What is Band Steering, how does it work and its advantages for internet providers

The internet is an essential part of our lives these days. From remote work to streaming entertainment, our dependence on the internet is only growing. One of the biggest issues is Wi-Fi. To ensure a fast and reliable internet experience, internet service providers need to adopt the most advanced technologies in Wi-Fi communication. One such technology is “band steering.” In this article, we’ll explore what band steering is, how it works, and the advantages it offers to internet service providers.

What is Band Steering?

Band steering, literally translated, means “band direction”. This technique is used in Wi-Fi networks to optimize network performance and efficiency by directing connected devices to the most suitable frequency bands. Typically, a Wi-Fi network operates on two main frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each of these frequencies has its own characteristics and advantages.

The 2.4GHz frequency offers a wider range, meaning devices can connect to it from a greater distance. However, it does have speed restrictions and, because it only has 13 channels available, it tends to be slower. congested when you have other routers around. On the other hand, the 5 GHz frequency offers faster speeds and has 46 channels, but it has a shorter range.

How does Band Steering work?

Band steering works by automatically detecting the capabilities and needs of each device connected to your Wi-Fi network, then directing it to the most appropriate frequency. Here’s how it works in three simple steps:

1. Device Detection
   The Wi-Fi router identifies all the devices that are trying to connect to the network. It checks each device's capabilities and frequency preferences.
2. Needs Analysis
   Based on the information it collects, the router determines whether a device would benefit more from the 2.4 GHz frequency or the 5 GHz frequency. Devices that require higher speeds are directed to the 5 GHz frequency, while devices that need a longer range are directed to the 2.4 GHz frequency.
3. Smart Targeting
   Once decisions have been made, the router automatically directs each device to the appropriate frequency, ensuring the network operates efficiently and each device has the best possible experience.

It is important to note that some devices, such as smartphones, are constantly moving and, therefore, their needs may change over time. The device may move closer to the router or further away, for example. Therefore, the router performs the steps constantly, in order to always ensure the best performance.

Advantages for Internet Providers

Implementing band steering offers several significant advantages to Internet service providers:

1. Improve Customer Experience
   Band steering ensures that customers’ devices connect to the most appropriate frequency, resulting in a faster and more reliable internet experience. This reduces customer complaints about connection quality.
2. Congestion Reduction
   By distributing devices evenly across frequencies, band steering helps reduce Wi-Fi network congestion, improving overall performance for all clients.
3. Increased Customer Satisfaction
   When customers enjoy a stable and fast internet connection, they tend to be satisfied with their internet service provider. This can lead to customer loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.
4. Resource Economy
   Band steering allows internet providers to use their network resources more efficiently, avoiding wasting bandwidth on devices that do not need it.

Anlix helps diagnose problems at the customer's home

With Anlix's ACS system, it is possible to check in real time which frequency the customer's device is connected to and, with this, diagnose possible problems within the customer's home. Whether because the device is far from the router or because it does not have sufficient capacity to deliver the contracted bandwidth, with the Anlix ACS The provider can guide the customer and, together with the router’s “band steering” feature, ensure the delivery of the best possible internet.

Conclusion

 Band steering is a valuable technique for improving the performance of Wi-Fi networks and provide a superior internet experience to customers. Internet service providers that implement this technology can reduce customer complaints, increase customer satisfaction, and optimize the use of their network resources. As the demand for high-quality Internet continues to grow, band steering becomes an essential tool for modern Internet service providers who want to stand out in a competitive market.

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