows users to manage and control thousands of networks and organizations from one dashboard. Apply in bulk centralized network-wide configurations, limit bandwidth, stir devices to different channels, create and manage multiple SSIDs, and much more.

Tanaza gives users the freedom to use multiple brands’ access points, reducing CAPEX considerably. In this way, by reusing the existing WiFi infrastructure, Tanaza enables customers to lower the WiFi networks’ up-front investment.

Furthermore, Tanaza reduces OPEX throughout the whole life cycle of the access points, from installation to configuration and maintenance, allowing to save up to 60% in costs in 5 years. Additionally, it removes the need for physical hardware controllers installed on-premises.

Lastly, Tanaza takes care of many operations, including server maintenance, back-up, security patches, and fixes, and ensures high availability of the system for minimum downtime and productivity losses. 

Tanaza is a WiFi cloud management software suitable for indoor and outdoor deployments of medium and large scale. Test the platform and experience all the features available within Tanaza with our free interactive demo.

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Tanaza participates in the Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity program 2020

Tanaza participates in the Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity program 2020


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Tanaza takes part in the Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity program,  which focuses on connectivity solutions that improve the availability and affordability of internet access.

Facebook Connectivity bringing more people online to a faster internet

Connectivity is at the heart of Facebook’s mission to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Critical to this mission is high-quality internet access, which provides people with a voice and creates opportunities to share the knowledge that can strengthen local communities and global economies. To make this happen, Facebook Connectivity has launched an array of projects, technologies, and partnerships designed to increase the availability, affordability, and awareness of high-quality internet access.

What is the Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity program?

Facebook and MassChallenge recently launched Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity for startups that improve internet connectivity through technologies and new models that address internet access, availability and affordability across the Americas.

20 startups were selected to partner with Facebook Connectivity to help scale their businesses and accelerate the pace of innovation. Tanaza has been invited to participate in the 12-week virtual program to receive industry-oriented training and participate in workshops with access to industry experts, mentors, and potential strategic partners and investors.

The Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity Program looks to accelerate: 

  • Innovative solutions that improve performance or lower cost of CSP infrastructure (Cloud, SDN, Automation)
  • Plans to connect the unconnected (ISPs & SIs) and novel business models that enable them.
  • Technologies that enhance communications speed, coverage, density, and security. 
  • New services –enabled by advancements in edge computing, cloudification, or AI.
  • Power advances that expand connectivity in rural areas and emerging markets.
  • CPE that disrupts the status quo.

Tanaza and Facebook –bringing innovation to the Wi-Fi space.

Tanaza is already a Facebook Connectivity’s Express Wi-Fi Technology Program partner, enabling network equipment manufacturers to build network hardware and software compatible with Express Wi-Fi. 

Tanaza has developed an intuitive and responsive Wi-Fi cloud management platform for IT professionals to operate networks remotely. The vendor-agnostic platform makes the deployment, configuration, and management of Wi-Fi networks straightforward. Furthermore, it allows customers to control and monitor multiple Wi-Fi devices from a single dashboard in the cloud. 

As an Express Wi-Fi Technology partner, Tanaza has integrated the Express Wi-Fi platform into its feature set. As of now, Tanaza can work with mobile network operators in areas of the world affected by the digital divide and expand its presence in some Asian and African countries. Therefore, operators will have the opportunity to monetize their networks and cloud manage them through an enterprise-grade system at a fraction of the cost due to Express Wi-Fi.

The Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity program kicks off with the Bootcamp Day.

The 12-week virtual program will kick off with a Bootcamp Day in which startups will meet Facebook Connectivity teams and mentors, and participate in the first of a series of workshops.

Tanaza creates value for its partners and users by allowing unprecedented efficiency and scalability in network management, including freeing users from proprietary hardware.  By joining Facebook Accelerator: Connectivity, Tanaza will be able to build on its vision to democratize Wi-Fi by making it affordable and available to more people globally.

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Tanaza joins Facebook Connectivity’s Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner Program

https://www.tanaza.com/blog/tanaza-accelerates-software-and-hardware-disaggregation-within-the-telecom-infra-project/

Cloud WiFi Management Software for Enterprise

Cloud WiFi management software for Enterprise

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What is a cloud WiFi management software?

A cloud WiFi management software is software for WiFi professionals that allows you to manage WiFi networks remotely. Cloud-based means that the network is configured from a centralized platform accessible from the Internet.

This type of software makes it easier to monitor networks and intervene in disconnections or troubleshooting of the access points. All software updates are pushed via the cloud. The cloud management service is typically hosted in the cloud by a 3rd party as a subscription-based purchase model. Furthermore, WiFi administrators/managers can control their WiFi deployments via the cloud.

