A new independent study conducted by the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has validated the performance benefits of a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) mounting bracket developed by British manufacturer Gardner Engineering Ltd. Originally designed for CCTV networks, the bracket has proven effective across wider telecommunications and IT infrastructure applications—enhancing wireless performance for IP-based security systems, retail IT deployments, and large-scale telecom installations. The SCAN-funded research compared two Wi-Fi 6 AP installation configurations:
- Standard workbench placement (approximately 1 metre height)
- Elevated mounting using Gardner’s proprietary bracket (6–8 feet height), which uses a non-invasive clamp and adhesive mechanism to avoid surface damage
Key Performance Results
Testing across eight controlled indoor zones measured download/upload speed and latency (ping). Findings show:
- Up to 76% faster download speeds in high-interference environments
- Latency reductions of up to 43%, improving network responsiveness
- Significantly higher upload speeds in five out of eight locations
- Superior signal consistency across open-plan and interference-prone zones
“This is a mechanical fix with a digital benefit,” said Zohaib Farhat, Project Lead at AMRC. “The elevated bracket enables existing APs to perform better—improving upload speed, reducing latency, and strengthening signal stability without needing to redesign the network.”
The bracket is especially beneficial in scenarios where drilling is restricted—such as listed buildings, modular sites, retail environments, and heritage properties. It is compatible with a wide range of Wi-Fi AP models and security system devices, supporting rapid deployment and scalable performance improvement.
“With security systems and telecom operations increasingly reliant on seamless wireless networks, this is a tested and practical innovation to reduce lag, support high-resolution video streams, and ensure reliable remote access,” added Matt Philip, Managing Director at Gardner Engineering.
