Watching 4K streams stutter into buffering circles isn’t always because the Internet is slow—it could be your house “fighting” the signal. The good news is that with NETGEAR, it’s possible to conquer dead zones and WiFi obstacles to create whole-home wireless connectivity.
Concrete walls, a large house, or multiple floors? All of these factors can impact your WiFi routers performance. Find out how to solve these issues in the article below.
Even the WiFi frequency you choose can affect your WiFi range and penetration. See a summary of 5GHz vs 6GHz in the short video below:
It’s an irony that the sturdiest, most beautiful homes are often the worst for connectivity. Although it’s great to have a strong and well-built home, thick walls (brick, concrete, stucco, metal lath) absorb WiFi signals like a sponge.
Standard routers rely on a single point of broadcast that cannot penetrate multiple layers of density, resulting in slow internet connections with disrupted WiFi signals. In a small or medium-sized home, a standalone High-Performance NETGEAR Router may be all you need, but there are a number of ways your strong signal can be affected, such as:
Buying a cheap extender might seem like a quick fix, but it simply pushes a weak signal further rather than fixing the root cause.
WiFi signal absorption rates vary dramatically between different materials.
The average US smart home today includes dozens of WiFi devices and applications, making the need for robust and powerful WiFi connectivity essential. Knowing how to get WiFi through concrete walls is more important than ever.
Even the strongest standalone routers can struggle to transmit WiFi signals seamlessly around an expansive property or large, multi-story home.
Enter mesh WiFi, the convenient way to achieve better WiFi coverage and faster speeds for large homes with thick walls, without the need to renovate or rewire with Ethernet cable.
Leading NETGEAR mesh systems like the Orbi 970 WiFi 7 Quad-Band Mesh System can cover up to 10,000 sq. ft. with blazing-fast WiFi performance. The main router and satellites also include Ethernet ports for dedicated device connections.
The main Orbi WiFi 7 router and Orbi satellites communicate with each other, allowing your devices to connect with the strongest access point signal as you move from room to room, upstairs and downstairs, from the front door to the backyard.
The best mesh WiFi systems such as NETGEAR Orbi offer easy setup and management using the Orbi App, and great signal strength for all wireless and wired connections in larger homes.
A single router shines when your home or office is:
If most of your devices sit near the router, a strong standalone router gives:
Routers are generally cheaper than mesh systems. If you don’t need expansive whole-home coverage, a NETGEAR Nighthawk router is the perfect addition.
Every setup is different, but here is a starting point. Also note that a powerful single router can handle more devices, but will still be limited to connecting all devices to a single WiFi source.
If you’re connecting:
Mesh is designed for:
Mesh nodes (satellites) help eliminate dead zones far better than range extenders or a single router.
If you have:
In these situations, mesh nodes strategically placed will outperform any single router.
Mesh systems distribute the load across the satellites, ideal for:
Mesh gives you:
Perfect for:
Mesh nodes can help extend WiFi to:
You don’t need louder WiFi; you need smarter distribution. The physics of radio waves means the signal must be routed around obstacles or daisy-chained through them using multiple high-powered satellite nodes.
Orbi satellites act as “relays” that navigate the signal around corners and through doorways, rather than trying to punch directly through thick structural elements.
There are big differences between Orbi satellites and WiFi range extenders. Orbi uses a dedicated lane for backhaul communication between units on Orbi 970, or a high-performance shared WiFi 7 MLO Backhaul on Dual and Tri-Band Orbi systems. This allows mesh systems in large homes to punch through density without losing half the speed to overhead like many WiFi extenders experience.
WiFi 7 (802.11be) is the latest WiFi standard introduced by the WiFi Alliance, following WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 6E. Advantages of WiFi 7 Orbi 970 Mesh include:
All Orbi home WiFi mesh systems have an optional wired backhaul. If your home is wired for Ethernet, each satellite can connect directly to the router or another node, skipping the WiFi backhaul entirely. Ethernet backhaul is ideal for long runs between rooms or floors, or even to a detached garage or pool house.
NETGEAR is a leader in innovation, using dedicated backhaul and high-performance antenna designs to overcome physical obstacles better than generic extenders or standard routers.
The Payoff: A seamless home network where Orbi mesh coverage lets 8K streaming, VR gaming, and video calls happen effortlessly in every corner of the property — even the backyard.
TIP: Match your router or mesh WiFi system with a powerful modem and the right plan from your ISP.
NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 mesh router lineup, including the Orbi 970, 770, 870, and 370 Series, all leverage smart band steering and multi-link operation to deliver stable, high-speed throughput and backhaul connections everywhere. As a highly regarded WiFi innovator since the 1990s, NETGEAR continues to lead the way with a comprehensive range of mesh systems suitable for homes of all sizes.
