Understandably, there is a tradeoff between having WiFi-enabled devices connected around the clock and the energy cost required for this level of convenience. For many devices, there is no real functional need to be connected to a network 24/7. Most TVs, gaming devices, and laptops have dormant periods where they are off or revert to a sleep mode and conserve electricity. However, that doesn’t happen with the WiFi gateways, routers, and extenders that power networks – these all typically stay at the same level of network supply even as demand from devices lowers.
Plume IQ examines how WiFi networking gear can be a surprising place for energy savings with no noticeable degradation in the consumer experience. WiFi networks not managed intelligently broadcast their signals constantly using unnecessary amounts of energy – however, if the equipment was proactively analyzing the network, it could potentially manage resources resulting in significant energy conservation.
Recently, Plume examined options for energy conservation and tested a new way to use intelligence to reduce energy demand when the needs of a network are low. The details are explained in the whitepaper linked below — here are some highlights:
When consumers are asleep or not at home, Plume is able to detect drops in usage, redirecting devices onto the same WiFi band, and then turn off unused channels to conserve energy.
For example, one of Plume’s SuperPods with WiFi 6E would typically use 9.9 watts. With this new technology – this can be lowered by about a third to 6.8 watts. When testing the feature in Europe across locations in February and March, Plume observed that for locations actively saving energy, the power-saving algorithm was active for at least six hours per day in 84% of locations – and for at least 12 hours per day in 21% of them. This shows that when a network is designed intelligently there is ample opportunity for improvement.
Admittedly, energy savings from a single SuperPod in one home may not seem like a lot, but Plume IQ measured what the scale may amount to if this feature were widely implemented. If one million SuperPods were deployed and provided eight hours of energy optimization per household, up to 7.9 gigawatts per hour over a year could be saved. According to the EPA’s calculations, this would amount to the equivalent of eliminating emissions from 1,240 cars or growing 91,070 trees over a decade.
Plume is thinking bigger. If this technology was deployed over every one of the 1.3 billion broadband connections worldwide, it could conserve the energy usage equivalent of 1.4 million homes. Conservation at this level could eliminate the need for 18 natural gas or 2 coal plants. Granted, this may seem ambitious, but using technology in this way could greatly benefit people and the planet.
To learn more about Plume’s energy optimization and reducing energy consumption, read the full white paper here.
OpenSync Lite
OpenSync Lite allows communication service providers (CSPs) to quickly integrate Plume’s smart services on legacy hardware. CSPs can transform their connected network into a fully managed platform and rapidly provide an improved consumer experience. Consumers will get access to the HomePass app to optimize connectivity in the home, improve device connection, and customize their WiFi networks.
Are you a CSP that’s interested in OpenSync Lite? Contact us here
Award: The Cablefax 100 List
We are delighted to share that Plume Founder and CEO Fahri Diner has been included on The Cablefax 100 List for the fifth consecutive year. This award recognizes influential executives across multiple media, cable, and broadband businesses who demonstrate exceptional leadership in leading teams, growing their companies, and driving innovation.
See The Cablefax 100 List here
News Roundup
“[Current MDU networking products present] both a problem and an opportunity for communication services providers (CSPs) and technology providers. The solutions in the market today serve a specific type of apartment building – big, shiny skyscrapers towering over the largest cities. But, in reality, 98% of multi-dwelling units are under one hundred units. CSPs can reach this large population by delivering a modern solution that is affordable, easily deployable, and provides a first-in-class experience for both tenants and property managers.”
“Traffic prioritization tools within the home, for instance, offer a potential solution for the bandwidth-constrained. In one example last month, Plume announced its Network Priority tool that allows people to prioritize a traffic category (streaming, gaming, video calls, etc.), a person or a device within a home for a period of time.”
#PlumeStrong
Preparations for the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge are in full swing. We are deeply grateful to our corporate sponsors, who have already committed to making this our best ride to date, and we are encouraged by our riders, who are training feverishly on their own, with one another in races around the world, and alongside our virtual coaching team.
