Breaking News

We will only give a technical overview of OpenRoaming here and what it could mean in the Wi-Fi offloading context. For deeper insights about OpenRoaming and exactly how the Roaming Consortium Organization Identifiers (RCOIs) are encoded, please read our White Paper, All You Need to Know About OpenRoaming.

OpenRoaming is a groundbreaking initiative by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) that aims to revolutionize how we connect to Wi-Fi networks worldwide. Enea is a member of the WBA.

OpenRoaming is growing fast. In May 2022, the OpenRoaming federation had around 1 million hotspots globally. In February 2023, the count was over 3 million. It may become the silver bullet for neutral host Wi-Fi offloading.

Two different roles in the OpenRoaming federation

Access Network Providers (ANP)

An ANP provides the Wi-Fi network, and they can be anything from major Wi-Fi service providers to hotel chains, malls, airports, or congress centers. Any organization with a Wi-Fi network can apply to be part of the OpenRoaming federation.

Identity Providers (IdP)

An IdP authenticates and authorizes users for the OpenRoaming service offered by ANPs. Anyone providing a user account can apply to join the OpenRoaming federation. An excellent example is device manufacturers. Both Samsung and Google are identity providers. But in the Wi-Fi offloading context, the IdP will, of course, be the mobile operator.

Ubiquitous Wi-Fi Roaming

The beauty of the OpenRoaming federation is that any IdP and ANP can roam with each other without even being aware that the other party exists. Roaming is enabled by well-established technology standards, including Passpoint, Dynamic Peer Discovery (DPD), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and RADIUS over TLS (RadSec).

Both an IdP and an ANP can control the characteristics of a roaming partner by implementing so-called Closed Access Group policies (CAG). An IdP can, for example, choose to only roam with ANPs that provide a specific Quality of Service (QoS). The CAG is an optional part of the Passpoint Roaming Consortium Organization Identifier (RCOI) for OpenRoaming. However, Wi-Fi offloading is a use case that may drive adoption as MNOs acting as IdPs may only want to cooperate with Wi-Fi networks of a certain quality.

Staying in Control with OpenRoaming

There are two base Passpoint Roaming Consortium Organization Identifiers (RCOIs) for OpenRoaming:

OpenRoaming-Settled: BA-A2-D0-xx-xx

OpenRoaming-Settlement-Free: 5A-03-BA -xx-xx

The last 12-bit extension (xx-xx) of the base RCOI is used to implement Closed Access Group Policies (CAG). The RCOIs are provisioned in the device’s OpenRoaming Passpoint profile(s) and advertised in the Wi-Fi Access Point beacon. If there are more RCOIs to be advertised than what fits in the beacon, a list of available RCOIs can be sent through the Passpoint Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) messages.

Only IdPs and ANPs with fully matching RCOIs, including the CAG, will roam.

RCOI Extensions for Closed Access Group Policies

Let’s now move into the more advanced use cases of OpenRoaming using the last 12-bit extension in the OpenRoaming RCOIs to encode the Closed Access Group (CAG) policies. The aim is to deliver an equivalent functionality to the CAG policies encoded in 3GPP using one or more CAG-IDs.

Openroaming RCOI fields, base RCOI and CAG extension

Currently, WBA has defined the following CAG policy fields:

Note that there is no implicit logic behind the RCOI extensions. It is just a matter of matching the exact RCOIs between the IdP and the ANP. As a result, IdPs and ANPs must advertise multiple RCOIs to cover all cases. This, even if it might feel superfluous to, e.g., explicitly say that you accept users with Permanent IDs if you want to allow anyone, including anonymous users, onto your network.

It is vital for ANPs and IdPs to also include the tiered CAG policies that go above their minimum requirement and below what they provide:

Utilizing OpenRoaming for Wi-Fi Offloading

There are many high-quality Wi-Fi networks in the OpenRoaming federation that mobile operators could utilize to achieve indoor coverage for their subscribers.

A mobile operator IdP can, for example, decide to roam only with ANPs fulfilling at least the Silver QoS level by using the corresponding Closed Access Group (CAG) policies.

By doing so, the mobile operator will ensure the quality of service for the offloaded user is good enough for, e.g., Wi-Fi Calling and video. This is crucial for settlement-free use cases where they may roam with ANPs with which they have no relationship.

A venue such as a shopping mall could advertise the settled RCOI and make bilateral commercial agreements with multiple mobile operators acting as IDPs.

The shopping mall can even prioritize the mobile operators’ subscribers over other users if they comply with the advertised QoS level for all. This will allow the shopping mall to charge more for the offloaded users.

It is not a problem that the user may have multiple installed OpenRoaming profiles on the device, such as one from the mobile operator and one from the device manufacturer. The shopping mall can utilize the Home Service Provider preference functionality defined in Passpoint to prioritize the mobile operators over other IdPs.

It should be noted that the CAG policies are based on trust between the different actors in the OpenRoaming federation, so the QoS level is not verified independently. Some ANPs may also only advertise the base RCOI without any CAG policies. However, if OpenRoaming advances to become the go-to solution for neutral host Wi-Fi offloading, this could lead to significant changes. For instance, OpenRoaming might evolve to deliver consistent, verified QoS levels across all ANPs.

Adjustments Needed for Wi-Fi Offloading

The Dynamic Peer Discovery (DPD) mechanism is used in OpenRoaming to find the IdP authentication server by looking up the IdP’s realm in DNS. This is a problem when the mobile operator acts as an IdP as the 3gppnetwork. org realm, which all mobile operators use, is not publicly resolvable by DNS because of security concerns.

The remedy is to use the subdomain pub.3gppnetwork.org for DPD, which 3GPP specifies for public use and is thus resolvable by DNS.

Mobile Operators in the OpenRoaming federation must provision their public subdomain in DNS. In the example of Swisscom, that would be:

wlan.mnc001.mcc228.pub.3gppnetwork.org

The public subdomain enables DPD-based discovery of their SIM-Authentication server (3GPP AAA) used to authenticate subscribers in the OpenRoaming federation.

