Wi-Fi networks play a crucial role in our daily lives, connecting us to the internet and enabling seamless communication. As the number of devices and users continues to grow, optimizing Wi-Fi network performance has become increasingly important. Two technologies that help achieve this goal are band steering and AP steering. Band steering and AP steering are techniques used in wireless networks to optimize the system performance and connectivity of devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore what these technologies are, how they work, and their advantages and disadvantages.
What is Band Steering?
Enterprise APs support multiple bands, e.g. 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz (the latter is allowed in only some countries). Band steering is a technique used by Wi-Fi devices to guide client devices to the frequency band which can guarantee good QoE (Quality of Experience) based on factors such as signal strength, network congestion, and the client’s capabilities. By directing clients to the appropriate band, band steering helps improve overall network efficiency and user experience.
Advantages of Band Steering
- Improved network performance: By reducing the load on a single band, band steering helps maintain better Quality of Service, improve overall network performance and optimize the radio resource utilization.
- Enhanced user experience: With band steering, users can enjoy optimal performance without manually selecting the appropriate band for their devices.
Disadvantages of Band Steering
- Potential disconnections: During the steering process, clients may experience brief disconnections or instability as they switch between bands.
- Limited effectiveness: In environments with a high number of 2.4 GHz-only devices, band steering may have limited impact on overall network performance.
What is AP Steering?
End user devices such as laptops, phones have in-built logic to roam across Wi-Fi access points as the user moves within the coverage area of a network. These solutions tend to be OS-specific with significant variations across device/OS vendors (such as Android, iOS, Windows etc). As a result, sometimes clients may connect to an AP which is not optimal with respect to link quality and available capacity on the AP. AP steering, also known as client steering or enforced roaming, is a mechanism that guides client devices to connect to the most appropriate Access Point within a network. This technology is particularly useful in dense deployments, such as large offices or public spaces. By continuously monitoring client connections and network conditions, AP steering helps maintain seamless connectivity and optimal performance.
Advantages of AP Steering
- Improved user experience: By ensuring optimal connectivity and consistent performance throughout the coverage area, AP steering enhances the overall user experience.
- Better utilization of network resources: AP steering helps distribute clients across access points, preventing overloading and ensuring efficient use of network resources.
Disadvantages of AP Steering:
- Compatibility issues: Some client devices may not fully support AP steering, leading to potential compatibility problems.
- Higher cost: Deploying AP steering often requires multiple access points and specialized hardware/software, which can increase the overall cost of the network.
How Band Steering and AP Steering Work Together?
Band steering and AP steering are complementary technologies that can work together to create a more efficient and user-friendly Wi-Fi network. By combining band steering’s ability to distribute clients across frequency bands with AP steering’s capability to guide clients to the most suitable Access Point, network administrators can ensure optimal performance and seamless connectivity for users.
When implemented together, band steering and AP steering can help:
- Maximize the utilization of available network resources
- Reduce congestion and improve overall network performance
- Provide a seamless and high-quality user experience
- Adapt to changing network conditions and client demands
Read more about other technologies through our blog and discover how technologies like beamforming and MU-MIMO can further enhance your network efficiency.
Decoding MU-MIMO Technology – What is MU-MIMO?
Exploring the Role of Beamforming in Wireless Technology
Conclusion
Band steering and AP steering are two essential technologies in optimizing Wi-Fi network performance and user experience. By understanding how these technologies work, along with their advantages and disadvantages, network administrators can make informed decisions when implementing them in their own networks. As the demand for high-quality, reliable Wi-Fi continues to grow, band steering and AP steering will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that networks can meet the needs of users. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can provide a seamless, high-performance Wi-Fi experience that enhances productivity and satisfaction.
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