Learn about our individual riders as they train to tackle the #PSCC24 from Zurich, Switzerland, to Venice, Italy, and make a pledge for a PlumeStrong cyclist today.
#PSCC24 donations are collected through our charity partner, Street Child, and 100% of the money raised goes toward providing a safe education for children around the world where schools and communities have been compromised by poverty, war, and natural disasters.
Get ready for #PSCC24 – watch the video here.
In the ever-advancing realm of the gaming industry, casinos are continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and drive revenue. One of the most transformative trends gaining traction is the transition towards a cashless ecosystem, facilitated by the integration of mobile apps, robust Wi-Fi networks, and specialized solutions like GoZone WiFi. This holistic approach not only simplifies transactions but also presents unparalleled opportunities for casinos to boost player engagement and convert non-carded players into loyal patrons.
Embracing Cashless Transactions with Mobile Apps
The traditional reliance on cash within casinos poses numerous challenges, including security risks, operational inefficiencies, and limited insights into customer behavior. However, by embracing mobile apps, casinos can overcome these hurdles while offering patrons a seamless and secure payment experience.
Picture this: as a patron navigates the bustling casino floor, they effortlessly manage their gaming funds, dining reservations, and entertainment bookings—all from the convenience of their smartphone. Redirecting guests with a smart WiFi captive portal to download the casino app installed, patrons can securely link their preferred payment methods and conduct transactions with ease, eliminating the need for physical cash and reducing the risk of theft or fraud.
The Crucial Role of Secure Guest Wi-Fi
Central to the success of a cashless casino environment is the implementation of a robust and secure Wi-Fi infrastructure. A reliable Wi-Fi network not only ensures seamless connectivity for patrons but also serves as the backbone for powering the casino app’s functionalities.
By strategically deploying Wi-Fi access points throughout the premises, casinos can provide universal coverage, allowing patrons to access the app’s features anywhere on-site. Furthermore, advanced security measures, such as WPA3 encryption and network segmentation, safeguard sensitive data and transactions, instilling trust and confidence among patrons.
Leveraging Smart WiFi for Enhanced Player Engagement
In the quest to enhance player engagement and loyalty, casinos can leverage specialized Smart WiFi solutions to create personalized and immersive experiences for their patrons. Here’s how GoZone Smart WiFi can make a difference:
Converting Non-Carded Players into Loyal Patrons
One of the key challenges casinos face is converting non-carded players—those who have not signed up for a player’s card—into carded players who actively participate in loyalty programs and promotions. By leveraging the combined power of mobile apps, secure Wi-Fi, and GoZone WiFi, casinos can implement targeted strategies to attract and retain non-carded players:
Promoting Guest Wi-Fi Usage
Casinos that have guests utilizing their amenity Wi-FI will benefit the most in converting non-carded players into loyal carded players. This presents a different hurdle for casino operators to tackle: getting players to use the guest Wi-Fi. Many casinos have implemented unique solutions to encourage Wi-Fi utilization:
A Win-Win for Casinos and Players Alike
The convergence of cashless transactions, mobile apps, secure Wi-Fi networks, and specialized solutions like GoZone WiFi represents a paradigm shift in the way casinos engage with their patrons. By embracing this integrated approach, casinos can enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth while fostering long-term loyalty and satisfaction among players.
As technology continues to evolve, the casinos that leverage innovative solutions to create personalized, immersive, and frictionless experiences will emerge as leaders in the dynamic and competitive gaming industry. With GoZone WiFi as a strategic partner, casinos can unlock new possibilities for player engagement, conversion, and retention, ultimately shaping the future of the casino landscape.
SunPubs, a leading restaurant group with a diverse portfolio of restaurants & bars across the Tampa Bay area, has unveiled remarkable results from 2023 and its initiative to follow a growing trend amongst top-performing restaurants, prioritizing customer loyalty and celebrating the local community.
Facing the challenges of standing out in a competitive restaurant industry and cultivating loyal patrons, SunPubs sought to amplify sales across its establishments during peak seasons and orchestrated a series of strategic promotions tailored to each brand’s offerings and holiday specials. From enticing Christmas Dinner Plates to irresistible New Year’s Day Taco Specials.
