Breaking News

As we closed out 2024 in preparation for what’s shaping up to be a busy 2025, LitePoint joined a group of wireless technology experts for RCR Wireless News’ annual “State of Wi-Fi” webinar. Hosted by managing editor, Catherine Sbeglia Nin, and featuring industry colleagues from Cisco, Spirent and the Wi-Fi Alliance, the webinar explored technical considerations influencing Wi-Fi 7 adoption, including wireless test from R&D to commercial deployment.

The Wi-Fi 7 certification program was introduced in January 2024 by the Wi-Fi Alliance, indicating the technology was ready for mass market adoption. Wi-Fi 7 was expected to account for about six percent of the more than four billion Wi-Fi devices projected to ship worldwide last year, but by 2028, forecasts indicate it could represent nearly half of the market.

In large part, adoption rates will surge because Wi-Fi 7 has a number of features that distinguish it from Wi-Fi 6/6E. These include the doubling of channel bandwidth from 160MHz to 320MHz, higher speed thanks to support for 4K (4096) QAM modulation, and perhaps most importantly, the introduction of multi-link operation (MLO).

Unlike Wi-Fi 6/6E, which can only access a single frequency band at a time, MLO allows for simultaneous use and aggregation of different bands. This means that regions with access to the 6GHz band can use different channels within the same band or aggregate any combination of 2.4, 5 and 6GHz. Regions that do not use the 6GHz band will still benefit, because they can aggregate different channels within the 2.4 and 5GHz frequency bands to achieve higher throughput or reliability. That flexibility paves the way for Wi-Fi 7 to support immersive digital functions such as augmented and virtual reality, in addition to higher-resolution video streaming and the expanded network capacity required by IoT devices.

Accelerate Wi-Fi 7 Deployment Through Pre-Certification

Our customers use LitePoint’s scalable test solutions across the entire Wi-Fi development ecosystem, from reference designs, characterization and validation to volume manufacturing.

As we move from the Wi-Fi 7 R&D tooling cycle into commercial ramp-up, customers should be incorporating access-point pre-certification into their test strategies. Pre-certification testing ensures compliance with regulatory standards and interoperability requirements for smooth integration into the ecosystem to enhance spectrum utilization, power transmission flexibility and expanded range.

Pre-certification also protects incumbents in the 6GHz band by ensuring brands and their OEM and ODM partners adhere to FCC and other regulatory standards. This is especially important in the 6GHz band, which is host to many point-to-point microwave links used for essential infrastructure needs by firefighters, emergency medical responders, gas and water utilities and other public safety and law enforcement officials, as well as live news feeds that use broadband and satellite links.

FCC and Wi-Fi Alliance Create Access Point Test Beds

The FCC formulated transmit-power rules as a management tool by classifying Wi-Fi 7 access points according to low power, very low power and standard-power outdoor devices. This guideline for access points operating in the 6GHz spectrum includes automated frequency coordination (AFC) to avoid signal transmission on channels, or at power levels, that could interfere with incumbent services.

From an RF or physical layer perspective, this may sound simple. However, given the implications at the application level, the ability of a Wi-Fi access point to transmit at maximum power is significant. This is so, because power levels affect how efficiently the spectrum in use can extend transmission range and improve signal-to-noise ratio performance – both of which are critical for enabling dense modulation schemes and supporting advanced use cases.

To track compliance, the FCC and government bodies, in addition to the Wi Fi Alliance, have developed their own Wi-Fi 7 pre-certification test beds, which help devices align with FCC rules for Maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) based on the bandwidth in use. LitePoint supports this effort through our IQsniffer software test tool. The IQsniffer, which is pre-integrated into the Wi-Fi Alliance AFC test harness, precisely detects the signal from the standard outdoor power access point and measures power spectral density to ensure the Wi-Fi device is operating within power emission limits.

Managing Wi-Fi 7 Production Economics

As with every advancement, device bill of materials (BOM) costs tend to rise until the technology achieves an economy of scale. With Wi-Fi 7 still in its early adoption stage, per-unit device costs are higher and compounded by other expenses, ranging from R&D costs to marketing spend. One way to manage BOM costs is to use existing capital equipment, an installed hardware base that is scalable to support parallel testing of multiple devices and a user-friendly software test tool like IQfact+ that simplifies test automation.

Manufacturers are always eager to optimize equipment throughput and production efficiency, and we’ve found that a multi-device test environment has helped customers manage cost, complexity, quality – and yields – across previous Wi-Fi generations throughout pilot runs and into volume manufacturing.

