Empowering Summits: Uganda's Cutting-Edge Wi-Fi 6 Upgrade for NAM and G77 Events

In anticipation of the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77+China summits, Uganda's Government has unveiled substantial enhancements to internet connectivity at Entebbe International Airport, aiming to elevate the overall user experience.

Wi-Fi 6 Revolution at Entebbe International Airport

Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, made a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Entebbe International Airport has undergone a transformation, now equipped with Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. This high-speed wireless LAN protocol represents the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, meticulously designed to ensure optimal functionality of networked devices even in high-traffic environments.

Efficient Connectivity Beyond the Airport

Dr. Zawedde emphasized that the scope of connectivity extends beyond the airport premises, covering key summit areas like Munyonyo. The commitment extends to upgrading these locations to Wi-Fi 6, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.

?Fortified Cybersecurity Measures

Addressing specific locations, including the Uganda Media Centre, Dr. Zawedde outlined plans for robust improvements to ensure uninterrupted live broadcasts. Importantly, she underscored the cybersecurity aspect, assuring that specialists would elevate the security systems to the highest firewall level, safeguarding against potential threats.

Preparations for NAM and G77 Summits

In preparation for the NAM summit from January 15 to 20 at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo and the G77 summit from January 21 to 23, significant efforts have been made to guarantee smooth proceedings. Dr. Zawedde highlighted awareness training for organizers and ongoing sensitization for all entities involved, including the media.

Advanced Web Security Measures

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary disclosed the sponsorship of two websites for the NAM and G77 summits. These sites are fortified with advanced web firewall applications to ensure the security of all content, aligning with the paramount importance of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape.

Key Features of Wi-Fi 6 and Why Upgrade

As the world embraces Wi-Fi 6 technology, understanding its key features becomes essential for businesses and individuals alike.

1. Improved Speed and Capacity

Wi-Fi 6 provides faster data transfer speeds and increased capacity compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Technologies like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Basic Service Set (BSS) Coloring contribute to this improvement.

2. Higher Throughput

An upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 delivers higher throughput, making it more efficient in handling multiple devices simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial in environments with a high density of connected devices.

3. Better Performance in Crowded Areas

Wi-Fi 6's ability to divide channels into smaller sub-channels through OFDMA enables more simultaneous data transmissions, especially useful in crowded areas with numerous devices vying for network resources.

4. Improved Range

While focusing on increased speed and capacity, Wi-Fi 6 includes enhancements that lead to better performance at longer distances.

5. Target Wake Time (TWT)

Introducing Target Wake Time, Wi-Fi 6 allows devices to schedule when and how often they wake up to communicate with the router, extending the battery life of devices like IoT devices and smartphones.

6. MU-MIMO Technology

Wi-Fi 6 builds on MU-MIMO technology, enabling routers to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, expanding this capability to include both downlink and uplink communications.

7. Backward Compatibility

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Wi-Fi 6 ensures backward compatibility with previous Wi-Fi standards, allowing devices supporting earlier standards to connect to a Wi-Fi 6 router while fully benefiting from its features.

8. Wider Frequency Range

Operating in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and introducing support for the 6 GHz frequency band, Wi-Fi 6 offers a broader frequency range compared to previous standards.

Third South Summit in Kampala

As preparations near completion for the 3rd South Summit in Kampala from January 21 to 24, themed 'Leaving No One Behind,' the summit aims to strengthen South-South cooperation across various sectors.

Generous Support from China

Noteworthy is the generous donation of 70 vehicles by the government of China to Uganda, playing a crucial role in transporting delegates during both the NAM conference and the 3rd South Summit at Speke Resort, Munyonyo. This donation supplements the existing fleet, bringing the total to 170 vehicles.

Solidarity, Unity, and a Prosperous South

With 134 Member States convening in Kampala, the Third South Summit serves as a platform to reinforce the message of solidarity, unity, and complementarity of the South. Under the leadership of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Uganda sets the stage for a new agenda focused on prosperity, unity, and strength in the South.

#G77 @G-77 summit @speak resort Munyonyo Entebbe International Airport Vianney Mpungu Luggya

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