Can your Business WiFi Network Handle the iPhone 6?

The iPhone 6 and 6 plus -- the latest and best versions of Apple's mega-successful smartphone -- was unveiled on September 9 and released ten days later. It unleashing the usual worldwide frenzy among tech-savvy shoppers, who wrapped around Apple stores overnight to get their hands on the cutting-edge device as soon as possible. But the new iPhone isn't the only 2014 upgrade that is making life easier and faster for tech-savvy Internet browsers. This year, wireless providers also began offering a new "generation" of Internet access: 802.11ac wireless access points.

While 802.11ac wave 2 has emerged as the new standard, most businesses and homes still utilize the slower speeds and shorter reach of the previous standard, 802.11n. However, the iPhone 6 was designed to be compatible with the newest standard. This means the new smartphone -- and all Apple devices that follow -- will allow users to take advantage of much faster, more reliable Internet connections.

Are Your Wireless Access Points Up to Par?

With a 802.11ac WiFi connection, you can browse the Internet at unprecedented speeds: up to 433 megabits per second, which is more than triple the current maximum for "high-speed" wireless access points. If your wireless access point doesn't meet this latest standard, it will be noticeable to iPhone 6 users, especially if their business WiFi network can't handle the network traffic. Luckily, you don't have to wait any longer to accommodate these Apple-related increases in traffic and download sizes. Products like ADTRAN's Bluesocket wireless access points can already handle this demand.

How Much Faster Should Your Internet Get?

The iPhone 6 operating system and hardware were both designed for lightning-fast browsing, downloading, and synchronizing with other devices. At the speeds offered by 802.11ac, the iPhone 6 even has a longer battery life because it doesn't have to expend too much energy "waking up" its Wi-Fi interface, downloading files, or refreshing its browser and email inbox.

Of course, iPhones are notorious for keeping users ahead of the curve. That means future devices -- from new iPad models to Android devices and other phones, tablets, and computers -- will only follow suit, maximizing speeds and incorporating bandwidth intensive apps that only a fast connection can handle. Your business WiFi network needs to be able to handle these future demands. 

Can WiFi Calling Save You Time and Money?

If the majority of your employees eventually upgrade to the iPhone 6, its features and capabilities will make it easier to do business over the Internet -- or the phone. The phone's most buzzed-about feature is Wi-Fi calling, which allows users to place calls over local WiFi networks instead of using nearby cell towers. That's good news for workplaces that are prone to dropped calls, and it might even render traditional land-line connections obsolete. It also saves money in workplaces that do most of their business over cell connections; WiFi calls don't affect your monthly minutes.

One detail makes this feature even more seamless: if you lose your WiFi connection -- for example, if you walk outside -- during the call, the signal immediately transfers to traditional cell networks. With the exception of T-Mobile, most major mobile carriers haven't caught up to this transition technology quite yet. However, Verizon and AT&T have pledged to support WiFi calling technology by next year.

Instead of giving your competitors first dibs on new leads and holding back your employees' browsing potential, follow Apple's lead and stay ahead of the curve. Bring your business WiFi network up to standard with 802.11ac wireless access points.

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