With consumers looking for Wi-Fi 7 to provide a gateway to a better user experience, brands and manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to meet expectations. A comprehensive test strategy and simplified, automated tools chart a direct path to maximize tester resources, increase production efficiency, reduce test costs and accelerate time-to-market.

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March 18, 2025

[Blog]

IC vs Modules: Understanding the Technical Tradeoffs for IoT Applications

As the IoT continues to transform industries, design decisions around wireless connectivity components become increasingly complex. Engineers often face the dilemma of choosing between ICs and wireless modules for their IoT applications. Both options offer unique benefits and trade-offs, impacting factors such as design complexity, cost, scalability, and time to market. This blog explores the technical considerations and challenges associated with each, drawing insights from Silicon Labs’ expertise in wireless solutions. We’ll provide a technical comparison between ICs and modules, highlighting the key differences, benefits, and hidden costs associated with each approach.

Understanding ICs and Modules

An IC (SoC) is a semiconductor device that contains a processor, memory, and other functional elements on a single chip. Engineers designing with ICs must develop a supporting PCB, including antenna design, RF matching, power management, and other components.

A module, on the other hand, is a pre-integrated system that includes an IC along with all necessary supporting components, such as RF-pin/built-in antenna, EMC shielding, power supply filtering, RF matching components, antenna components, and worldwide regulatory certifications. Modules are designed to minimize the hardware environment required to implement a complete solution, reducing design complexity and certification efforts.

Design and Development Considerations for ICs and Modules

RF Design Complexity

IC: RF engineers must meticulously design and optimize antenna layouts, PCB trace lengths, and matching networks. Even slight variations in layout can degrade signal performance, requiring extensive debugging.
Module: Pre-optimized RF design eliminates the need for complex antenna placement and matching, reducing development time and effort.

Certification and Compliance

IC: Products using SoCs require separate regulatory approvals for each target market (FCC, CE, etc.), which can be costly and time-consuming.
Module: Modules come with pre-certified regulatory approvals, significantly reducing certification costs and risks.

Time to Market

IC: The complexity of RF design and certification can delay product launches by 3-6 months.
Module: Faster development cycles enable quicker market entry, a crucial advantage for competitive industries.

Cost Analysis

IC: Lower initial component costs, but higher design and certification expenses. Suitable for large-scale production where economies of scale justify the investment.
Module: Higher per-unit costs, but reduced design and development expenses. Ideal for low to medium production volumes.

Hidden Costs of IC Design

As highlighted in the Silicon Labs whitepaper, “Six Hidden Costs in a Wireless SoC Design,” designing with SoCs introduces hidden costs that are often overlooked:

RF Expertise: Hiring specialized RF engineers can cost $100,000 to $200,000 annually.
Lab Equipment: Spectrum analyzers, anechoic chambers, and other RF test equipment can cost up to $50,000.
PCB Layout: Achieving optimal antenna performance requires iterative PCB design and manufacturing cycles.
Certification Costs: Regulatory testing for SoCs can exceed $50,000 over a five-year period.

SiP (System-in-Package) vs PCB Modules

When considering ICs and modules, another factor is the form factor used.

SiP Modules

System-in-Package (SiP) modules integrate multiple components into a single package, offering a compact solution with optimized RF performance with smaller size (<12mm x 12mm), pre-integrated components, advanced packaging techniques (e.g., stacked memory), optimized for high-performance applications and requires careful thermal and mechanical design.

PCB Modules

PCB modules consist of a carrier board with components mounted separately. They offer easier development and in-house prototyping, more flexible design changes, easier second sourcing, and generally larger size (>10mm x 10mm).

SiP Modules for Miniaturized IoT Designs

Silicon Labs’ System-in-Package (SiP) modules, such as the BGM220S, exemplify the benefits of module-based design. These modules feature integrated RF components and shielding, offering superior size and performance optimization for space-constrained applications like wearables and smart sensors. With a compact 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm footprint, SiP modules reduce PCB real estate while ensuring robust RF performance.

When to Choose IC vs Module

ICs are ideal when:

High production volumes justify the upfront design and certification costs.
The design team has access to RF expertise and advanced lab facilities.
Custom RF optimization is critical for the application.

Modules are preferable when:

Rapid time to market is essential.
Regulatory certification costs need to be minimized.
The application requires a compact and standardized design.

A Balanced Approach

The decision between IC and module depends on specific project requirements, resources, and business goals. Silicon Labs’ ability to provide both solutions ensures that customers can seamlessly transition from modules to SoCs as their production volumes and design capabilities evolve. By partnering with a single supplier, companies can protect their software investment and optimize their IoT designs for long-term success.