However, the authentication request from a user with a mobile operator Passpoint profile will likely come in the form used by mobile operators, i.e., without the pub subdomain, e.g., <user>@wlan.mnc<MNC>.mcc<MCC>.3gppnetwork.org.

The <user> is the subscriber’s international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

As discussed, the DNS-based DPD cannot resolve this realm, so the ANP must dynamically add “pub” in the DNS lookup.

Once the ANP’s and the IdP’s AAA servers have established communication through RADIUS over TLS (RadSec), it is business as usual, and the user can be authenticated using the user credentials from the OpenRoaming Passpoint profile.

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Press Release]

WiBRAVO : Absolute Velocity. Pure Intelligence.

[NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN – January 8, 2026] – AsiaRF, a global leader in wireless innovation, proudly announces the official launch of its high-end strategic brand, WiBRAVO. Built upon a 20-year legacy of wireless mastery and 15 years of strategic refinement, WiBRAVO enters the market as a specialized ecosystem dedicated to high-end Vision Visible-talking Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and Intelligent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) platforms. This launch marks a pivotal shift from traditional hardware manufacturing to providing holistic, mission-critical intelligence for the modern world.

WiBRAVO was born from a singular, critical observation: the dangerous isolation of field officers and the “chaotic fog” that commanders face during high-stakes operations. In an era where communication is more than just data—it is a lifeline—WiBRAVO bridges the gap with its “Total-Connectivity Mesh.” By integrating breakthrough Wi-Fi 7 for crystal-clear 4K near-field streaming and Wi-Fi HaLow for penetrative, long-range reliability over 1km, WiBRAVO ensures that no officer is ever truly alone.

The Depth of Connection While many chase the next wave of speed, WiBRAVO defines the depth of reliability. We don’t just build hardware; we carry forward AsiaRF’s 20-year legacy of wireless mastery and 15 years of strategic refinement. WiBRAVO was born from a singular observation: the critical isolation of field officers and the chaotic fog of information facing commanders. To solve this, we created a specialized ecosystem for high-end Visible-talking Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and Intelligent Emergency Operations Center (EOC) platforms.

A Lifeline in Every Minute Communication is more than data—it is a lifeline. By harnessing AsiaRF’s breakthrough long-range technologies, WiBRAVO constructs an unbreakable Total-Connectivity Mesh. We utilize Wi-Fi 7 for near-field 4K crystal-clear streaming, Wi-Fi HaLow to penetrate dense obstacles over a kilometer away, and 4G LTE & 5G for seamless wide-area roaming. From remote wilderness to the concrete jungle, WiBRAVO ensures the flow of information remains uninterrupted.

Intelligence Without Borders At the heart of the field is the WiBRAVO EOC Intelligence Platform. By merging 3D Digital Twin technology with AI Vision, we transform 2D monitoring into a live, spatial experience. Commanders gain a synchronized view of every BWC wearer’s precise location and real-time environment situation. With AI-driven detection of facial data, license plates, and anomalies, the system shifts from passive observation to proactive, split-second response.

Pure Lineage, Absolute Trust In a world of compromise, WiBRAVO stands firm on its “Pure Lineage” philosophy. Every device is 100% powered by tier one U.S. and Taiwan-grade ICs and is 100% Made in Taiwan (MIT). This isn’t just about technical specifications; it’s a commitment to a secure, vulnerability-free digital foundation for a complex global landscape.

About AsiaRF
AsiaRF established in 1997 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, we are a global leader in wireless connectivity for internet, enterprise, and IoT applications. Our company is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our customers worldwide. With a strong presence on six continents and a particular focus on North America, our innovative products have earned the trust of hundreds of customers. Learn more about AsiaRF at www.asiarf.com.

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Blog]

How Wi-Fi 7 Is Powering the Next Wave of Industrial IoT Innovation

Engineering teams are feeling the pressure of rapid industrial automation. Devices need to support more data, more sensing and more real-time control. The wireless foundation underneath everything still struggles with latency spikes, radio frequency (RF) noise and unpredictable behavior in harsh environments. This is a critical challenge.

Production lines depend on precise timing. Robotics systems require coordination that can’t afford jitter, and every year, device density continues to increase while your operational expectations rise with it.

Previous Wi-Fi generations made progress, but they were not built around the determinism that modern industrial systems require. They fall short of meeting current demands. Below, we’ll explore how Wi-Fi 7 is powering the next wave of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) innovation, and how its capabilities translate into practical advantages for automation, robotics and real-time control.

The Core Features of Wi-Fi 7 for the Manufacturing Industry

To truly understand the impact of Wi-Fi 7, it’s essential to look beyond just faster speeds. This new standard introduces several features. For industrial teams, three stand out as especially transformative.

1. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for Reliable Industrial IoT Connectivity

MLO enables devices to communicate simultaneously over multiple bands, including 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz and 6 GHz. This directly improves reliability in challenging industrial environments.

The following are a few key ways in which MLO supports industrial wireless performance:

Redundant paths for traffic: If one band experiences interference, data continues flowing on another without interruption.
Low latency: By selecting the best available link, MLO minimizes latency and inconsistent timing. This ensures more-consistent timing during real-time control or synchronized motion.
Improved performance under load: Traffic can be distributed across multiple bands, reducing congestion and delays.

2. 320 MHz Channels for High-Bandwidth Data in Industrial Systems

Wi-Fi 7 expands channel widths up to 320 megahertz (MHz), which is double the width offered by Wi-Fi 6. This wider channel creates more room for industrial devices that need to push large amounts of data quickly.

The following examples illustrate how 320 MHz channels support heavy workloads:

Machine vision and inspection: High-resolution image streams from cameras used for quality control or defect detection.
Edge AI and analytics: Real-time sensor fusion, anomaly detection and predictive maintenance models that depend on frequent data updates.
Digital twins and simulation: Continuous data feeds from equipment and sensors into digital twin platforms or supervisory control systems.