Recognizing the potential of Wi-Fi marketing to engage customers on-site and increase recurring foot traffic, SunPubs partnered with GoZone WiFi to implement a comprehensive solution tailored to communicate enticing offers to local patrons that have visited SunPubs restaurants and bars for decades.
“The secret is restaurants that follow this strategy are targeting previously on-site customers with pre-determined interest in the restaurant. Instead of wasting advertising spend and time targeting cold audiences, these golden customers are already excited and more likely to convert.”
Wayne Newton, VP of Business Development – GoZone WiFi
Through the strategic deployment of GoZone’s Marketing4WiFi platform, SunPubs seamlessly integrated marketing enrollment into its venues by offering guests complimentary Wi-Fi access that successfully enrolled thousands of patrons into revenue-generating loyalty programs. Leveraging this new marketing channel, deployed targeted email and SMS blasts to captivate customers, build local excitement and drive traffic to its establishments.
The results of SunPubs’ eye-catching limited time offers and marketing promotions were profound, with remarkable limited time offer and revenue growth across its four participating restaurants.
For more information on how SunPubs achieved record sales with GoZone WiFi’s strategic marketing solutions, check out the full case study and comprehensive restaurant guide here.
About GoZone WiFi: GoZone Wi-Fi is a SaaS company offering restaurants business analytics, venue intelligence and guest engagement solutions. Through loyalty generating services like Marketing4WiFi, GoZone empowers small-to-medium-size enterprise businesses to strategically refine customer communication, turning one-stop patrons into loyal customers. Learn more at gozonewifi.com.
About SunPubs: SunPubs is a leading restaurant group based in Tampa, Florida, offering a diverse portfolio of bars and restaurants known for their exceptional dining experiences, unparalleled nightlife, and scenic coastal views. SunPubs iconic brands include Caddy’s Waterfront Dining, Macdinton’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Sculley’s Waterfront Restaurant, Grove Kitchen Lounge, and Mad Beach Cantina. Learn more at sunpubs.com.
As one of the first adopters of Wi-Fi 7 technology, we wasted no time in establishing an ecosystem of fast, reliable and always-on products that enable MediaTek Filogic Wi-Fi 7 support. Recently, Verizon announced the launch of its network’s latest Business Internet Gateway, which marks the first product on Verizon’s network to use Wi-Fi 7, and is also one of the first devices in the world to support next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity features such as tri-band and 4×4 antenna capabilities.
The new Verizon Business Internet Gateway features MediaTek’s next-generation modem and router all in one device. In addition to Wi-Fi 7 support provided by the MediaTek Filogic 680, it utilizes the MediaTek T830 5G chipset, which comes with 4CC 300MHz 5G modem capability, 3GPP Release 16 functionality, and is capable of 5G speeds up to 7Gbps. The chip is made using a highly advanced 4nm process for significant power savings, and supports multiple Ethernet options, with speeds up to 10Gbps.
By working closely with Verizon to integrate MediaTek’s Wi-Fi 7 capabilities into the Gateway, users can now enjoy a router that comes with superior performance and design compared to competing FWA devices on the market. After years of development, we are looking forward to seeing the improved experiences that next-generation wireless technology enables for consumers and businesses in the United States.
The Verizon Business Internet Gateway is now available to its Business Internet customers. Learn more about MediaTek’s 5G Broadband and Wi-Fi 7 platforms >
– Provides new self-certification capability for broadband service providers, CPE manufacturers, and chipset suppliers to test integrations, ensure performance quality, and accelerate Smart Wi-Fi deployments
– Includes on-premises hardware and software used within test centers to increase efficiency and continuously validate data integrity across ecosystem of broadband CPE software
– Integral part of Airties’ portfolio of Wi-Fi software testing services
Paris, France – March 28, 2024 – Airties, a global leader of managed Wi-Fi solutions for broadband service providers, today announced the commercial launch of Orbit, a continuous test automation platform for broadband service providers, customer premises equipment (CPE) manufacturers, and system-on-chip (SoC) manufacturers to support Smart Wi-Fi integrations and deployments.