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March 18, 2025

[Blog]

Navigating the Future of Connectivity: Services Opportunities around Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 offers a wealth of new services opportunities that go beyond the routine wireless upgrade. Recently, I assisted a local school, where my children attend, as they embarked on a wireless network refresh initiative. As the first school in the Catholic Diocese to upgrade, they sought to replace their outdated patchwork of Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 devices from various manufacturers; this inconsistency in design, performance, and management, is particularly common in various sectors like education, retail, and healthcare, and perhaps an overall pervasive problem with aging infrastructure that pre-dates Wi-Fi 6/6E and earlier installations.

The school’s primary goal was straightforward, to establish a secure, reliable, and easy to manage network infrastructure capable of supporting current and future demands. To achieve this, they invited proposals from various local IT providers, including resellers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As a Solutions Engineer in the IT industry working for Cisco Systems, I found it intriguing that all the solution proposals from the various vendors still centered around Wi-Fi 6E and older Wi-Fi 6 products — some of which would likely be announced soon for End-of-Life (EOL) or End-of-Sale (EOS)!

With Wi-Fi 7 entering its main adoption phase, I encouraged the school to look beyond Wi-Fi 6/6E. It became clear that information regarding Wi-Fi 7 was still trickling through the reseller and partner channels, and most were not well versed on the newer Wi-Fi 7 solutions. This prompted me to compile a summary of Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 portfolio to highlight its transformative opportunities for end customers, resellers, and MSPs alike.

Focusing on the Key Takeaways regarding Cisco Wi-Fi 7

Cisco unveiled a comprehensive suite of Wi-Fi 7 products in November 2024 and followed up with additional product announcements in February 2025.

Key takeaways on Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 product portfolio:

Product Portfolio: Cisco introduced a wide array of Wi-Fi 7 products, from more entry-level Access Points (APs) to high-capacity, high-throughput models. These APs are ideal for supporting demanding applications such as High-Definition Video Streaming, Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Immersive Gaming and Entertainment, and help build an infrastructure that optimizes the adoption of various AI-related use cases.
- CW9176 – Enterprise Class, High Density, High Performance, Omni-directional, Indoor AP, with single 10 mGig capable port, suitable for offices, conventional buildings, etc.
- CW9176D – Enterprise Class, High Density, High Performance, Indoor AP with Directional Antenna, suitable for auditoriums, warehouses, long aisles/corridors, and/or areas with high ceilings.
- CW9178 – Mission Critical, Ultra High Density, High Performance, Omni-directional, Indoor AP, with dual 10 mGig capable ports that can operate in active/active for higher throughput or active/passive to achieve high availability/redundancy purposes.

- CW9172 – Moderate Density, Omni-directional, Indoor AP, ideal for retail, clinics, branch offices, or Multi Dwelling Units (MDUs) deployments like hotels, student housing, apartments, condominiums, etc.

Unified Hardware: Cisco Wi-Fi 7 products now feature a single Product ID (PID) per model, greatly simplifying the quoting and ordering process. There are no longer different PIDs/SKUs based on regulatory domains or operation modes. All Cisco Wi-Fi 7 based APs are designed for global use and can detect and operate in either Meraki Dashboard or Catalyst (WLC) management mode automatically. Users can also switch between management modes without needing to contact technical support. These Global Use Access Points offer efficient, smart, and scalable operations with comprehensive connectivity capabilities that include Bluetooth, IoT, and geolocation capabilities.
Unified Licensing: Cisco Wi-Fi 7 APs offer a streamlined experience with unified licensing, supporting all management modes with a single license. Available in two tiers—essentials and advantage—this system simplifies the ordering process. Essentials licensing provides fundamental network operation features, while Advantage licensing advanced functionality enabled through the inclusion of Cisco Spaces Advantage. This unified licensing approach enables customers to deploy networks using the same hardware across cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments. Additionally, the Cisco Networking Subscription includes comprehensive product support, addressing both hardware and software aspects.
Power: With the exception of the CW9172I model, which supports DC input as an option, all Cisco Wi-Fi 7 based APs utilize Power Over Ethernet (PoE) as the power source. While these APs require at least 802.3at/PoE+ to function, they ideally need 802.3bt/PoE++/UPoE to enable full AP functionality.
Ethernet Cabling Requirements: While existing Category 5e cabling can be re-used, it comes with limitations. To fully harness the throughput capabilities of the Wi-Fi 7 APs, Category 6/6A or better Ethernet cabling is recommended. Category 5e cabling supports a maximum throughput of 1 Gb up to 100 meters. In contrast, Category 6 cabling can potentially support up to 10 GbE, but only up to ~50 meters. For 10 GbE support over the full 100-meter distance, Category 6A or better cabling is required.