3. 4K QAM for Efficient Spectrum Use in Crowded IIoT Environments

Wi-Fi 7 introduces 4K Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), which increases the amount of data encoded in each transmission. This improves throughput and spectral efficiency, especially when the network is busy.

The following are some practical benefits of 4K QAM for industrial IoT systems:

Higher data rates in a given channel: Devices complete transmissions more quickly, freeing airtime for other devices.
Better use of limited spectrum: In environments with numerous devices and limited channels, improved efficiency helps maintain performance as device density increases.
Opportunities for power savings: When transmissions complete more quickly, some devices return to lower power states sooner, which is particularly essential for battery-powered sensors.

How Wi-Fi 7 Is Powering Industrial IoT Innovation

The true potential of Wi-Fi 7 becomes clear when its advanced features are applied to real-world industrial problems.

Achieving Deterministic, Low-Latency Performance for Real-Time Control

In many industrial environments, low latency only matters if it is consistent. A slight delay at the wrong moment can cause a robot arm to misalign or prompt an automated system to pause.

Wi-Fi 7 supports more-predictable performance, since MLO allows time-sensitive traffic to align with the most stable and low-latency path in real time, instead of being locked to a single band that might become busy. In addition, more-efficient handling of simultaneous access demands reduces jitter caused by variable backoff and retries, resulting in a more stable and predictable network.

Ensuring Robustness in Harsh RF and Physical Environments

Industrial spaces are filled with metal beams, shelving, enclosures and machinery. Slow-moving equipment, such as forklifts and overhead cranes, often blocks paths. Motors and heavy equipment produce electromagnetic noise that disrupts signals. Wi-Fi 7 is better equipped to manage this type of environment.

In these harsh environments, MLO provides multiple bands to work with, so devices are not locked into a band that suffers from recurring interference. Additionally, with improved scheduling and resource allocation, Wi-Fi 7 manages heavy traffic more effectively, even when some sections of the spectrum experience intermittent noise.

Supporting High-Density Industrial IoT Connectivity

The expansion of industrial IoT is creating unprecedented device density. For example, a single facility may host thousands of sensors, dozens of mobile robots, operator tablets, machine controllers and safety systems, all sharing the same wireless infrastructure.

Wi-Fi 7 addresses this density through its higher overall capacity since wider channels and 4K quadrature amplitude modulation increase the amount of data that can be moved in a given period. The expanded multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output (MU-MIMO) capabilities also enable more devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously, thereby minimizing delays.

Wi-Fi 7 Industrial Applications in Automation and Robotics

The new capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 support a more ambitious approach to automation. Engineering teams can design systems that rely on wireless connectivity without worrying that mobility or precision will be compromised.

Advanced Automation and Collaborative Robotics

Automation is shifting toward more-mobile, flexible and collaborative systems. Collaborative robots (Cobots) work alongside people, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) navigate dynamic routes and production lines change configurations based on real-time demand.

The following are examples of how Wi-Fi 7 supports advanced automation and robotics:

Collaborative robotics: Stable, low-latency links support safe, coordinated movements when robots work alongside people.
Mobile robotics and AGVs: Reliable connectivity across large facilities helps navigation, fleet coordination and dynamic task assignment function smoothly.
Distributed control networks: Controllers and sensors participate in wireless control architectures, enabling more flexible production layouts.

Real-Time Asset Tracking and Management Over Wi-Fi 7

Asset tracking and real-time location services (RTLS) have become essential tools for managing inventory, tools and mobile equipment. Wi-Fi 7 improves these systems by increasing refresh rates and reliability while scaling to more tracked items.

Wi-Fi 7 unlocks significant improvements in asset tracking and management. With higher throughput and better scheduling capabilities, tags and tracked devices now report their positions without overloading the network. Additionally, in locations where numerous assets and personnel are concentrated, Wi-Fi 7’s density handling helps maintain smooth RTLS performance.

Wireless High-Bandwidth Machine Vision With Wi-Fi 7

Machine vision and imaging are central to modern industrial quality control, inspection and predictive maintenance. Historically, many systems relied on Ethernet because previous Wi-Fi generations were unable to reliably handle high-resolution video streams.

Wi-Fi 7 empowers industrial machine vision through several key advancements. The availability of 320 MHz channels supports high data rates for 4K and even higher-resolution camera streams. Additionally, 4K QAM allows cameras to transmit detailed imagery without excessive compression.

Build Your Next IIoT Device With Synaptics

Selecting the right wireless foundation is essential for any next-generation industrial device. Wi-Fi 7 introduces powerful capabilities, but those benefits can only be realized through solutions that implement the standard with industrial-grade reliability.

Synaptics’ Veros^™ Wi-Fi 7 solutions are designed to address these demands and provide the industrial IoT connectivity foundation needed for the next generation of automation, robotics, sensing and real-time control devices.

If you’re planning your next IIoT platform or evaluating how to upgrade an existing product line, this is an ideal moment to align your wireless strategy with Wi-Fi 7. Contact us today to explore how purpose-built Wi-Fi 7 silicon can support your applications.

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Blog]

Parking Pains? Not Anymore! See how HL Robotics and Cisco can help

Ever found yourself circling a packed parking lot, heart sinking as you realize the only spot left is impossibly tight? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the dreaded “door ding” aftermath, wishing your car could just… park itself? And what about the sheer frustration of trying to squeeze yourself into your vehicle when it’s boxed in by other cars? What if we told you that future is already here, and it’s smoother, smarter, and more seamless than you can imagine? Prepare to say goodbye to parking woes and hello to a whole new era of convenience, thanks to innovative robotics and the ultra-reliable power of Cisco technology!

Watch the incredible video below showcasing HL Robotics’ “Parkie, – a revolutionary automated parking solution that’s changing the game in Korea. This isn’t just about parking; it’s about transforming the entire experience. You’ll see firsthand how Cisco’s Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) ensures the seamless, continuous connectivity these intelligent robots need to operate flawlessly. Get ready to witness parking perfection!

