Future-Ready Wi-Fi for the hotel industry: Why Connectivity Defines Guest Experience

Why modern connectivity is a must.

In today’s hospitality landscape, reliable Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury. Guests expect seamless, high-speed internet as an integral part of their stay. From business travellers joining video calls to families streaming entertainment, reliable connectivity has become as essential as clean sheets or a hot shower.

90% of UK guests rate in-room Wi-Fi as very important, and 65% say it heavily influences their choice of hotel.

*According to a study shared in an article by Commsplus

Poor connectivity can lead to negative reviews, lost bookings and frustration. Hospitality providers must therefore prioritise networks that deliver high performance, security and reliability across every corner of their property.

The Connectivity Challenge in Independent Hotels

Large hotel chains often have dedicated IT teams and bigger budgets for advanced networking infrastructure. Independent hotels, however, must balance quality with affordability, and yet offer performance that rivals the big players.

Key challenges include:

• High device density: Guests bring laptops, phones, tablets, and streaming devices, often multiple per room

• Distributed buildings and layouts: Independent hotels may occupy older buildings with thick walls and varied floor plans that interfere with signal propagation

• Staff and operations: Guest Wi-Fi isn’t the only demand, staff operations, point-of-sale systems, check-in kiosks, and security systems also rely on wireless connectivity

• Ease of management: Independent hotel owners often lack dedicated IT personnel, making simple, centralised network control a priority.

Meeting Evolving Guest Expectations

Omada by TP-Link delivers enterprise-grade solutions, including Wi-Fi 7 access points (ceiling, wall and outdoors), switches, gateways and centralised management. As leaders in Wi-Fi technology, Omada by TP-Link provides hotels with complete network visibility, high-speed connectivity and reliable control across every device and space.

Centralised and Flexible Management with Omada Software Defined Networking

Omada network devices can be easily managed using TP-Link’s dedicated Omada SDN. This desktop or mobile app acts as a central hub for configuring, monitoring and securing your network, offering flexible control and device management via cloud software or hardware from anywhere, at any time.

• Centralised Management: Troubleshoot and optimise all devices from one interface, reducing downtime
• Scalability: Easily add new access points that broadcast Wi-Fi signals to users or network segments as guest demand grows or properties expand
• Seamless Roaming: Devices automatically connect to the strongest access point, ensuring users experience uninterrupted connectivity as they move throughout the property

With Omada, managing your network becomes simpler, more efficient and ready to grow with your business needs.

High-Performance Access Points for Every Deployment

Different areas of a hotel require tailored solutions. Omada provides APs to cover every environment:

• EAP787 Ceiling-mounted AP delivers Wi-Fi 7 with tri-band connectivity, reaching 8,648 Mbps on 5 GHz and 5,765 Mbps on 6 GHz. Its dedicated RF scanning radio continuously monitors interference without interrupting guest traffic. Supports over 500 concurrent clients, ideal for lobbies, conference rooms and high-density areas.

• EAP725-Wall is a Wi-Fi 7 AP designed for hallways and guest rooms. It delivers fast, reliable Wi-Fi with speeds up to 2,882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, allowing multiple devices to connect at the same time. With centralised management, mesh networking and seamless roaming, it ensures guests enjoy smooth, uninterrupted connectivity throughout the hotel.

• EAP668-Outdoor HD is a high-density Wi-Fi 6 access point built for outdoor areas like patios, poolside zones, and terraces. It delivers ultra-fast speeds of up to 3.6 Gbps, supporting over 1,000 devices simultaneously. Rugged and weatherproof with IP68 rating, 6 kV lightning protection, and operation from –40 °C to +70 °C, it ensures reliable performance in all conditions. Omada Mesh, seamless roaming, Bluetooth onboarding and centralised cloud management keep guests connected and IT teams in control.

Wi-Fi 7: Transforming Hospitality Networks

Wi-Fi 7 is not just faster; it transforms what a network can do for a hotel. With higher throughput, lower latency and the ability to handle more simultaneous devices, Wi-Fi 7 enables:

• Hundreds of devices to connect simultaneously, from guest smartphones to smart-room systems and conference equipment
• Seamless, high-quality video conferencing, streaming and cloud-based services, even during peak hours
• Future-proofing networks against growing demand for connected devices and digital services

In short, Wi-Fi 7 is more than a guest convenience; it’s a business differentiator. Faster, reliable connectivity drives guest satisfaction, operational efficiency and new service opportunities.

Enhancing Guest Experience Through Technology

Modern Wi-Fi enables services that improve comfort while reducing operational costs:

• Mobile check-in and out
• Smart room controls for lighting, temperature and entertainment
• Seamless streaming services for all devices

Insight: Guests notice every drop in performance. Strong Wi-Fi ensures devices roam automatically between APs, guaranteeing consistent service throughout the property.

Planning, Design, and Optimisation

Purdicom supports hotels with heat mapping and network design to ensure optimal AP placement. Pre-labelled and pre-configured APs allow rapid deployment with full coverage from day one, eliminating dropouts and maximising guest satisfaction.

For all hotels, Omada solutions scale to meet the needs of any hospitality business. Wi-Fi 7 provide high-speed, low-latency connections capable of handling high-density traffic while future-proofing networks for the next generation of digital services.

Transforming Guest Wi-Fi at Manchester Hall

Discover the difference Omada solutions have made to the guest Wi-Fi experience at Manchester Hall. In this video, you will hear first-hand from both our reseller and the end user about the positive changes brought about by installing Omada access points. Find out how Omada business-grade products have delivered outstanding connectivity, providing seamless and dependable internet access throughout the venue.

• Wider and faster Wi-Fi coverage across the property
• Greater guest satisfaction and positive feedback
• Reliable, easily managed network solutions for the team

Want to see the results for yourself? Watch the full video now to learn more about Manchester Hall’s journey to enhanced connectivity: https://youtu.be/00A5rLaU-R4?si=_6xhKUzq8YRzQdfQ

Wi-Fi in hospitality is no longer a utility. It is a cornerstone of the guest experience and a business-critical asset. Investing in high-performance, secure and centrally managed networks ensures guests remain satisfied, operations run efficiently and properties stay competitive in a digitally connected world.

If you would like help planning a full Omada Wi-Fi deployment or choosing the right mix of access points for your property, Purdicom is ready to assist you.

Please contact us for further information via sales@purdi.com