Orbi 970 Series delivers coverage up to 10,000 sq ft, top-tier WiFi 7 performance, multi-gigabit speeds, and advanced security features such as NETGEAR Armor and parental controls. Its quad-band design, dedicated 5GHz backhaul, and 12-stream architecture maximize speed and reliability, even in ultra-dense environments.
Orbi 870 Series covers up to 9,000 sq ft, offering robust, high-capacity performance for modern homes that need strong WiFi 7 speed and reliability. Its quad-band WiFi design reduces interference for busy households filled with devices, making it a standout for families, streamers, and smart home users.
Orbi 770 Series covers up to 8,000 sq ft and features tri-band WiFi designed for families, streamers, and smart home users who expect seamless coverage through tough walls.
Orbi 370 Series covers up to 6,000 sq ft, delivering essential WiFi 7 mesh performance for medium-to-large spaces or users upgrading from traditional routers. Reliable and simple to set up, it features streamlined software for intuitive management and strong data protection.
Still unsure which NETGEAR system is right for you? Explore more about Nighthawk WiFi 7 Routers and Orbi Mesh Systems for Multi-Story Homes.
Here are the 10 key features and benefits of the NWA210AXv2 that help deliver faster, smarter and more reliable WiFi connectivity.
In today’s fast-paced and high-density network environments, businesses need more than just fast WiFi; they need reliable performance, simplified management and built-in security that can scale alongside growing demands. The Zyxel NWA210AXv2 delivers all of this through powerful AX5400 WiFi 6 performance, multi-gig connectivity, intelligent Nebula cloud management and advanced security features designed to keep users connected with confidence.
Whether supporting SMBs, education, hospitality or enterprise deployments, the NWA210AXv2 helps organizations reduce wireless bottlenecks, improve network reliability and simplify day-to-day operations through AI-powered optimization and centralized cloud control.
Ready to elevate your WiFi 6 network performance? Learn more about the Zyxel NWA210AXv2 WiFi 6 Access Point and discover how it can help deliver faster, smarter and more secure connectivity for your business.
*Requires the purchasing of a separate license to use
RIGHT TOOL. RIGHT JOB. EVERY TIME!
At NetAlly, we believe informed decisions start with complete transparency. This page presents accurate, verifiable information about LinkRunner and competitive solutions, highlighting both strengths and limitations. Your trust matters more than any sale, and we’re confident that when you have the facts, you’ll choose the right tool for your needs.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Not every network tester is built for the same job. Choosing the right tool depends on what you’re solving for:
Ask yourself: Are you verifying cabling quality or solving live network issues?
Each type of test answers a different question:
Think of it this way:
Certification = “Does it follow the rules?”
Qualification = “Will it handle my speed?”
Troubleshooting = “Why isn’t it working right now?”
| Measurement Area | Certification | Qualification | Troubleshooting and PQ |
| Wiremap | ✔ Full wiremap with shield, DC resistance, pair-to-pair mapping | ✔ Opens, shorts, split pairs, mis-wires | ✔ Same as qualification |
| Length | ✔ Standards-accurate length, propagation delay, delay skew | ✔ Approximate TDR length | ✔ Same as qualification |
| Bandwidth / Speed Capability | ✖ Not measured (certifiers measure electrical parameters, not “speed”) | ✔ Determines supported speeds | ✔ Same as qualification, but validated under traffic load |
| Electrical Performance | ✔ Full standards suite: NEXT, PSNEXT, ACR-N/F, RL, IL, TCL, ELTCTL | △ Simplified NEXT/RL/IL (trend-level) | △ Same, sometimes with SNR margin |
| Alien Crosstalk | ✔ Required for Cat 6A and above | ✖ Not measured | ✖ Not measured |
| PoE Testing | ✖ Not part of TIA/ISO certification (optional vendor add-ons only) | ✔ PoE class, voltage under load | ✔ PoE class, voltage under load |
| Link Negotiation | ✖ Not measured (certifiers test cable only) | ✔ Switch speed, duplex, LLDP/CDP | ✔ Same, plus performance validation |
| Traffic Performance | ✖ Not measured (certifiers do not send Ethernet traffic) | △ Sometimes basic throughput | ✔ Full bidirectional traffic test: throughput, frame loss, BER, latency, jitter |
| Application Validation | ✖ Not measured | ✔ “1G capable,” “10G marginal,” etc. | ✔ “Sustains 1G,10G, etc. under load” |
| Fiber Testing | ✔ OLTS measurements, OTDR traces, reflectance, event maps | △ Light power-level checks (some tools) | ✔ Traffic-based fiber performance |
| Pass/Fail Criteria | Standards-based (TIA/ISO) | Application-based | Application-based under load |
| Result | Strict Pass/Fail vs standard | Qualified for a specific speed (e.g., “Good for 10G”) | Actual speed results under real traffic conditions |
| Typical Use Case | New installations, manufacturer warranty validation | Moves, Adds, Changes (MACs), checking upgrade readiness | MACs, Troubleshooting intermittent or persistent issues |
| Cost | High ($$$$) | Moderate ($$) | Low–Moderate ($–$$) |
We compared three popular handheld network testers (NetAlly LinkRunner AT 3000, Fluke Networks LinkIQ, and TREND Networks SignalTEK QT) to give you an honest, practical view of their strengths and limitations.