Airties Orbit addresses a longstanding industry pain point: ensuring consistent data accuracy and performance measurement criteria across diverse combinations of Wi-Fi chipsets, embedded software, and hardware (i.e. gateways/routers/extenders). With Orbit, broadband operators, and their suppliers, can continuously validate data tested during software changes and firmware updates; addresses common Wi-Fi performance issues; and accelerate time-to-market for managed Wi-Fi deployments through self-certification.
Traditionally, integrated testing of Wi-Fi software has been a manual, time-consuming process challenged by inconsistencies in test procedures, device and software functionality, and dissimilar test environments. These variabilities often lead to inaccuracies or misinterpretations. Resolving these issues involves complex multi-party troubleshooting efforts which can lead to product launch delays and added deployment costs. Airties Orbit addresses these challenges by providing a complete and automated testing platform installed on-premises at testing facilities of broadband service providers, CPE manufactures and SoC providers.
“Service providers need an efficient way to manage the variability of broadband software to ensure consistent quality home Wi-Fi, test the impact of software updates, and launch new products,” said Metin Taskin, Founder and Co-CEO of Airties. “Airties Orbit removes the complexity and inconsistencies of traditional testing methods, allowing operators, OEMs and SoC manufacturers to verify performance with confidence and speed. Orbit ensures the accuracy and completeness of data across tests, streamlines device onboarding, and improves efficiency through automation. This translates to faster time-to-market, reduced costs, and ultimately, a better Wi-Fi experience for everyone involved.”
With the launch of Orbit, Airties continues its commitment to solve critical challenges facing the ecosystem of broadband customers, partners, and suppliers. Airties Orbit is currently being deployed by leading broadband service providers, CPE manufacturers, and chipset suppliers around the globe.
Key benefits of Airties Orbit include:
Airties Orbit is now an integral part of Airties’ Wi-Fi software testing services for broadband service providers (see video here). Airties also provides access to multi-floor test homes that include custom robots, called AirBots, which run throughout homes to test devices and application performance in real-world environments. Customers can run hundreds of fully automated Wi-Fi tests including basic system testing, performance testing, functional tests, and interoperability tests. Tests can be tailored to specific needs or follow generic plans to test for throughput, stability, new OS performance, and more. Airties Wi-Fi software testing helps address ecosystem complexity, anticipate future demands, and delivers fast and cost-effective Wi-Fi software validation.
Airties has been recognized with many prestigious industry awards for its innovative work serving broadband operators, 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 fromWireless Broadband Alliance; “Best Broadband Customer Experience” from Cable & Satellite International; and many others. Additional information about Airties can be found at:www.airties.com.
About Airties
Airties is a leading provider of managed Wi-Fi solutions to operators around the globe. The Smart Wi-Fi portfolio from Airties includes Airties Edge, smart Wi-Fi software for gateways; Airties Cloud management platform and its companion app; and Wi-Fi mesh extenders. Operators turn to Airties for the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of their customers’ broadband experience. Airties’ customers include AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Singtel, Sky, Telia, Telstra, Vodafone, and many others. More information is available at www.airties.com.
###
Wi-Fi HaLow is an exciting technology to address application use-cases such as security cameras, industrial monitoring, and a wide range of other indoor and outdoor IoT deployments. Our video series, 3 for 3, provides 3 answers for 3 pressing questions about trends in wireless test. In this video, Adam Smith discusses what is unique about Wi-Fi HaLow, where it is useful to deploy, and wireless test considerations for Wi-Fi HaLow devices.
Askey and Newracom Continue to Drive Wi-Fi HaLow Forward with the Development of Askey’s WAH0070 Wi-Fi HaLow Module Based on Newracom NRC7394 SoC
IRVINE, Calif., March 20, 2024 (Newswire.com) – The advancement of Wi-Fi HaLow persists, and adoption continues to grow, leading to the development of the next-generation Wi-Fi HaLow Module by Askey, utilizing the Newracom’s SOC (System on Chip), NRC7394. Wi-Fi HaLow, known for its long-range and low-power capabilities, has been gaining increased adoption. Askey’s decision to adopt Newracom’s Wi-Fi HaLow SoC is a resounding endorsement of the continued belief in the success of the new IoT-enabling Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11ah.