The Brains Behind the Bots: Why Connectivity is Key

You’ve seen the magic, but how does it work? For a fleet of parking robots like Parkie to operate flawlessly, the underlying network isn’t just important – it’s absolutely critical. Imagine robots zipping around, precisely maneuvering vehicles, coordinating with each other, and responding to commands in real-time. Any hiccup, any delay, any dropped signal, and the whole system grinds to a halt.

These mechanical marvels demand uninterrupted, strong wireless communication. They need stable connectivity even in complex, dynamic environments like multi-story parking garages. High-speed roaming, seamless handoffs between access points, and zero packet loss are non-negotiable. It’s like a finely choreographed dance, and the network is the music that keeps everyone in perfect sync.

Meet Parkie: Your New Parking Pal from HL Robotics

Enter HL Robotics, a visionary company dedicated to making our lives easier and more efficient. Their flagship product, Parkie, is a testament to their innovative spirit. Parkie isn’t just a robot; it’s your personal parking valet! These intelligent robots take the stress out of parking by autonomously moving your vehicle into tight spots, eliminating door dings, and even handling your luggage with ease.

HL Robotics understands that parking lots come in all shapes and sizes, requiring flexible solutions. Whether it’s a single pair of robots or a fleet of ten or more working simultaneously, Parkie ensures seamless service, optimizing space and delivering unparalleled convenience.

Cisco Powers the Precision: URWB and Industrial Wireless in Action

So, what’s the secret sauce enabling Parkie’s smooth moves? It’s Cisco’s powerful wireless technology, specifically our Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB). Cisco URWB technology is engineered for environments where even a millisecond of disruption can be costly.

Here’s how Cisco URWB ensures Parkie’s flawless performance:

Uninterrupted Signal: Cisco’s wireless signal remains strong and consistent throughout the entire parking space, ensuring robots are always connected. Near-zero latency and lossless communication provide stable signal quality.
Seamless Mobility: With URWB, robots maintain seamless connectivity through “Make Before Break” handoffs, even while constantly on the move. This means stable, high-speed roaming without a hitch, tracking the movement of the wheels.
Multipath Operations (MPO): Even when multiple robots are moving and changing access points, URWB’s MPO keeps moving devices connected by sending high-priority traffic to multiple access points at once on different paths and frequencies, guaranteeing stable performance without packet loss or delays.
Built-in Network Monitoring: Unforeseen communication interruptions can happen. That’s why Cisco’s solution includes a robust network monitoring system, IW Monitor. It logs network status in real-time, allowing operators to quickly identify the exact time, access point, and client affected by any disconnection. IW monitor’s invaluable insights help in swift troubleshooting and corrective action, keeping operations running smoothly.

This robust, industrial-grade wireless infrastructure is what allows Parkie robots to constantly communicate with the server, send appropriate commands, and coordinate their intricate dance with absolute precision.

Beyond the Lot: Cisco’s Rugged Reach

The challenging environment of a parking lot – with its concrete structures, moving vehicles, and harsh environmental conditions like humidity, rain, or extreme temperatures – perfectly illustrates the need for truly resilient networking. This is precisely where Cisco’s Rugged Enterprise Networking solution truly shines.

Just as URWB ensures Parkie’s reliability in a demanding parking garage, Cisco’s broader Rugged Enterprise Networking solutions are designed to extend your secure campus network beyond traditional office walls, across rugged environments. This enables innovation, reduces complexity, and enhances security in even the toughest conditions. These solutions, which include our Industrial Wireless Access Points with URWB technology, are purpose-built to withstand extreme conditions, delivering secure, reliable, and high-performance connectivity where standard networks simply can’t. Ultimately, it’s about empowering businesses to connect everything, everywhere, no matter how tough the terrain.

Ready to See the Future of Parking?

Don’t just read about it – experience it! Watch the video above to see HL Robotics’ Parkie, powered by Cisco URWB, in action. Prepare to be amazed by the convenience, efficiency, and sheer brilliance of automated parking. The future of parking is here, and it’s connected by Cisco!

Subscribe to the Industrial IoT Newsletter

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Press Release]

Silicon Labs Accelerates the Future of Connected Intelligence at CES 2026

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), the leading innovator in low-power wireless, is showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of IoT advancements at CES 2026. Through live technical demonstrations, engineering-led presentations and key product introductions, the company is underscoring why developers worldwide rely on Silicon Labs to build secure, scalable, and energy-efficient connected devices.

At CES 2026, Silicon Labs is:

Launching the new Simplicity SDK for Zephyr, which brings Silicon Labs QA and support to one of the most popular real-time operating systems (RTOS) for embedded development.
Showcasing cutting-edge demonstrations, including Bluetooth Channel Sounding and single-chip wireless motor control using AI/ML.
Providing thought leadership across key ecosystem platforms, with Silicon Labs experts speaking and participating in events hosted by the Z-Wave Alliance, Thread Group, and Tuya Smart.
Powering partner innovations across the show, with Silicon Labs technology featured in products displayed in booths and meeting suites for AWS, Powercast, Durin, AIZIP, and many others throughout CES 2026.

CES has always been a place for companies to demonstrate how their products are pushing the cutting-edge of innovation. As these devices have become more complex, they require new software that can operate and meet the demands of their advanced applications. To meet that need, Silicon Labs is bringing one of the most popular open-source real-time operating systems to enterprise users.

Silicon Labs Open Source Expertise Extends to Zephyr

On the first day of CES, Silicon Labs announced the release and general availability of the Simplicity SDK for Zephyr. Zephyr has quickly become the go-to open RTOS for connected embedded systems, offering a portable, production-grade alternative to proprietary kernels. As a Platinum member of the Zephyr project, Silicon Labs brings deep open source expertise along with a broad portfolio of wireless protocol technologies, particularly in Bluetooth® LE and Wi‑Fi.