Cloud management technology is undoubtedly a full-blown reality today. People want to connect to the networks instantly, anytime, anywhere. ISPs and MSPs worldwide are now adapting and equipping themselves with this technology to provide a complete service that offers customers a good WiFi connectivity experience.

What are the options to manage a network?

Today, any company needs to manage information and data through networks while addressing the growing demand for connectivity. The way to manage networks ranges from manual configuring individual devices through a command-line interface to more sophisticated centralized management platforms that allow you to overview the whole network and configure and monitor thousands of devices.

Network administrators have different options to choose from

  1. On‐premises controller‐based WiFi architectures with built‐in the capabilities of the network equipment. This model adds further capital costs and another physical element to install and maintain. 
  2. Cloud-based/hybrid, centralized management platform deployed as a separate tool offered by the equipment vendor. Usually, this option provides a total lock-in of the network infrastructure, forcing users always to deploy the same brand of devices. Typically, users incur higher CAPEX and OPEX with this option.
  3. Cloud‐based centralized management third‐party platform. Usually, this option provides lots of flexibility as the platform is independent of the device manufacturer. It provides an over-the-top software layer that, in general, is compatible with multiple brands. This option allows users in the long term to save in CAPEX and OPEX while cherry-picking device brands and avoiding the complexities of vertical solutions that imposed locked-in.

 

How to choose the most suitable solution for your business’ network depends on the business’ characteristics. Nonetheless, good management software is essential in any organization, small or large. Besides, most of the company’s daily operations depend on reliable, secure, and performing networks.

Cloud vs. On-premises – What is the best option to manage a network?

Cloud-based centralized management is the best alternative to the on-premises controller-based WiFi models. Network administrators don’t have to deal with on-site servers. They can easily manage and access the networks via the cloud, allowing them to check the entire network’s status and operate them remotely.

In this way, organizations can provision, manage, optimize, and troubleshoot an enterprise-level network via a single dashboard over the Internet. Cloud gives IT the troubleshooting tools to react more quickly to any potential issues and prevent any network anomalies right away.

Cloud-based centralized management considerably reduces the cost and complexity of IT infrastructure management.

With a cloud-based centralized management solution, businesses can:

  • Reduce CapEx and OpEx considerably
  • Access quickly to the network’s data.
  • Increase or decrease resources and requirements according to the business needs.
  • Updates, handling, and maintenance of the software is done by the provider. New features and functionality are developed continuously and automatically delivered through the platform.
  • Back-up and recovery of data are less expensive and faster, thanks to the cloud capabilities.
  • Cloud provides a broad set of policies that can guarantee your business security.

 

Cloud-based centralized management platforms provide virtually unlimited compute and storage capacity, making it ideal for utilizing advanced technologies. The cloud service may be free, freemium, or subscription-based. Therefore, differently from the hardware controller with higher CAPEX cost, the cloud-based centralized management solution gives businesses more adaptability to their budgets. Lastly, it allows taking advantage of new technologies that might be way too expensive in terms of resources and costs.

What are the options to manage a network from the cloud?

Tanaza – an ideal partner to manage your WiFi networks from the cloud

Tanaza WiFi cloud management is the right alternative to the outdated on-premises systems and hybrid-cloud deployments. Tanaza relies its cloud platforms on the robust Amazon Web Services (AWS), guaranteeing the highest security levels available on the market while running on a powerful cloud infrastructure.

The Tanaza platform is an intuitive and responsive cloud-based WiFi management software that makes the deployment, configuration, and remote monitoring of networks a child’s play. The core technology, TanazaOS, is based on the solid and powerful Linux-based Operating System, compatible with multiple brands of WiFi access points.

The Tanaza WiFi cloud management platform offers remote provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting of every device. Also, network admins can manage the settings of tens, hundreds, or thousands of WiFi access points from a single cloud controller platform. Also, enable SSIDs, configure IP addresses, set radio power and channels, and more from one single dashboard. 

The platform is designed to enhance efficiency when deploying large-scale WiFi Networks. 

Network admins can set the network’s basic configurations, applied by default to all the cloud-managed access points in that network. And reconfigure access points without rebooting them or restarting the services —all from the Tanaza dashboard.

Furthermore, Tanaza provides its infrastructure as a Public Cloud Software-as-a-Service that is perfect for optimizing costs and as a Private Cloud solution for high-tier Service Providers and operators. Cloud services provide virtually unlimited compute and storage capacity, making it ideal for utilizing advanced technologies. 

Are you ready to manage your WiFi networks from the cloud?

Cloud-managed networking is rapidly growing in popularity. According to Omdia, enterprises, on average, expect to spend 36% of their IT budget on off‐premises cloud services in 2020, up from 22% in 2018. It’s time to think differently about managing your network deployments.