Each tester can quickly validate cable quality and confirm supported link speeds, but where they differ is how deep they go if something is wrong.
| Vendor | TREND Networks | Fluke Networks | NetAlly |
| Product |  SignalTEK QT |
 LinkIQ/LinkIQ Duo |
 LinkRunner AT 3000 |
| Price (MSRP) | $3,425 USD | $2,956 – $4,052 USD | $2,595 USD |
| Capabilities | • Copper/ Fiber • Basic Cable Testing • Basic Wi-Fi Connectivity & Scanning • Cable Qualification • Basic Network Testing |
• Copper Only • Basic Cable Testing • Basic Wi-Fi Connectivity & Scanning (Duo model) • Cable Qualification • Basic Network Testing |
• Copper/ Fiber • Basic Cable Testing • Basic Wi-Fi Connectivity & Scanning* • Performance Qualification1 • Basic Network Testing • In-Depth Network Diagnostics |
| Weight (gr) | 1600 | 624 | 480 |
| Dimensions (cm) | 21.7 x 10.7 x 5 | 22 x 11 x 4.5 | 19.6 x 10.2 x 4.2 |
| Dimensions (in) | 8.54 x 4.21 x 1.97 | 8.5 x 4.5 x 1.77 | 7.72 x 4.02 x 1.65 |
| Strengths | • Supports copper and fiber qualification. • Offers basic Wi-Fi scanning and connectivity checks. • Supports cloud reporting. • Useful for technicians who need quick validation that a link can support a specific application. |
• Supports copper cable qualification. • Offers basic Wi-Fi scanning. • Useful for technicians who need quick validation that a link can support a specific application. |
• Supports copper and fiber performance qualification1. • Offers basic Wi-Fi scanning and connectivity*. • Provides comprehensive AutoTest verifying all aspects of copper/fiber network connectivity. • Supports cloud reporting and collaboration. • Useful for technicians who need to fix problems faster. |
| Limitations | • Focused mainly on proving link performance, not deep troubleshooting. • Limited insight into VLAN configuration and DHCP issues. • Advanced features like fiber and Wi-Fi make this a more expensive model. |
• Primarily focused on cable qualification, with relatively limited network diagnostics. • Wi-Fi testing (Duo model) is basic compared with dedicated analyzers. • Provides less visibility into end-to-end network behavior when troubleshooting. • Requires tethering to a laptop/PC to extract test data. |
• More feature-rich, which can make it more complex to use (includes an EZ mode for fast results). • Performance tests require the use of a far end device (enables bi-directional testing). • Designed more for fast network troubleshooting than strict cable qualification. |
Many testers list similar features. But the depth of information and ease-of-use can be dramatically different.
Here are a few real-world examples:
AI is rapidly moving into the physical world, giving rise to physical AI. This shift enables systems to perceive, decide, and act in real time, interacting directly with dynamic, unpredictable environments. Robotics and commercial drones are at the forefront of this evolution, driving new levels of automation and efficiency across healthcare, retail, transportation, and manufacturing.
In high-risk environments such as agriculture, warehouses, and industrial plants, robots and drones reduce human exposure to hazardous conditions. Ground-based robots handle repetitive or physically demanding tasks, while drones provide visibility across large or hard-to-reach areas, enabling real-time monitoring, inspection, and data collection.
In commercial settings, robots are reshaping the customer experience. For example, in retail stores, robots can answer questions, fetch products, and provide information. Drones extend these capabilities beyond the store, supporting inventory tracking, last-mile delivery, and site-to-site logistics with speed and efficiency. Together, these systems create a more responsive, intelligent operating environment, where physical tasks and real-time insights work in sync.
Bringing these intelligent, autonomous systems to life requires advanced hardware, a rich software ecosystem, and state-of-the-art AI models.
Hardware: Enabling real-time intelligence and durability
At the hardware level, robotics and drones demand powerful, efficient compute capable of handling real-time perception, decision-making, and multimodal processing. While many deployments will leverage a hybrid approach that combines edge and cloud, processing at the edge remains critical for delivering the speed, responsiveness, and low latency these systems require.