At large-scale IoT deployments — where devices may remain in the field for decades –manufacturers and users need long-term confidence in security, performance, and regulatory compliance. Open-source RTOS options do not always meet these requirements, which is why Silicon Labs is creating an enterprise-grade commercial package for Zephyr.

The new Simplicity SDK for Zephyr delivers:

Silicon Labs–maintained distribution of Zephyr: A vetted snapshot of the Zephyr codebase that passes Silicon Labs’ Quality Assurance processes, with additional features and full access to Silicon Labs’ standard support channels.
Launch-day wireless coverage: Initial support for Bluetooth LE across popular Silicon Labs SoCs and combined Wi‑Fi + Bluetooth on select devices.
Low-friction migration: Existing Zephyr applications can move to Silicon Labs devices with minimal firmware changes, accelerating time-to-market while preserving portability.
Faster onboarding: A dedicated Getting Started guide and developer journey reduces setup to a few commands—so teams can build, flash, and debug quickly on Silicon Labs hardware.

For more details on the Simplicity SDK for Zephyr visit “Introducing Simplicity SDK for Zephyr” on the Silicon Labs blog. Developers can begin with the Zephyr Getting Started guide and explore Silicon Labs’ extensive Zephyr resources on GitHub.

Read more about Silicon Labs’ presence at CES, including details on demos and speaking engagements, and see the Top Three Silicon Labs Things to Do at CES on the Silicon Labs blog.

About Silicon Labs

Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is the leading innovator in low-power connectivity, building embedded technology that connects devices and improves lives. The company provides highly integrated SoCs, software, and tools for smart home, industrial IoT, and smart city applications, helping device makers create advanced edge connectivity products. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs operates in more than 16 countries. Learn more at silabs.com.

SOURCE Silicon Labs

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Press Release]

NETGEAR Announces Pre-Order Availability for Nighthawk M7 Portable WiFi 7 Hotspot with eSIM Marketplace

January 6, 2026, San Jose, Calif. – NETGEAR® Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGR), a global leader in intelligent networking solutions designed to power extraordinary experiences, today announced that the new Nighthawk 5G M7 Portable WiFi 7 Hotspot (MH7150) with eSIM marketplace is now available for pre-order at www.netgear.com. Worldwide shipping and retail rollout are set to kick off on January 27, 2026. The innovative device combines reliable, portable connectivity with groundbreaking flexibility, allowing users to choose coverage that fits their needs and connect instantly to high-speed internet in up to 140 countries.

Designed for dynamic lifestyles, the M7 delivers fast, reliable WiFi 7 speeds up to 3.6 Gbps, supporting up to 32 devices. Its compact build, robust battery, and simple setup make it the ideal companion for travel, remote work, and secure connectivity on the go.

With the new NETGEAR eSIM Marketplace, users can buy and activate affordable, high-quality data plans in over 140 countries directly through the NETGEAR app, no roaming fees required. The M7 is unlocked, supporting both physical SIMs and third-party eSIMs for true flexibility worldwide.

Advanced security features, including WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and automatic updates, safeguard your connection. For wired needs, connect via USB-C or add an Ethernet adapter (sold separately) for even faster speeds.

Technical Specifications:

5G Powered WiFi 7: Speeds up to 3.6 Gbps for up to 32 devices for fast downloads, gaming, & streaming.
Powered by Qualcomm® Dragonwing® SDX72 Chipset : Qualcomm’s 5th Generation 5G modem-to-antenna solution designed with advanced capabilities such as more Sub6 carrier aggregation that can deliver multi-gig 5G speeds up to 4 Gbps.
Connect More Devices with Confidence: –Free up your phone and connect up to 32 devices at once, reducing dropped calls and -drained batteries.
Instant Coverage with eSIM: Coverage in up to 140 countries using 5G or 4G without contracts. Purchase flexible data plans right from the NETGEAR app for seamless connectivity.
Built-in Security Features: Powerful built-in security including Advanced Router Protection, Firewall, WPA3 encryption, and automatic firmware updates.
Unlocked Potential: Accepts SIM cards and eSIMs from major 5G/4G network operators. Certified with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon[1] in the U.S.
Multi-Gig Wired Speeds: Connect directly to M7 via USB-C, or use an Ethernet Adapter (sold separately), for ultra-fast wired speed.
Long-Lasting Battery: High-capacity battery lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge for all-day WiFi performance.
Control It All Through the App: Easily set up and manage your network, monitor data usage, buy eSIM data plans, and more – all from one intuitive interface.

Pricing & Availability

The M7 Portable WiFi Hotspot, featuring an integrated eSIM marketplace, is now available for pre-order on www.netgear.com at $499.99 MSRP. Worldwide shipping and rollout to retailers begins on January 27, 2026. For additional details and purchasing options, please visit https://www.netgear.com/on-the-go/hotspots/mh7150/.

About NETGEAR, Inc.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in the USA, NETGEAR® (NASDAQ: NTGR) is a global leader in innovative networking technologies for businesses, homes, and service providers. NETGEAR delivers a wide range of award-winning, intelligent solutions designed to unleash the full potential of connectivity and power extraordinary experiences. For businesses, NETGEAR offers reliable, easy-to-use, high-performance networking solutions, including switches, routers, access points, software, and AV over IP technologies, tailored to meet the diverse needs of small and medium enterprises. NETGEAR’s consumer products deliver advanced connectivity, powerful performance, and enhanced security features right out of the box, designed to help keep families safe online, whether at home or on the go. More information is available from the NETGEAR Press Room or by calling +1 (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and the NETGEAR blog at NETGEAR.com.

©2026 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, NETGEAR Insight and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holder(s). The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. NETGEAR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. All rights reserved.