The WAH0070 Wi-Fi HaLow module by Askey features a compact footprint of 18mm by 13.5mm with a height of 2.1mm. It has been developed with an optional power amplifier, offering users the flexibility to maximize both distance and signal strength or opt for operation without the power amplifier to conserve battery life in low-power applications. This makes the module ideal for IoT applications, such as smart city infrastructure, building and factory automation, smart retail, security and surveillance systems, telematics, and long-range portable devices.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Newracom to develop a Wi-Fi HaLow module that can meet the needs of the next generation of IoT and Smart devices. Wi-Fi HaLow adoption has been steadily growing, and we’re honored to continue to be a leader in the Wi-Fi HaLow space,” stated Tommy Lin, 11ah Product Development AVP of Askey.
“We’re delighted to have a partner like Askey, who has aligned with our vision for the adoption of Wi-Fi HaLow as an innovative IoT connectivity bearer. ASKEY is at the forefront of providing smart applications, and their continued support of the Wi-Fi HaLow propels the true potential of the technology,” remarked Frank Lin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Newracom.
The WAH0070 Wi-Fi HaLow module by Askey marks another significant step forward in the Wi-Fi HaLow market. With its over-a-kilometer range, low power consumption, strong signal penetration, robust WPA3 security, and IP-based communication, Wi-Fi HaLow can accelerate the rapid development of smarter and more advanced IoT-based services. For more information, visit www.askey.com or https://newracom.com/products/nrc7394.
About Newracom, Inc.
Newracom, Inc., located in Irvine, California, U.S., has rapidly become a leading developer and supplier of IoT-enabled wireless connectivity chipsets. We specialize in providing a broad range of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ah and IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax) that covers various connectivity needs in our lives. With our extensive and diverse Wi-Fi solutions, NEWRACOM enables customers with a “one-stop shop,” offering a comprehensive solution that can serve multiple IoT applications, including Smart Grid, Wearables, Smart Home and Office, Healthcare, and Industrial Automation. For more information, please visit online at https://www.newracom.com.
About Askey
Founded in 1989, Askey Computer Corp. specializes in creating solutions and ecosystems for those who want the best in Smart Connected environments.
Askey has been the preferred carrier-grade solution partner for communications providers, major Telecom Operators and Consumer Product Providers worldwide. To learn more, please visit: https://www.askey.com.
The Ads4WiFi Media Network is an easy way for venues to monetize their Wi-Fi network while also offering DOOH Advertising agencies access to an engaged audience
ST. PETERSBURG, FL, USA, March 20, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a world where connectivity is paramount and advertising opportunities are constantly sought after, the Ads4WiFi Media Network emerges as a groundbreaking solution, poised to revolutionize both public Wi-Fi access and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. With its unique approach, Ads4WiFi addresses the longstanding issue faced by venues and public networks lacking the budgets to maintain or upgrade their Wi-Fi infrastructure.
The Ads4WiFi Media Network serves as both a broker and a platform, bridging the gap between venues seeking to monetize their Wi-Fi networks and DOOH advertising agencies hungry for impactful advertising spaces. Just as the real estate Multiple Listing Service (MLS) simplifies property transactions, Ads4WiFi streamlines the process for advertising agencies, offering them access to a master list of available public Wi-Fi venues. In addition, venues receive assistance on-boarding and managing campaigns no matter the hardware or captive portal platform they’re using.
“Today, connectivity is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. However, many venues and municipal networks struggle to keep up with the costs of maintaining or upgrading their Wi-Fi infrastructure,” said Todd Myers, CEO of GoZone WiFi, who owns and operates the Ads4WiFi Media Network. “Ads4WiFi not only addresses this challenge but also unlocks a powerful avenue for DOOH advertising agencies to reach their target audiences in an innovative and impactful manner.”