MediaTek’s Genio Pro 5100 is designed to meet these demands for physical AI applications. Based on TSMC’s 3nm process and featuring our 8th generation NPU, it delivers over 50 TOPS of system-level generative AI acceleration. This enables unrivaled acceleration for traditional AI tasks such as machine vision and object classification.
For generative AI applications, Genio Pro 5100 supports token generation rates of up to 23 tokens per second for large language models (LLMs) with up to 7B parameters. Genio Pro 5100 enables advanced camera sensor fusion for vision-based applications, supporting up to 16 cameras. It also delivers rich user interfaces, supporting up to three 4K displays.
Deploying physical AI in robotics and drones requires systems that can operate reliably under a variety of real-world conditions, from extreme temperatures to demanding industrial settings. Genio Pro 5100 is engineered to meet these requirements, with an industrial operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C.
For improved manufacturability and system reliability, Genio Pro 5100 supports side-by-side LPDDR5x. Additionally, the platform offers flexible system expansion through PCIe Gen 4, USB, dual 2.5GbE, and a wide range of standard interfaces. Backed by a guaranteed 10-year supply commitment, the platform safeguards long-term product roadmaps and reduces supply chain risk for industrial and robotics deployments.
Software: Unlocking developer flexibility
Software is what enables developers to translate AI models into real-world, deployable physical AI applications. Genio Pro 5100 supports multiple Linux operating systems, including Yocto, Debian, and Ubuntu distributions. It also supports industry-standard AI frameworks, including PyTorch, ONNX Runtime, and TensorFlow Lite, enabling seamless model development and deployment across a wide range of use cases.
For robotics applications, support for the open-source ROS 2 (Robot Operating System) framework helps streamline development, integration, and system orchestration. MediaTek’s robust developer resources further accelerate time-to-market, enabling developers to build, customize, and scale physical AI applications more efficiently.
AI models: From perception to action
Advances in AI models are expanding what robotics and drones can do in different environments. While large language models (LLMs) enable natural interaction, newer approaches such as video-language models (VLMs) and vision-language-action models (VLAs) make it possible for robotics and drone applications to go beyond observing and interpreting their environments to acting on those observations in real time.
These capabilities are enabling more autonomous systems, where robotics and drones can interpret their environments and respond intelligently and safely. Genio Pro 5100 is designed to support these emerging model architectures, providing the performance needed to run them efficiently.
Advancing physical AI
As physical AI moves from concept to deployment, Genio Pro 5100 provides the high-performance silicon, software flexibility, and AI model support needed for robotics and drones to operate intelligently. From edge inference and multimodal perception to autonomous decision-making, Genio Pro 5100 is powering the next wave of physical AI innovation.
Most salons, spas, and barbershops have two challenges at the same time:
And in shared retail centers, there’s a third missed opportunity:
GoZone Smart Wi‑Fi turns your guest Wi‑Fi into a simple marketing engine:
Recommended starting fields:
Even if you don’t have a formal loyalty program, Contact Manager helps you:
Examples:
Send a post-visit follow-up that:
Run “neighbor” campaigns to convert nearby visitors into appointments.
Start the Business Starter plan and begin capturing opt-in contacts immediately. Optional: add SMS capture for faster reminders and responses.
Strategic hire underscores the company’s focus on building a high-performing, future-ready workforce to support global expansion and meet the growing demands for its AI-driven customer experience solutions.
Bangaluru, India – May 7, 2026 –
The appointment comes as Aprecomm expands its global footprint and accelerates its investment in AI-driven solutions. As the company scales, it is placing increased importance on cultivating a highly engaged workforce and retaining critical talent to sustain innovation and operational excellence.
Commenting on the appointment, Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO of Aprecomm, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sapna to Aprecomm at a pivotal moment in our growth journey. As we continue to scale globally, our people remain our greatest strength. Sapna’s deep expertise in building high-performing, engaged organizations will be instrumental in creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to innovate. Her leadership will play a critical role in strengthening our culture and ensuring we retain and develop the talent needed to drive our AI-led vision forward.”
Kizhekkeveettil will be responsible for aligning people strategies with the company’s broader business and technology roadmap, while embedding engagement and retention into core organisational practices. Her mandate includes developing programmes that support employee growth, foster a strong workplace culture and improve workforce stability in a competitive talent landscape.
She brings over 20 years of experience in human resources, with deep expertise in employee engagement, organisational development and talent management across multiple industries and geographies. Most recently, she served as Global CHRO at Nexusnow.ai, where she led HR initiatives spanning India, the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on strengthening employee engagement and retention across diverse teams.