Opportunities that Wi-Fi 7 Brings for MSPs/Partners

Proposing a managed wireless service built around Wi-Fi 7 technology for an MSP can be compelling for several reasons:

Cutting-Edge Technology: Wi-Fi 7 represents the latest advancement in wireless technology, offering higher transmission rates, lower latency, and enhanced reliability. By providing a service based on Wi-Fi 7, MSPs can position themselves as leaders in offering state-of-the-art solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers. By adopting Wi-Fi 7, MSPs help their customers future-proof their networks, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Increased Demand for High-Performance Connectivity: With the growing reliance on bandwidth-intensive applications such as video collaboration, augmented reality, and IoT, customers are seeking faster and more reliable connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 enables these high-performance applications, making managed Wi-Fi services more attractive to organizations looking to upgrade their infrastructure.
Consulting and Deployment: As customers transition to Wi-Fi 7, MSPs have the opportunity for additional revenue streams by offering consulting, deployment, and ongoing monitoring and management services. This includes network design, installation, maintenance, and optimization services. MSPs can also provide consulting services to assist businesses in planning and implementing the transition to this new technology, as well as integrating it with related infrastructure.
Infrastructure Upgrades: This includes upgrading Ethernet cabling, as well as the network switching infrastructure to support the higher throughputs, as well as the PoE/power requirements of the APs. MSPs can also provide more advanced monitoring/automation capabilities or provide additional services that ensure the clients’ infrastructure can support the demands required from modern use cases.
Comprehensive Service Offering: By leveraging Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 portfolio, MSPs have the right building blocks to create a powerful and differentiated services offering. Bundling Wi-Fi 7 with value-added services such as advanced security features, AI-enhanced management tools, and in-depth analytics can significantly enhance a business’s network performance and security, providing a clear competitive edge. Consider these compelling services add-on examples:
- Assurance and Monitoring Services: Integrate solutions like ThousandEyes to offer clients unparalleled visibility into their network performance. This enables quick identification and resolution of issues, greatly improving the overall user experience and ensuring maximum operational efficiency.
- Enhanced Security Services: Utilize Wi-Fi 7’s cutting-edge capabilities to integrate sophisticated security solutions. MSPs can deliver additional security services, including real-time threat detection and response, alongside proactive network monitoring. This not only protects client environments from evolving cyber threats but also reinforces trust in MSPs as security partners.
Scalability and Flexibility: Wi-Fi 7’s ability to support a higher density of devices and more complex environments makes it ideal for scalable solutions. MSPs can offer flexible managed services that grow with their clients’ needs, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Support for New Business Applications: Wi-Fi 7 enables new business applications and services, providing MSPs with opportunities to develop and support innovative solutions tailored to specific industry needs. MSPs can offer tailored solutions that support new use cases, including IoT, video collaboration, and/or augmented reality.
Comprehensive Wireless/Wi-Fi Management: The demand for integrated Wi-Fi systems that include AI-enhanced automation and analytics creates an opportunity for MSPs to offer comprehensive management services that optimize wireless connectivity and improved user experiences.

By adopting managed wireless networking services centered on Wi-Fi 7 technology, MSPs are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for advanced wireless solutions, thereby enriching their service offerings and driving business growth.

In the context of my story, the school took the guidance to heart and conducted a thorough evaluation of their options. Recognizing the transformative potential of leveraging cutting-edge technology, they concluded that a Cisco-based Wi-Fi 7 deployment simply made more sense. This choice not only fulfilled their goals of establishing a secure, reliable, and easy-to-operate network, but also emerged as the more practical and overall, more cost-effective solution for the long run. The solution provided an excellent balance between current needs with future scalability, ensuring longevity from their investments.

By adopting this more forward-thinking strategy, the school positioned itself at the forefront of technological advancement, setting an example for other schools in the district. Their approach serves as a reference, illustrating the benefits of embracing new technology to enhance educational environments. This move ensures they not only meet the current demands of digital learning but also lead the way in setting new standards for educational connectivity.

Register for the upcoming Managed Services Voice of the Engineer session to learn more about Cisco’s innovative Wi-Fi 7 portfolio

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March 5, 2025

[Blog]

Top 7 Trends Shaping the Network Connectivity Landscape in 2025

The internet imitates neural networks that exist in the human brain. And technology seeks to replicate not just the networks but also its intelligence, adaptability, autonomous learning and problem-solving capabilities.

In recent times, advancements that mimic human intelligence and neural networks have emerged to transform the network connectivity landscape.

Here are seven standout trends that will shape the digital technology market in 2025 and beyond.

