What is G.hn? (And do I want it?)

Upgrading your network doesn’t have to mean a big overhaul at your property.

With G.hn having verified and sustained success in hospitality settings, it’s something you should know about if your hotel’s Wi-Fi needs some help.

Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about G.hn.

What is G.hn?

G.hn, which originated as Gigabit Home Networking, is a deployment option for Wi-Fi in your hotel that uses existing coaxial cables to give Ethernet-like performance in guest rooms.

For properties looking to upgrade their network, G.hn is an alternative to pulling new cables into rooms for Gigabit Wi-Fi speeds. It’s compatible with common coaxial distributions like home run, looped, and riser designs.

Is G.hn the same as DOCSIS?

No. While both G.hn and DOCSIS deliver high-speed internet using the same coax cabling as in-room TV services, G.hn is a faster and more stable solution.

G.hn is configured similarly to a standard Ethernet network, providing a simplified deployment without the hardware and licensing needs that come when tunneling is required (as DOCSIS does).

G.hn provides up to 1.7 Gbps bandwidth capacity for both download and upload traffic. This capacity is also sufficient to support distribution of linear television programming via IP, whereas DOCSIS can’t support IPTV.

Additionally, DOCSIS upstream channels are reliant on sub-band radio frequencies below 50 MHz, which may be used by other RF-based services and be more susceptible to noise interference. G.hn implementations typically use 60–200 MHz to avoid these challenges.

What kind of hotels use G.hn?

Properties that want to bring gigabit Wi-Fi speed into guest rooms—but want minimal disruption and a more cost-effective alternative to installing new cables—often choose G.hn for their network upgrade.

Ideal locations for G.hn include:

• Independent & high-occupancy hotels where taking rooms out of service would greatly impact business
• Resorts and campus-style properties where the scale of rewiring is cost-prohibitive
• Branded hotels that have no renovations scheduled or budgeted but need to meet Wi-Fi brand standards (e.g., Marriott GPNS, Hyatt HSIA)
• Legacy & historic hotels where there’s a no-cabling policy, or where construction would ruin aesthetics or disturb hazardous materials
• Concrete buildings or sites with reinforced wall structure materials that make it difficult to bore or rewire

On the other hand, some small properties find that it’s more economical for them to run new CAT 6 cabling once infrastructure costs are factored in with technology costs.

New builds and hotels with closed renovations generally don’t choose G.hn as they have the conditions and scope to run fiber during construction, and don’t have to factor in taking rooms out of service.

Who can help me figure out if G.hn is right for my property?

A good Wi-Fi partner like SONIFI will do an on-site survey to determine if G.hn is a viable option for your infrastructure and goals.

They’ll also talk with you about both your short-term and long-term plans, and what additional factors should play into your decision.

Some questions they may cover include:

• What do you want to accomplish with your network upgrade?
• What’s your timeline and budget?
• Are you planning a renovation of guest floors?
• What’s brand-approved for your property?
• Are you aiming to have an AP in every room?
• What does your current coax distribution look like?
• Have you factored in the cost of MATV remediation?
• Is patch-and-repair work part of your scope and budget?

Based on your discussions, your Wi-Fi partner should give you options to choose from so you know you’re making a well-informed decision.

A good partner will be with you every step of the way, from initial planning to network design, to installation, to go-live, to ongoing support.

Your guests expect the best. And you deserve the best. So make sure you partner with the best.