New report finds retailers and hospitality operators can now improve their in-store and venue Wi-Fi coverage with a simple, tool-free mounting solution validated in a new report from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield.
In an era where UK retailers face over £1 billion in annual losses from theft and system blind spots, a breakthrough from Gardner Engineering could help reduce both overhead and vulnerability. Independent testing by the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) shows that Gardner’s mounting bracket dramatically improves Wi-Fi signal coverage — a key enabler for smart, connected CCTV systems.
As part of the SCAN South Ribble Project, AMRC benchmarked Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) performance using Gardner’s bracket versus traditional workbench placement. The result: up to 76% improvement in download speeds, with latency dropping by over 40% in some test areas.
Implications for CCTV and Retail Loss PreventionModern CCTV systems depend on reliable cloud connectivity to deliver real-time monitoring, AI-driven threat detection, and instant alerting. However, poor Wi-Fi coverage can result in missed incidents, lower video resolution, and slower response times. Gardner Engineering’s non-invasive mounting bracket addresses these challenges by enabling wider, more stable signal coverage—reducing the number of access points required. Its optimised placement for ceiling or pole-mounted CCTV eliminates the need for drilling or damaging fixtures, while improved data transmission supports faster alerts and lowers operational risk. Stronger signals and clearer camera feeds also reduce the need for multiple surveillance units, enhancing efficiency and visibility.
A Tool-Free Upgrade for Smarter StoresDesigned to clamp onto existing fittings — including pipes, rails, or exposed structures — the bracket is ideal for heritage sites, temporary retail units, and leasehold stores where drilling is restricted. The solution supports all major Wi-Fi 6 AP models and can be installed rapidly during store refurbishments or after-hours.
Test-Driven Results for Real-World UseThe AMRC study was conducted in a controlled environment replicating real-world retail and warehouse conditions across eight distinct locations. The results demonstrated measurable improvements in all key performance areas: download speeds increased by up to 76%, latency was reduced by an average of 13.8 milliseconds, and upload performance improved significantly—benefiting cloud-based video surveillance and point-of-sale system synchronisation. These results prove that AP and CCTV devices mounted using Gardner’s bracket consistently outperform conventional setups.
As part of the SCAN South Ribble Project, AMRC tested Wi-Fi 6 AP performance on a standard workbench vs. Gardner Engineering’s elevated mounting bracket. The bracket attaches to existing fixtures without the need for drilling, making it ideal for commercial premises, rental units, and heritage buildings.
Testing was carried out across eight locations in a typical indoor environment, measuring key metrics: latency, upload speed, and download speed.
Key Academic Report Findings:
- Download speeds increased by up to 76% when using the bracket
- Latency reduced by an average of 13.8 ms, with some locations seeing over 40% improvement
- Upload performance enhanced in most areas, enabling faster POS and cloud syncing
- Improved coverage consistency, reducing customer dropouts and device reconnects
“In retail and hospitality, weak Wi-Fi is more than an annoyance—it affects payments, apps, check-ins and customer satisfaction,” said Matthew Philip, Managing Director at Gardner Engineering. “This bracket is a fast, proven upgrade with zero disruption to fixtures.”
The solution supports modern APs, including Wi-Fi 6, and can be rapidly deployed during off-hours or store fit-outs.
Find out more about Gardner Engineering Limited on their member profile page here
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