Sharing her perspective on the new role, Kizhekkeveettil said:
“I am excited to join Aprecomm at such a dynamic stage of its journey. The company’s commitment to innovation and growth is matched by a clear focus on its people. I look forward to working closely with teams across the organisation to build an inclusive, engaging and high-performance culture where employees can thrive. Strengthening engagement and retention will be central to our efforts as we continue to scale and deliver impact globally.”
Her previous roles include leading HR at ALTEN India, where she drove initiatives to enhance the employee experience, build performance-driven cultures, and improve retention. She has also held leadership positions at Prime Focus Technologies, Max New York Life Insurance, and Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, overseeing key areas including talent acquisition, compliance, and employee engagement. Additionally, her work with Triangle Communications provided international exposure to engagement and workforce development programs.
Kizhekkeveettil’s appointment reflects a broader trend across the technology sector, where organisations are prioritising employee engagement and retention as strategic drivers of growth and innovation.
Aprecomm develops AI-based platforms for broadband service providers, enabling predictive network management and WiFi performance optimisation. With its solutions deployed across millions of homes and businesses globally, and partnerships with more than 50 service providers, the company is increasingly focused on building a resilient, engaged, and future-ready workforce.
Kizhekkeveettil’s bio can be found here: https://aprecomm.ai/our-story-people/
About AprecommAprecomm harnesses the power of AI to provide a unique applications suite that enables service providers to create self-optimizing and self-healing broadband networks.
Our quality-of-experience engine monitors and optimizes WiFi performance to ensure consumers enjoy the best possible internet experience. At the same time, our cloud-based support applications leverage real-time data to predict and resolve customer service issues before they happen, saving providers time and money.
Aprecomm manages over 7 million home and business locations and partners with more than 50 service providers worldwide.
We’re making intuitive, self-healing networks a reality.
Follow Aprecomm on LinkedIn here.
Paris, France – May 7, 2026 – Ahead of ANGA COM 2026, Airties, a global leader of AI-driven software that improves the connectivity experience for ISPs’ subscribers, today announced the commercial availability of Airties Lite to remotely manage the experience of retail-purchased gateways/routers using the TR-369 (USP) standard, without requiring an embedded software agent on consumers’ hardware. The launch provides ISPs serving markets with high concentrations of consumer-purchased hardware with a fast and low-friction path to gain better visibility into network conditions, improve performance, and deliver more consistent customer care across their subscriber base.
In numerous markets across the globe, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, etc., many consumers still purchase their own gateways/routers before subscribing to an ISP, leaving operators without the ability to observe, diagnose, and fix issues, or easily resolve related customer care issues. By leveraging TR-369 (USP), Airties Lite gives operators the ability to monitor and understand the performance of retail routers/gateways; leverage key diagnostics, analytics and recommendations; and deliver proactive campaigns to target homes in need of connectivity enhancements. Notably, Airties Lite also shares the same AI-driven cloud platform, user interface, and care workflow tools as the full Airties Home suite, giving operators a single, unified toolset to manage both fully integrated and retail-purchased gateways side by side.
“For ISPs in markets where retail gateways are more the norm, the inability to observe and manage the home broadband experience is a costly problem in terms of performance quality and customer satisfaction,” said Metin Taskin, CEO and co-founder of Airties. “These homes also clearly represent a larger churn risk, which remains the paramount financial issue ISPs face today. Airties Lite puts our AI-driven diagnostics and intelligence within reach of any operator with retail gateways that support TR-369 to reduce churn and create new revenue opportunities. Since it shares the same back-end cloud platform as our Airties Home suite, ISPs can now receive a consistent, unified view across their subscriber base, regardless of how their gateways came into their networks.”
“Retail purchased gateways present a persistent blind spot for broadband operators,” said Martin Scott, Research Director at Analysys Mason. “Unlike ISP provisioned CPE, these devices often fall outside the operational frameworks operators use to monitor, diagnose, and resolve in home connectivity issues at scale. By building on established device management approaches, standards such as TR-369 (USP) and the TR-181 data model offer a more scalable and structured path to extending visibility and control across increasingly heterogeneous home networks.”
Key Capabilities of Airties Lite
Airties Lite delivers core capabilities of Airties Home on compatible gateways for Wi-Fi optimization requiring only that the gateway supports TR-369. Key benefits include:
Airties will showcase its complete portfolio of Connectivity Experience Management software solutions at ANGA COM 2026 in Cologne, Germany from May 19–21, in Hall 7 stand A19, including Airties Home, Airties Pro, Airties Multi, and Airties Nova. In addition, Airties CEO and co-founder, Metin Taskin, will speak on the executive session titled: “Enabling the Next-Gen Home Broadband Experience” on May 19, from 17:00 to 18:00 CEST, in Room 2. Among the topics to be discussed will be findings published in a recent Airties’ whitepaper, “The Hidden Cost of Broadband Churn,” about the multibillion-dollar industry problem of experience-based subscriber churn and implications for ISPs.