Source: NETGEAR-G

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Press Release]

EnGenius Unveils Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi 7 Enterprise AP with 24/7 AirGuard™ Security

PRESS RELEASE

January 15, 2025

EnGenius ECW536S: Bridging Enterprise Wi-Fi 7 with 24/7 AirGuard™ Cloud Security

COSTA MESA, Calif., January 15, 2026 — EnGenius Technologies, a global leader in advanced connectivity and cloud-managed networking solutions, today announces the expansion of its EnGenius Cloud-managed security portfolio with advanced Wi-Fi 7 access points featuring EnGenius AirGuard™, now integrated into its flagship ECW536S Wi-Fi 7 series for enhanced protection in security-sensitive environments such as financial institutions, healthcare, and enterprises.

Continuous Wireless Threat Protection with AirGuard™As enterprise environments embrace remote access and proliferating Bluetooth/IoT endpoints, attack surfaces have expanded dramatically. EnGenius addresses this challenge with AirGuard™, an intelligent wireless intrusion detection and prevention system (WIDS/WIPS) built into its APs. AirGuard™ delivers 24/7 threat detection—identifying and neutralizing threats such as evil twins, rogue APs, man–in–the–middle attacks, RF jammers, and flood attempts—by leveraging dedicated scanning radios. This always–on security protection operates without compromising wireless performance. Professional-grade RF spectrum analysis visualizes SSID legitimacy and ensures optimal channel utilization, while zero-wait DFS facilitates seamless, non–disruptive channel shifts when radar is detected. Additionally, BLE scanning capabilities detect nearby Bluetooth devices.

The ECW536S, powered by the Qualcomm® Networking Pro 1220 platform, cloud–managed Wi–Fi 7 (802.11be) 4×4×4 access point for enterprises. With ultra-fast aggregate speeds of up to 18.8 Gbps, it delivers exceptional performance across all bands—2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz—expanding capacity for bandwidth-demanding applications and dense environments.

Key Benefits

- High Speeds & Capacity – Deliver blazing Wi-Fi 7 performance with throughput up to 11,600 Mbps (6 GHz), 5,800 Mbps (5 GHz), and 1,440 Mbps (2.4 GHz) to power bandwidth-intensive and data-heavy applications.

- Advanced Optimization – Featuring 4x4x4 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and a 10 GbE PoE++ uplink, the ECW536S ensures efficient channel use, ultra-low latency, and rock-solid connectivity in the most demanding high-density environments.

- Future-Ready Connectivity – Fully supports the latest Wi-Fi standards while remaining backward-compatible, making it easy to integrate into existing networks and prepare for tomorrow’s wireless technologies.

- Simplified Cloud Management – Centralized through EnGenius Cloud for zero-touch provisioning, streamlined configuration, and automated firmware updates, reducing deployment time and operating costs.

Unified Security and Performance for Sensitive Environments

With phishing responsible for up to 90% of enterprise data breaches, often initiated through rogue devices, securing wireless infrastructure is paramount. EnGenius now offers an all-in-one, cloud–managed solution—combining high–performance Wi–Fi 7 connectivity with continuous, intelligent security monitoring—eliminating the need for disparate point solutions and reducing costly vulnerabilities.

With over twenty years delivering high–quality networking solutions, we are excited to continue leading the industry by strengthening our industry–acclaimed cloud management system with an integrated high–performance wireless security solution.

The ECW536S will be able to identify and prevent Wi–Fi security threats in real time without any performance degradation.

We are determined to provide our customers with even stronger security tools to counter the constant, increasingly sophisticated attacks on their networks and sensitive enterprise data.

— Roger Liu, Executive Vice President at EnGenius Technologies

Availability

The ECW536S will be available from EnGenius authorized resellers and distribution partners by the end of January, with an MSRP of $749. For additional product specifications and purchasing information, visit: ECW536S

About EnGenius Technologies

EnGenius Technologies Inc. is an industry leader in secure, cloud-driven networking solutions for enterprise and SMB environments. With over 25 years of innovation, EnGenius enables organizations to build smart, scalable, and easily managed networks with best-in-class total cost of ownership (TCO).

Media Contact

Emil Bachev
Bacheff Communications
1 (949) 667 3645
[email protected]

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Press Release]

NetAlly Launches AllyWare v2.9 Software, Speeding Network Testing and Enhancing Wi-Fi 7 Visibility

New EZ mode test apps and enhanced Wi-Fi 7 Multi-Link Operations insights empower faster, easier network diagnostics.

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA – January 6, 2026 – NetAlly, a global leader in handheld network testing solutions, has released AllyWare™ v2.9, a major software update for its award-winning network testing portfolio including AirCheck^® G3, CyberScope^®, EtherScope^® nXG, and LinkRunner^®. Available immediately and free to AllyCare™ customers (NetAlly’s premium support service), this release delivers streamlined workflows and cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 insights that accelerate troubleshooting for junior IT professionals without requiring deep networking expertise.

“Version 2.9 is about speeding and simplifying network testing and analysis,” said Julio Petrovitch, Senior Product Manager at NetAlly. “Unlike traditional network testing tools that require extensive training, AllyWare v2.9’s EZ mode apps enable technicians to perform expert-level diagnostics immediately. We’ve also made Wi-Fi 7 network validation easier by providing visibility into Multi-Link Operation (MLO) configuration and introducing a new AirMapper site survey mode that scans all Wi-Fi channels, including the 6GHz band, in under four seconds—a game-changer for deployment speed.”

Highlights of AllyWare v2.9 include:

EZ Mode Apps: Streamlined Wired and Wi-Fi Testing – New EZ Wired and EZ Wi-Fi apps simplify network diagnostics with streamlined workflows and a simplified user interface built for fast, reliable visibility—no advanced networking expertise required.
Wi-Fi 7 MLO Visibility – Visibility into Multi-Link Operations (MLO) configuration on Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) APs gives WLAN professionals the real-time insights needed to validate new wireless deployments and identify the root cause of network performance problems.
“Quick” AirMapper Site Survey Mode – Mapping a Wi-Fi 7 network with NetAlly’s AirMapper app will now be even faster. The new “Quick” survey mode allows users to scan all 98 channels across the 2.4/5/6 GHz bands in about 4 seconds, allowing much faster data collection when using either the auto sampling mode or when performing “stop & go” surveys.
Enhanced Workflows – Testing workflows are improved with expanded third-party Wi-Fi USB adapter support for LinkRunner (enabling always-on Wi-Fi connectivity for wired testers), an automated selection process for AirMapper projects downloaded from Link-Live, new Cisco AP name element support, and multiple UI refinements.
Common Use Cases – AllyWare v2.9 addresses critical workflows including Wi-Fi 7 deployment validation, rapid network troubleshooting, wireless site surveys for enterprise environments, and network performance verification for hybrid work infrastructure.

