There are advantages and disadvantages to both single-channel and multi-channel approaches. Learn what a mixed-channel architecture is and why this structure may be preferable

Consistent Wi-Fi performance is a must for any modern enterprise. This means avoiding dropped connections, slow loading times, and failure of downloads or uploads. And it also means that this high-quality performance is maintained as a user moves throughout the area.

A multi-channel approach which uses multiple channels in a set pattern is what many organizations use for their network, but it has its drawbacks—particularly with maintaining consistent connections when users are roaming. Instead, a mixed-channel structure may be the way to go. Here’s why this approach deserves consideration and could provide the best of both worlds compared to single- and multi-channel set-ups.

When a multi-channel structure fails

There are a few key examples of when a multi-channel type of structure doesn’t hold up. One occurs when users are roaming throughout a large organization where multiple access points exist. When a user is roaming, the wireless device will try to connect to the best access point—and this can cause drops in service as those transitions take place. In some organizations, there can be just too many devices in one area for the multi-channel structure to maintain connections for all users.

Additionally, some buildings have multiple Wi-Fi networks working and transmitting at the same time. This can cause a lot of interference for an individual network.

Because reliable Wi-Fi is absolutely critical for large organizations like university campuses, big corporations, and hospitals, the multi-channel structure can cause some significant problems with signal drops.

In contrast, some network managers go with a simplified single-channel approach, which also has its positives and negatives. Single-channel uses just one radio frequency channel for each and every access point in the network. This means that where access points are placed doesn’t matter as much because they won’t interfere with one another—they’re all on the same channel.

While this provides the advantage of simplicity and sustained connections as users move throughout the space, a disadvantage is that since only one channel is used, throughput can be lower. So, performance may not be up to par—but at least the connection will be reliable.

This type of structure is best for organizations that depend on a constant, reliable network connection, but aren’t as concerned about always having the best performance.

For other organizations, however, hybrid access points along with a single channel may be a good solution; this is also known as a “mixed-channel structure.”

Mixed-channel structure: Single-channel and hybrid access points

Because most businesses need both strong performance and constant connections, a mixed-channel approach may be the way to go. A mixed-channel wireless network structure is made up of both single-channel access points and hybrid access points.

These structures are a combination of channel architectures, providing multi-channel throughput but have that steady reliability of a single-channel structure. Hybrid access points allow for both configurations to be used simultaneously, so some users are actually assigned to multi-channel while others access the single-channel setup. This allows some clients to have that maximum performance and others to have more reliability when roaming.

Going the hybrid route realizes the advantages of both options, and it gives network managers much more flexibility with overall network design. As higher-bandwidth connections are required with the growing number of devices trying to connect with a network, these options are a big benefit, especially for large organizations with expansive coverage areas.

7SIGNAL’s Wireless Network Monitoring

At 7SIGNAL, our goal is to help you find the network design and configurations that work best for your particular organization’s size and connectivity needs.

Wireless Network Monitoring tools from 7SIGNAL ensure that the network is being continuously tracked so that valuable information is gathered about performance and problems. This continuous monitoring allows for the network managers to become aware of any network issue before the end-user notices an issue—and to find solutions that provide the best user experience.

7SIGNAL® is a leader in enterprise Wireless Network Monitoring. The 7SIGNAL platform is a cloud-based Wireless Network Monitoring (WNM) solution that continuously troubleshoots the wireless network for performance issues – maximizing network uptime, device connectivity, and network ROI. The platform was designed for the world’s most innovative organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, and government agencies and is currently deployed at Booz Allen Hamilton, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Walgreens, Microsoft, and many others. 7SIGNAL continuously monitors the connectivity of over 4 million global devices. Learn more at www.7signal.com.