Airties has received many prestigious industry awards for its innovations, including: “Best Home Wi-Fi Solution Award” from Broadband World Forum; “Best Wi-Fi Service Provider Solution” and “Best Home Wi-Fi Product” awards from Wi-Fi NOW; “Best Wi-Fi Innovation” and “Best-In Home Wi-Fi Network” awards from Wireless Broadband Alliance; “Best Broadband Customer Experience” from Cable & Satellite International; and numerous others. Additional information about Airties can be found at: www.airties.com.
About Airties
Airties empowers operators to provide smooth, smart, secure connectivity. Airties turns smart connectivity into a competitive advantage for operators and enhances how subscribers experience connectivity in the real world: making every connection smarter and more reliable. Airties’ AI-driven insights enable operators to lower churn, reduce expenses, boost satisfaction, and attract new customers. Across departments, from engineering to marketing, Airties helps increase efficiency, accelerate innovation, and design smarter campaigns. Airties’ holistic suite of hardware-agnostic software enables ISPs to manage connectivity, based on leading industry standards and open-source software, across their fibre, cable/DSL, and fixed wireless access (FWA) deployments. Airties’ customers include leading service providers such as AT&T, Cox, Deutsche Telekom, Telia, Telstra, T-Mobile US, Vodafone, and many others across the world. More information is available at www.airties.com.
The future of long-range wireless connectivity was on full display at Wi-Fi World Congress 2026, where industry leaders, innovators, and ecosystem partners gathered to discuss the next phase of connected systems. One message stood out clearly: Wi-Fi HaLow has moved beyond early curiosity and into real-world deployment momentum.
Across industrial automation, utilities, transportation, security, and smart infrastructure, organizations are adopting Wi-Fi HaLow to solve connectivity challenges that traditional wireless technologies often struggle to address. With long range, lower power consumption, strong signal penetration, and native IP networking, Wi-Fi HaLow is proving to be a practical solution for modern Industrial IoT environments.
For Gateworks, the event was especially meaningful as Kelly Peralta took the stage to present “Wi-Fi HaLow for the Long Run.” Her presentation used a marathon theme to illustrate the persistence, engineering discipline, and long-term commitment required to bring transformative wireless technologies to market.
Kelly highlighted that many companies entered the market early, but few stayed committed through technical hurdles, certification requirements, and the patience required for industrial adoption. Gateworks remained focused on delivering production-ready embedded platforms that help customers move from evaluation to deployment faster.
Built on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, Wi-Fi HaLow was designed for environments where conventional Wi-Fi can fall short, including large industrial campuses, remote infrastructure sites, utility networks, warehouses, and facilities with dense walls or interference challenges.
Wi-Fi HaLow is no longer theoretical. It is now being deployed in markets where range, reliability and scalability matter most.
Examples discussed at the event included:
These applications often require fewer access points, lower infrastructure costs, and the ability to connect many endpoints across wide coverage areas. Wi-Fi HaLow helps meet these demands while preserving simple IP-native integration.
Industry forecasts expect annual Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled device shipments to exceed 100 million units by 2029, reinforcing the momentum now building across multiple vertical markets.
A major contributor to this growth is Gateworks partner Morse Micro. Their MM8108 chipset continues to advance Wi-Fi HaLow performance and efficiency for next-generation devices.
Key advantages of the MM8108 include:
Gateworks integrates this technology into the GW16167 M.2 module, giving OEM customers a production-ready path to deploy Wi-Fi HaLow across Gateworks Venice, VeniceFLEX, and Catalina single board computers.
Early deployments continue to validate the promise of Wi-Fi HaLow in demanding environments.
“The reliability of the HaLow network under extremely demanding conditions exceeded our wildest expectations—we have not been able to break it. We evaluated multiple HaLow technology partners, and it is clear that Gateworks was and remains the best choice for our requirements. Gateworks has exceeded our expectations across the board; it is rare to find a partner that delivers both top-tier technology and a genuine commitment to our success, but Gateworks does exactly that.”
Scott Carter, Chief R&D Engineer, Gatekeeper Systems
“Many conventional wireless technologies struggle to simultaneously deliver the long-range coverage, device density, and bandwidth efficiency required in these environments. The IEEE 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow platform from Morse Micro uniquely addresses this gap by providing sub-GHz connectivity optimized for long-range, low-power, and large-scale IoT deployments.
Combined with the robust embedded computing platforms and support from Gateworks, this solution enables scalable communications across large solar sites while maintaining system simplicity and cost efficiency. We see this technology partnership as a key enabler in advancing the next generation of intelligent, distributed energy infrastructure.”