“Customer feedback drives everything we do, and version 2.9 delivers exactly what network professionals asked for,” said Mike Parrottino, CEO of NetAlly. “Smarter workflows don’t just add convenience – they transform how teams diagnose problems, cutting test times from minutes to seconds and empowering technicians of all skill levels to deliver expert-level results.”

The update is free to all NetAlly customers with an active AllyCare premium support contract. Customers with expired contracts are encouraged to renew to take advantage of these new capabilities and ensure continued access to future updates.

Technical Specifications:

Supported Standards: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 6
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz
Channel Coverage: 98 channels
Scan Speed: <4 seconds (all bands)
New Features: MLO configuration visibility, EZ mode interface with intuitive, simplified workflow

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s new? EZ mode apps, Wi-Fi 7 MLO visibility, 4-second channel scanning
Who is it for? Network technicians, WLAN professionals, IT network operations teams
What does it cost? Free for NetAlly AllyCare members
What problem does it solve? Simplifies network testing, accelerates Wi-Fi 7 deployment validation
When is it available? Available now (released January 6, 2026)

About NetAlly
For decades, the NetAlly^® family of network test and analysis solutions has been helping network and cybersecurity professionals better deploy, manage, maintain, and secure today’s complex wired and wireless networks. Since creating the industry’s first handheld network analyzer in 1993, NetAlly continues to set the standard for portable network analysis and cybersecurity assessment with tools that include EtherScope^® nXG, CyberScope^®, AirMagnet^®, LinkRunner^®, LinkSprinter^®, AirCheck^®, and more. NetAlly simplifies the complexities of network testing and cybersecurity assessments, provides instant visibility for efficient problem resolution, and enables seamless collaboration between site personnel and remote experts. To learn more and see how NetAlly helps network and security professionals get their jobs done faster, visit https://www.netally.com/, follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube.

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Blog]

AI Communications in 2026: Wearables Leap, Wi-Fi 8 Stirs, 6G Begins a Long Journey

As we plunge into the new year, LitePoint scouted three wireless trends in various stages of maturity: the rise of AI wearables, the awaited arrival of Wi-Fi 8 silicon, and early spadework required to seed 6G cellular networks. In their own way, each is enabling the future of AI communications by moving actionable intelligence closer to the user, shoring up wireless data security and privacy, and expanding global access to a new swath of frequency bands.

Here’s how we see these forces shaping up over the next 12 months, and why, for wireless design and test engineers, the coming year is more about preparation than promotion.

AI Wearables Trend from Geek to Chic

AI wearables are a relatively small but high-growth segment. Grand View Research found that the on-device AI category – where tasks are run locally without heavy cloud support – accounted for about 10 percent of the $84 billion wearables market in 2024, the last period for which full-year data is available. Look for acceleration this year as on-device AI rides a 27.8 percent CAGR wave through 2030 – twice that of the total wearables segment.

The growing interest in AI wearables isn’t due to any breakthrough in bleeding-edge wireless technology. Rather than demanding more gigabits per second, consumers want lower latency, hands-free content capture, intelligent personal assistance, detailed health insights and enhanced security.

These features define an expanding universe of AI wearables that includes smart watches, rings, fitness trackers and eyewear. In a sign that form is now driving function, AI devices not only need to operate for days on small batteries they have to fit comfortably on the face or body and be stylish enough to wear in public.

Where AI performance meets sophisticated design, expect wireless engineers to open new frontiers for the efficient integration of radios, sensors, processors and memory in millimeter-sized packages. For test, AI wearables create challenges both familiar and new:

Highly integrated multi-radio design (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, cellular) in tight spaces
Aggressive power budgets that demand careful RF optimization
On-body propagation effects that don’t exist in other electronic designs
New durability concerns: AI-enabled garments must weather everyday use, including washing cycles, without RF signal degradation.

Ensuring reliability requires test methodologies that replicate true on-body conditions, validate coexistence under load and measure the performance impact of AI workloads on battery life and RF behavior. The rise of AI wearables isn’t just a new device trend; it’s a new paradigm for wireless validation.

Wi-Fi 8: The Quiet Enabler of Next-Gen AI

While AI wearables is a trend consumers will touch in 2026, the transition to Wi-Fi 8 has a more ephemeral quality. Throughout 2025, Wi-Fi 8 existed largely in chipset labs. In 2026, those early silicon samples will move into the hands of access point vendors, IoT designers and smartphone makers. Commercial products won’t reach shelves this year in any meaningful volume, but the design and development phase will be in full swing.

Wi-Fi 8 isn’t designed to be a dramatic technological leap. Instead, it focuses on the foundational requirements of rich AI experiences:

Reliable Access to Data: Whether you’re wearing smart glasses in an airport or managing industrial robots, AI experiences break down quickly when data transfers become unpredictable. Wi-Fi 8 targets greater reliability under congestion and interference – conditions increasingly common in RF-dense environments.

Lower Latency: Many emerging AI applications are latency-sensitive, from real-time translation to predictive navigation and contextual assistance. Even modest reductions in round-trip delays can make AI feel more immediate, personal and trustworthy.Security and Privacy: AI depends on deeply personal data: biometrics, voice patterns, behavior trails. Some processing can stay on-device, but cloud inference remains essential, meaning data must move securely between the device and network.