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Linux kernel embraces new terminology

Linux kernel embraces new terminology slashing out’ blacklist’ and ‘slave’ terms – Tanaza joins the movement


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Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux and principal engineer of the Linux kernel, has recently approved the new neutral terminology for Linux code. Along with documentation to promote a more inclusive language. The change entails slashing out words like blacklist, master, and slave.

Linux Kernel has approved New Neutral Terminology

At the moment, there are no confirmed alternatives to replace the previous terminology. However, Mr. Torvalds has suggested plenty of choices. For instance, the suggested alternatives for master/slave are

  • primary/secondary
  • initiator/target
  • leader/follower
  • director/performer
  • main/replica or subordinate
  • requester/responder
  • controller/device
  • host/worker or proxy

The suggested alternatives for blacklist/whitelist are: 

  • denylist/allowlist
  • blocklist/passlist

No fixed term applies to all use cases, so developers can choose as appropriate, as the Linux team did not recommend any specific terms. These new terms should be used for new source code written specifically for the Linux kernel and related documentation.

In regards to the old terms, they are now considered inadequate and not inclusive. The will and only be allowed to support and maintain old code and documentation. Or “when updating code for an existing (as of 2020) hardware or protocol specification that mandates those terms,” says the Linux team.

In our view, the lack of a defined list of terms might create a bit of chaos in the future. Nevertheless, creating a more inclusive language for the developer community’s use is the proper way to go.

The movement in the Tech Community

Everything started back in July when Dan Williams, Linux kernel maintainer, filed a proposal to remove the master/slave and blacklist/whitelist terminologies. Mr. Tovalds approved the request earlier this month in a pull request for the Linux 5.8 repository.

But what is more exciting is that the Linux kernel community is not the only one joining the movement. Several major product and programming language teams, including Twitter, Chrome, Android, Curl, Go, and Microsoft, have also adopted alternative terminology. GitHub said that it will replace racially insensitive terms from its documentation too.

Tanaza will adopt the Linux new neutral terminology

Tanaza proudly joins the movement by adopting alternative terms in our code source. At the core of Tanaza’s technology is TanazaOS, a powerful Linux-based Operating System. Therefore, Tanaza commits to adopt the new Linux terminology for feature developments and replace any term and documentation that does not reflect inclusiveness or does not comply with the Linux community’s new terms. 

‘We fully embrace the Linux movement and support a more inclusive programming language,’ says Rocco Folino, Head of Embedded Software Engineering at Tanaza. These efforts’ primary goal is to make tech products and IT environments more welcoming to everybody.

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5GHz vs 2.4GHz – What is the best WiFi frequency for business?

5GHz vs 2.4GHz – What is the best WiFi frequency for business?


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about what is the best WiFi frequency for business among 5GHz and 2.4GHz

5ghz vs 2.4ghz - Understand the differences in 30 seconds
2.4 GHz - PROs and CONs
PROs

– Coverage: 2.4GHz offers coverage at a longer range. It covers a larger area and provides a more extended range.

– Interference: 2.4GHz is more convenient if you have many walls or other objects where you need coverage. The waves used by this frequency are better suited for longer ranges and transmission through obstacles. 

– Cost: 2.4GHz access points are cheaper than the ones supporting 5GHz.

CONs

– Speed: 2.4GHz transmits data at slower speeds, with lower data rates.

– Congestion: Users can experience higher congestion, as many devices use the 2.4GHz band. This will cause discontinued connections and slower speeds. 

– Overcrowding: 11 free radio air and channels available in the 2.4GHz band, depending on the country’s standards, less than the 23 available in 5GHz.

5 GHz - PROs and CONs
PROs

– Speed: 5GHz band sends data at faster speeds, with a higher data rate.

– Less congestion: 5GHz WiFi frequency experiences fewer interferences from other devices because fewer devices use 5GHz frequency.

– Less overcrowding: 5 GHz has more free radio air and channels, i.e., 23 working channels vs. 11 in the 2.4GHz band, depending on the country’s standards.

CONs

– Coverage: 5GHz provides a smaller coverage area.

– Interference: 5GHz band’s shorter waves make it less capable of going through walls and solid objects. This happens because, at higher frequencies, waves attenuate stronger. Hence, the signal is easily affected by multiple obstacles.

– Cost: the cost of access points supporting 5GHz is higher. This is because 5GHz is newer in the market.

5GHz vs 2.4GHz, what is the best WiFi frequency? The answer would depend on your network needs. When designing a WLAN, you might wonder about the best WiFi frequency for your network deployments. This article will help you understand when it is best to use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band frequency to provide a well-performing wireless experience.

5GHz vs 2.4GHz – A brief explanation about the WiFi frequency

A frequency band is how wireless data is transmitted between devices. These bands are radio waves that transfer the data, and they can be either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The primary difference between 2.4 and 5GHz bands is the range (coverage) and the bandwidth (speed) that these bands provide. For instance, the 2.4GHz band offers coverage at a longer range; however, it transmits data at slower speeds. Instead, the 5GHz band gives less coverage but sends data at faster speeds.

