IT teams are increasingly focusing on AI-driven network management as they select Wi-Fi vendors, seeking features such as automated troubleshooting, anomaly detection, and guided remediation. This heightened interest stems from the realization that Wi-Fi is not merely a supplementary option to wired networks, but an essential technology that supports a mobile workforce with rising bandwidth demands.
The shift in workplace dynamics precipitated by the pandemic has shifted employee expectations of office network performance. According to Shamus McGillicuddy from Enterprise Management Associates (EMA), after a 2020 lockdown that left offices largely empty, employees returning in 2022 and 2023 now anticipate a radically different network experience. What once served as a backup or guest access has become central to daily operations.
Current research shows that 77% of organizations endorse hybrid work, drastically altering how office space and associated Wi-Fi networks are utilized. Yet, only 46.7% of IT professionals believe their current Wi-Fi networking approach is successful, citing rising user expectations as the primary challenge.
A significant proportion of companies—nearly 60%—plan to upgrade their Wi-Fi networks within the next year, while almost all intend to initiate upgrades within two years, transitioning from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7. The motivations driving these enhancements include:
- Performance requirements (67.1%)
- Increased bandwidth consumption (59.9%)
- User mobility (53.3%)
- Connectivity for operational technology (50.0%)
- Changes in office occupancy due to return-to-office policies (48.7%)
- Density requirements such as increased user gatherings (44.7%)
Contrary to earlier assumptions, the upgrades are less about replacing end-of-life equipment and more a response to the evolving requirements of network use.
With hybrid work models now standard, organizations face the added challenge of managing both remote and on-premises access. EMA research indicates overwhelming demand for unified access management solutions across both access types, with professionals recognizing it can mitigate security risks and improve operational efficiency.
There’s a clear trend toward adopting cloud-managed and AI-managed Wi-Fi solutions, with 75% of surveyed organizations favoring cloud capabilities due to benefits like reliability, ease of use, and access to new features. AI-driven network management has emerged as pivotal, with IT professionals prioritizing capabilities such as automated troubleshooting and predictive problem prevention.
As organizations gear up for network transformation, the fundamental lesson is that Wi-Fi adoption transcends faster speeds—it necessitates a reevaluation of how wireless infrastructure can effectively serve a dispersed and dynamic workforce. The networks of the future are set to look significantly different as businesses adapt to new operational realities.