Robustness equates to signal integrity and resilience while reliability indicates the probability of successful transmission

Together, these pillars make Wi-Fi 8 an AI-enabling technology, even if the connection isn’t always palpable. For test teams, this translates into new performance criteria: measuring latency under load, validating advanced features, assessing coexistence in mixed-radio environments and stress-testing devices in conditions that mimic real-world Wi-Fi.

Companies like LitePoint that have worked closely with early Wi-Fi 8 chipset developers will be best positioned to help device makers navigate the transition. Much of 2026 will be spent translating new silicon capabilities into robust, production-ready products capable of supporting next-generation AI workloads.

6G in 2026: Pre-Spec, But Busy

If Wi-Fi 8 is closing in on its commercial debut, 6G is still playing the pre-spec long game, with most roadmaps pointing to 2030 for initial market deployments. But that doesn’t mean the industry is idle. Behind closed doors it’s grappling with two big challenges.

The first is reconciling the unrealized promise of 5G cellular. 5G was marketed as a transformative platform enabled by heterogeneous networks, network slicing and ultra-reliable low-latency communications. What materialized, mostly, was faster 4G. The majority of global networks remain non-standalone, anchored in 4G cores, while private networks exist primarily as niche deployments. And carriers have not yet realized significant new revenue streams from 5G. These lessons loom large for 6G.

The second reality stems from an emerging hypothesis that 6G will be driven less by speed and more by distributed intelligence. This includes AI embedded throughout the network, massive sensor fabrics and new architectural models such as AI-RAN. The industry is still in exploration mode, evaluating which of these use cases genuinely require new spectrum, new waveforms or new topologies.

6G Spectrum: The FR3 Frontier

Much of the early 6G buzz in 2026 centers on FR3 spectrum (~7-24 GHz), sometimes called the “middle child” between today’s sub-7 GHz cellular bands and millimeter-wave FR2. Below ~16 GHz, FR3 behaves like traditional sub-6 GHz and can use existing packaging and antenna techniques. Above that, it becomes more like FR2, requiring complex antenna arrays and more specialized integration.

But unlike FR2 during 5G development, FR3 is not a clean slate. It’s a patchwork of incumbents that includes satellite systems, weather radar and point-to-point radio links. The 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference deferred major decisions that the WRC-27 confab will have to make to determine how spectrum can be harmonized globally.

Source: https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.06425

In the absence of ratified standards, engineers need flexible test platforms capable of exploring candidate bands, characterizing new modulation techniques, pushing higher-order MIMO concepts and validating performance in contested, fragmented spectrum. The ability to measure what’s possible – before regulators and standards bodies decide what’s permissible – may be what keeps 6G momentum chugging along.

Portending a Year of Preparation

Across AI wearables, Wi-Fi 8 and early 6G work, a common narrative emerges: 2026 is not the year everything changes, but the year we prepare for everything that will.

AI wearables are redefining human-device interaction for the first time since the smartphone. Wi-Fi 8 development will give AI devices the reliability, latency and security they require. And 6G experimentation will lay the engineering and spectrum groundwork for the next era of network intelligence.

For wireless engineers and test teams, 2026 is a pivotal year. It’s when we refine the methods needed to validate devices worn on the body, characterize Wi-Fi 8 in chaotic real-world conditions and explore 6G candidate bands long before they become standardized. The work done now will determine how fast the industry can translate today’s AI ambitions into tomorrow’s reality.

Read full release

January 20, 2026

[Press Release]

MediaTek Showcases Smarter, More Connected Retail Solutions at NRF 2026

NEW YORK – Jan. 11, 2026 – At NRF 2026, MediaTek is showcasing a broad portfolio of connected solutions for the next generation of smart retail experiences. To usher in this new era of retail, MediaTek unveiled a high-performance, efficient IoT platform that combines 5G and Wi-Fi 7 support with powerful edge AI and multimedia capabilities. This platform, which leverages an octa-core ARMv9 CPU and embedded NPU to support generative AI, will help shape an array of retail IoT products, including automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) applications, table-service kiosks, point-of-sale systems, and digital signage solutions.

“NRF 2026 represents a prime opportunity to highlight the future of smart retail applications where connectivity and intelligence are boosting productivity and elevating consumer experiences,” said CK Wang, General Manager of the IoT Business Unit at MediaTek. “Our advanced computing, connectivity, edge AI, and multimedia capabilities are helping to equip retailers with the solutions they need to stay competitive as the retail landscape continues to evolve.”

Addressing consumer and market demands across retail with speed and power

The retail industry is progressing rapidly, driving a need for more advanced solutions that elevate both the customer journey and vendor experience. MediaTek’s IoT portfolio, on display at NRF alongside its collaborative partners, is transforming the capabilities of modern PDAs, retail-centric PCs and tablets, desktop and payment POS devices, and commercial displays.

At the show, MediaTek plans to highlight that the Genio platform of products is the best fit for edge AI applications in Smart Retail and Hospitality. This includes support for Vision AI and on-device Generative AI; dual-display support and remote management for desktop POS; 4K resolution; and a smart kiosk with self-checkout capabilities.

MediaTek has over 35 technical demonstrations on display that illustrate how retailers can deliver a true store-of-the-future experience. These demos highlight innovative use cases, including shelf organization, real-time inventory tracking, frictionless payments, and AI applications that improve operations and enhance customer interactions.

What’s ahead for the smart retail ecosystem, and the technologies driving change

On Monday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m. ET, Sameer Sharma will take the Snowflake Stage at NRF to moderate a panel exploring the progress, pitfalls, and potential of AI in retail. The session will explore the new levels of personalization possible in applications such as interactive kiosks and the role that solutions like sensors, computer vision, and edge computing play in driving new vendor and customer experiences.

Shortly after his session, Sameer is joining an industry roundtable on Jan. 12 at 11:20 a.m. ET to examine the pulse of retail and look ahead to the technology, trends, and products driving the next wave of innovation.

To learn more about MediaTek at NRF 2026, please stop by our booth #6445 or visit: https://www.mediatek.com.

Read full release

« Previous 1 … 25 26 27 28 29 … 104 Next »