Shreyas Kukanni, Senior Director, Engineering & Technology, Gigagrid
In the applications I’ve deployed thus far the HaLow hardware and software have performed far beyond what I had originally hoped for. HaLow is a remarkably useful and versatile specification, and fits our applications like a glove.
Curtis Johnson, Chief R&D Engineer, Southern US Rail Company
By embedding Gateworks’ cutting-edge Wi-Fi HaLow technology, we have effectively erased the boundaries of traditional wireless, sparking a revolution in long-range, IP-native connectivity. By harnessing unparalleled signal penetration, we maintain operational continuity in the shadows where traditional systems simply go dark.
Gateworks sub-GHz powerhouse serves as the core backhaul for our IP Mesh MANET radio, where HaLow’s ability to pierce through concrete, steel, and dense foliage meets our high-performance architecture.
While our high-powered competition (consuming 2000mW to over 4000mW) fails at non-line-of-sight ranges of less than half a kilometer, we achieve that same performance on our lowest transmit power setting of only 63mW while also maintaining a stable HD video steam. This ensures ultra-low power consumption and a minimal RF footprint for low-detection operations.
Gateworks represents more than an incremental upgrade; its elite engineering at its finest; a definitive, unbreakable, and discrete solution for today’s most demanding mission-critical environments.
Serafin, Owner/Engineer, Off Grid Solutions
Wi-Fi HaLow momentum is no longer just a forecast. It is now visible in shipping products, active deployments and growing ecosystem support.
Gateworks remains committed to helping customers bring rugged, production-ready Wi-Fi HaLow systems to market with trusted embedded computing platforms, Linux support and long lifecycle availability.
As the market continues to scale, Gateworks is proud to be in it for the long run.
If you close your eyes and picture a mine, you probably imagine dusty boots, heavy machinery, and the rhythmic sound of rock being crushed. And while that’s still part of reality, the “brains” of the operation have shifted dramatically. Today’s mining landscape is less about brute force and more about bytes, bits, and the invisible threads of wireless connectivity that keep everything moving. The industry now relies on automation and innovation as its operational reality.
Automation has become foundational to the modern mining industry. The following applications are a reality in many mining operations.
Why the rapid adoption? It comes down to two primary drivers: safety and productivity. Safety is the most critical factor; by moving operators from hazardous pits into remote control centers, we effectively remove humans from the most dangerous zones. Simultaneously, productivity gains are substantial. For example, autonomous haul trucks do not require coffee breaks or shift changes, allowing them to keep the cycle moving 24/7.
However, there is a caveat: automation is only as effective as the network that powers it.
You can have the most advanced tele-remote dozer in the world, but if its connection drops while it’s navigating a steep grade, you end up with expensive paperweight.
Mining environments are notoriously hostile. We’re talking about massive open pits or deep, signal-dampening underground tunnels filled with dust, vibration, and extreme temperature swings. A standard office Wi-Fi setup simply won’t cut it.
To support mission-critical applications, the network must provide:
To meet the extreme demands of modern mining, Cisco has developed a portfolio specifically engineered for these harsh environments. At the heart of this solution is the Cisco Catalyst IW9167E Heavy Duty Access Point. Built to survive the most challenging conditions, this device is IP66/IP67-rated, ensuring total protection against dust, water, and it can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and vibrations.
When paired with Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB), the IW9167E transforms from a simple access point into a mission-critical communication backbone. Unlike traditional wireless technologies, URWB is designed specifically for continuous mobility. It provides fiber-like reliability and seamless handoffs, ensuring that autonomous trucks and remote-controlled equipment maintain a rock-solid connection even while traversing vast, rugged pits at speed. With URWB, “zero packet loss” becomes a standard operational reality, eliminating the risk of equipment downtime due to network drops.
Proven in the Field: Validated Designs and Partnerships
We know that in mining, theoretical performance isn’t enough; solutions must be proven under pressure. Cisco doesn’t just provide hardware; we provide a roadmap for success.
Our commitment to reliability is best demonstrated through our Cisco Validated Designs (CVDs). These are comprehensive, validated design guides that remove the guesswork from network deployment. By visiting our Cisco Mining Design Zone, you can access architectures that have been tested and verified in lab environments to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of the mining sector.
Real-world success stories, such as our work with Aterpa, highlight the transformative power of these solutions. Aterpa leveraged our technology to support tele-remote operations for dam decommissioning projects, enabling work in environments where human presence was not allowed.
Furthermore, our strategic partnership with global industry leaders like Caterpillar allows us to rigorously test and validate our wireless solutions against the specific applications and machinery used on-site. This collaborative approach ensures that when you deploy Cisco, you are deploying a solution that has been tested and validated by key players in the mining industry.