The benefits of the Ads4WiFi Media Network extend beyond mere connectivity. By leveraging existing Wi-Fi infrastructure for advertising purposes, venues around the world can generate additional revenue streams while providing value-added services to their patrons. Meanwhile, advertisers gain access to prime advertising spaces in high-traffic areas, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
Key features of Ads4WiFi Media Network include:
1. Centralized Platform: A user-friendly platform that consolidates available public Wi-Fi venues, making it easy for advertising agencies to browse, select and even request suitable locations for their campaigns.
2. Monetization Opportunities: Empowering venues to monetize their Wi-Fi networks by partnering with advertisers, creating a win-win scenario for both parties.
3. Targeted Advertising: Leveraging location-based targeting capabilities to deliver tailored advertising content to audiences based on their physical proximity to Wi-Fi hotspots.
4. Performance Analytics: Providing detailed analytics and insights to advertisers, allowing them to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and optimize their strategies accordingly.
5. Technical and Campaign Support: The Ads4WiFi Media Network team assists both the advertisers and the venues to make sure campaign delivery expectations are met.
With the Ads4WiFi Media Network, the era of struggling Wi-Fi networks and underutilized advertising spaces is coming to an end. By connecting venues with advertisers in a seamless and efficient manner, Ads4WiFi unlocks new possibilities for revenue generation and brand exposure in the digital age.
For more information about Ads4WiFi Media Network and its innovative solutions, please visit https://www.ads4wifi.com.
About the Ads4WiFi Media Network:
The Ads4WiFi Media Network, owned and operated by GoZone WiFi which specializes in software platforms that monetize Wi-Fi networks, is a pioneering service that revolutionizes public Wi-Fi access monetization and out-of-home advertising. By serving as a broker and platform, Ads4WiFi connects venues seeking to monetize their Wi-Fi networks with DOOH advertising agencies, facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships. With its user-friendly interface, advanced features, and support, Ads4WiFi empowers venues to generate additional revenue streams while providing advertisers with prime advertising engagements in high-traffic areas.
Austin, TX and Washington, DC – March 12, 2024 – Wi-Fi Alliance® congratulates the NTIA spectrum team on the release of the National Spectrum Strategy Implementation Plan. This plan is an essential roadmap for collaboration between Federal and non-Federal stakeholders in the effort to address Americans’ ever-increasing need for wireless connectivity. We look forward to contributing to its implementation.
When you switch on a brand-new cellular or wired IoT device, it can be bootstrapped to connect to a provisioning server immediately. The IoT connectivity is secure and seamless from the moment the device is switched on.
This is not the case with Wi-Fi-based IoT devices. We have all tried to onboard these devices to the Wi-Fi network using an app, QR code, or Bluetooth, which may be okay for consumer devices. But what about industrial and enterprise use cases with thousands of devices? The onboarding issue is currently the largest showstopper for a mass market of Wi-Fi-based IoT devices.
At Enea, we have tried to solve this with the Zero-touch Wi-Fi IoT onboarding invention utilizing the already installed device certificates. The idea is excellent, but it requires industrywide acceptance and deployment. This was before OpenRoaming.
We now see the potential in using OpenRoaming to make Wi-Fi IoT onboarding as secure and seamless as Cellular and Wired IoT. It is a complex task with many use cases, and it may require a separate base RCOI for IoT and a different set of CAG policies. But it can be done.
The FIDO Alliance is leading the way in automatically onboarding IoT and headless devices. They have a well-thought-out process with their FIDO Device Onboard (FDO), an automatic onboarding protocol for edge nodes and IoT devices. FDO enables late binding of device credentials so that one manufactured device may be onboarded to many different cloud and edge management platforms. But to perform this late binding of credentials, the device needs connectivity to reach a so-called Rendezvous Service. This works well for wired and cellular devices that get connected when powered up but not for Wi-Fi-based IoT devices.
We are happy to announce that Enea and Intel have taken the initiative to form a working group within WBA called OpenRoaming & FIDO Device Onboarding with the mission to use OpenRoaming for a zero-touch connectivity for Wi-Fi-based IoT devices. The work is still in its initial stage, the goal is to make FDO as seamless for Wi-Fi as it is for fixed and cellular.