5GHz vs 2.4GHz – How to choose the right WiFi frequency for your business?

Coverage area vs. data rate

The 2.4GHz frequency band covers a larger area and provides a more extended range than the 5GHz band, but with lower data rates. Instead, the 5GHz band provides a smaller coverage area than the 2.4 GHz band but with a higher data rate.

Speed

The GHz range that a wireless device uses does not necessarily determine the maximum speed of the WiFi. The environment in which the network will be set up is what really should be considered.

For instance, the 2.4GHz band usually supports up to 450 Mbps or 600 Mbps, depending on the device type, however as so many devices use the 2.4GHz band, the resulting congestion can cause discontinued connections and slower speeds.

Instead, the 5GHz band can bear up to 1300 Mbps. It tends to be less overcrowded than the 2.4GHz band because fewer devices use it and because it has more channels for devices to use than the 2.4GHz. The maximum speed would depend on the wireless standard the access point supports, i.e., 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.11ac.

When comparing the 2.4GHz band with the 5GHz, the latter provides a lower coverage. Thus, when the frequency increases, its ability to penetrate solid objects (like walls) decreases, reason why the 5GHz band was used mostly in outdoor deployments at the beginning. But at the same time, the higher the frequency, the faster the data is transmitted. Therefore, the 5GHz band carries more data and sends it faster. Then, if your priority is to provide an excellent WiFi speed performance, your choice should lean to the 5GHz band, instead.

Interference

The other thing to check for is potential interference with the WiFi network’s frequency range. Interference can slow down a network significantly and reduce its scope as well. For instance, for the 2.4GHz band, the two most obvious sources of wireless network interference are wireless telephones and microwave ovens. Instead, for the 5GHz band, cordless phones, radars, digital satellite and perimeter sensors are the most common sources of interference.

When multiple devices operate on the same frequency, there is usually interference that can affect the signal’s characteristics at the receiving point and reduce the connection speed. Your WiFi connection on a particular frequency band can also be faster or slower because of other devices’ interference.

The waves used by the 2.4GHz band are better suited for longer ranges and transmission through walls and solid objects. Therefore, 2.4GHz is more convenient if you need to provide a better scope on your devices or have many walls or other objects where you need coverage.

On the other hand, the 5GHz band’s shorter waves make it less capable of going through walls and solid objects. This happens because of electromagnetic waves’ peculiar characteristics: at higher frequencies (5GHz), waves attenuate stronger. Hence, the signal is easily influenced by multiple obstacles like walls, floor, ceiling, doors, and others.

Overall, 5GHz WiFi frequency experiences fewer interferences from other devices than WiFi connections using 2.4GHz. Therefore, if your WiFi network is located where there are many interferences from other devices/appliances, it will slow down your connection; thus, we would suggest steering your devices to the 5GHz WiFi frequency. But, if you want to deliver more signal coverage, then use the 2.4 GHz frequency instead.

As a side note, when using the 5GHz frequency band, the client device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or USB adapter) must support this frequency.

Congestion

When multiple devices attempt to use the same radio space, overcrowding happens. A negative connotation of the 2.4GHz band is its significant congestion driven by the high use of this band not only for WiFi but also for other devices, like garage door openers, microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices.

On the other hand, the 5GHz band is not so overcrowded, and it has more free radio air and channels, i.e., 23 working channels vs. 11 in the 2.4GHz band. Consider that channel availability depends on the country in which the deployment is located, which results in higher stability and connection speed.

Cost

Finally, you should be aware that the cost of access points supporting 5GHz is higher than supporting 2.4GHz. This is because 5GHz is newer in the market. Furthermore, many 5GHz devices also support 2.4GHz radios.

A solution for 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi frequency

As previously said, nowadays, most modern access points support single, dual, or even triple bands. Our Tanaza Powered Devices are dual-band, which means that the access point can broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency at the same time, essentially providing you with two WiFi networks and the best of both signals.

The Tanaza Powered Devices with dual-band can be:

  • Selectable dual-band. A selectable dual-band device offers a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi network, but you can only use one at a time. With Tanaza you can ‘tell’ the access point which band should use.
  • Simultaneous dual-band. A simultaneous dual-band device broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency at the same time, giving you two frequencies that you can choose from when doing the network setup. With Tanaza, you can also assign the same SSID to both bands, so the access point only sees a single network, even though both bands are operating. The advantage of having both bands running simultaneously usually outweighs the cost difference.

Lastly, the tri-band access points broadcast three networks simultaneously—two 5 GHz signals and one 2.4 GHz signal. The reason for this is to avoid network congestion. If you have multiple devices that use a 5 GHz connection heavily, you might benefit from spending a bit more on a tri-band device.

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