Whether you are looking to enhance safety by removing personnel from hazardous zones or aiming to boost productivity through 24/7 autonomous operations, the right network is foundational to your entire operation.
Don’t let connectivity gaps hold your operation back. Cisco is here to help you design, deploy, and scale a wireless network that is resilient to support your operations. If you are ready to learn more about how our industrial wireless solutions can drive efficiency in your specific mining environment, we invite you to reach out to our team today. Let’s build the future of mining together.
Aprecomm accelerates growth in Latin America as Nicnet rolls out AI-powered customer experience and CPE management solutions nationwide.
São Paulo, Brazil – April 29, 2026 – Nicnet, one of Brazil’s leading fibre optic internet providers, today announced a partnership with Aprecomm, a provider of AI-driven network and customer experience (CX) solutions, to enhance broadband performance and customer satisfaction across its network.
“In markets such as Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, the shift to fibre has raised expectations and intensified competition. As a result, quality of experience is now a key battleground, and operators that invest in understanding and improving in- home service performance are better positioned for success,” said Martin Scott, Research Director at Analysys Mason.
Through this collaboration, Nicnet will deploy Aprecomm’s full portfolio of AI-powered CX and CPE management solutions, including intelligent WiFi optimization and cloud-based device management. The platform enables remote upgrades of existing devices and seamless integration with Nicnet’s broadband gateways. Deployment is already underway, with coverage expected to reach 500,000 homes by the end of 2026.
“We are excited about implementing the Aprecomm platform, a partnership that combines technological innovation with a strong focus on customer experience. By integrating Artificial Intelligence into our network, we are transforming our support into a proactive operation that optimizes WiFi and mitigates failures in real time.”
“This set of solutions allows us to drive sustainable growth with complete hardware independence. It is a crucial strategic differentiator to maintain excellence and technical agility, ensuring a superior and consistent experience throughout our expansion process,” said Walter Kotani, Director of Networks at Nicnet. “The internet market has changed. Today, customers don’t just want speed—they want stability. We realized that many ‘slow internet’ issues were due to WiFi problems and local interference. Aprecomm comes in as the missing brain: an artificial intelligence that allows us to see what happens inside the customer’s home and fix issues in real time, often before the customer even picks up the phone to call our support.”
Aprecomm’s CX suite supports both residential and business subscribers, helping broadband service providers optimize connectivity and streamline operations. Its advanced AI and proprietary quality-of-experience algorithms enable a shift toward zero-touch networks—where issues are identified and resolved automatically before impacting users. Built on a self-healing WiFi framework, Aprecomm’s platform continuously adapts network performance to meet the unique demands of each user and application. Its advanced analytics and automated support capabilities deliver deep customer insights and real-time network visibility, helping service providers improve subscriber satisfaction and reduce operational costs.
Aprecomm’s CX suite is field proven to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. The company was recently recognized with the Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award for Innovation and named Analytics & Intelligence Champion and AI & GenAI Pioneer by The Fast Mode.
“We are proud to partner with Nicnet as we continue expanding across Latin America,” said Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO of Aprecomm. “Nicnet’s commitment to customer experience aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we’re leveraging AI to create a powerful customer experience-driven competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.”
About Nicnet
Nicnet is recognized as a fibre optic internet provider based in the interior of São Paulo, with Ribeirão Preto serving as the strategic hub of its regional operations. With a presence spanning from Barretos to Porto Ferreira, the company’s mission is to facilitate access to technology and establish itself as a benchmark in connectivity. It positions itself as a strategic partner for various everyday needs—from work and education to entertainment.
In recent years, Nicnet has stood out for the consistent growth of its customer base, expanding its operations with Wi-Fi and Data Centre solutions, as well as incorporating technological innovations to enhance subscriber experience. This reflects the company’s commitment to quality, continuous evolution, and excellence in service delivery.
Among the milestones in its trajectory are connectivity operations in high-demand environments, such as the Parque do Peão in Barretos, as well as its presence at major events held in Ribeirão Preto, reinforcing its technical capability to support large-scale projects and experiences that require high performance and reliability.
Press Contact:
Walter Kotani, Director of Networks, +55 16 99750-6166
About Aprecomm
Aprecomm harnesses the power of AI to provide a unique applications suite that enables service providers to create self-optimizing and self-healing broadband networks.
Our quality-of-experience engine monitors and optimizes WiFi performance to ensure consumers enjoy the best possible internet experience. At the same time, our cloud-based support applications leverage real-time data to predict and resolve customer service issues before they happen, saving providers time and money.
Aprecomm manages over 7 million home and business locations and partners with more than 50 service providers worldwide.
We’re making intuitive, self-healing networks a reality.
Follow Aprecomm on LinkedIn here.