#1 Agentic AI – Driving Autonomous, Intuitive Processes

“The emergence of agentic AI has played a crucial role in redefining traditional SaaS. It is set to create a new paradigm by moving beyond standardized solutions through autonomous self-learning, which is capable of delivering customized solutions to complex challenges.” – Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO, Aprecomm

Move over, SaaS. Agentic AI is here.

AI Agents are outperforming traditional SaaS by forging new paths that overcome core SaaS limitations of data silos and non-optimized processes.

Agentic AI has the ability to adapt to user needs and independently provide outcome-driven solutions to complex decisions. Tailoring responses and processes to individual users or business contexts in real-time, makes it invaluable, helping it move beyond SaaS’s standardized solutions.

While SaaS is reactive and relies on manual configuration and predefined workflows, Agentic AI anticipates and proactively resolves issues. With added seamless integration across systems and easy scalability, it is a clear winner.

An example of agentic AI is self-healing, intuitive networks that autonomously manage, optimize and troubleshoot network connectivity issues.

#2 Edge Computing- Fueling Speed and Responsiveness

“Among the prominent advantages of edge computing are the speed, volume, and security it provides by processing data close to its source.” – Guharajan Sivakumar, Founder & CTO, Aprecomm

Edge computing brings data processing to the “edge” of the network. Its efficiency, affordability and speed make it an ideal solution in ultra-low latency applications such as autonomous vehicles and healthcare devices, where real-time data is required.

With localized data processing, and transmission of only essential insights to the cloud, there is a significant decline in data transmission and bandwidth costs. Additionally, the drop in the frequency of data transfer to the cloud minimizes exposure to cyber threats bolstering data privacy and security.

The diminished dependence on cloud connections makes edge computing ideal for remote or disconnected environments. Offloading tasks to edge devices, reduces the strain on cloud resources, optimizing resource usage and improving overall system performance.

#3 Hybrid Computing in IIoT

“Hybrid platforms serve as the foundation for emerging technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A hybrid system offers low operational and maintenance costs for the industrial and manufacturing sectors by enabling remote management of equipment and sensors in IIoT setups.” – Guharajan Sivakumar, Founder & CTO, Aprecomm

Business requirements, however, can be diverse. In verticals such as smart manufacturing, the adoption of hybrid computing – a blend of cloud and edge – is more suited. The mix uses distributed intelligence combining edge and cloud computing to leverage the strengths of both.

For instance, edge devices monitor and control operations in real-time while the cloud gathers and store data for long term analytics for predictive maintenance.

In industrial IoT(IIoT), edge devices control machinery, and the cloud enables predictive maintenance using aggregated data. This hybrid approach ensures optimal performance by balancing real-time processing with scalable, centralized resources.

#4 CX – The Differentiator

“Customer experience is the ultimate battleground—surpass expectations today to secure loyalty tomorrow. How customers perceive and interact with your service serves as the benchmark for your success.” – Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO, Aprecomm

Customer experience (CX) is fast becoming the key differentiator in a crowded broadband marketplace. Successful service providers focus on delivering reliable connectivity, based on speed, low latency, and uninterrupted services.

Intuitive, self-healing network solutions that proactively resolve issues, build trust and improve customer loyalty. A powerful addition, solutions such as these elevate the customer experience.

Personalized plans, and recommendations based on individual usage patterns create a unique, customer-focused experience. Omnichannel support, including responsive and efficient service across apps, chatbots, social media, and call centers, further enhances the CX.

Additionally, analytics-based proactive engagement that anticipate customer needs and offer value-added services like smart home integrations—strengthens the provider-customer relationship, reducing churn while also providing a unique value proposition to draw in new customers.

#5 Sustainable Services to Power Modern Living

“Modern living is tending towards a future shaped around reduced travel, optimized resources, and a greener, more flexible way of life. AI-powered intelligent, intuitive network connectivity holds the key to that envisioned future.” – Mark Goodburn, Global Head of Marketing, Aprecomm

Network connectivity is the cornerstone of smart mobility and sustainable solutions. The rising need for high-speed broadband to power everyday living –at home, at work, and for leisure is driving the demand for sustainable connectivity solutions.

IoT devices monitor energy usage, optimize waste management, enhance urban infrastructure, and ensure smart city initiatives function as planned. On-the-go broadband empowers access to telemedicine, remote education, and digital public services, reducing the need for physical travel and supporting environmental sustainability.

In 2025, network connectivity is going to take on an even greater role as more people adopt remote and hybrid work setups, reducing the need for daily commutes and curtailing wasteful energy consumption while promoting modern, flexible and sustainable lifestyles.

#6 Exploding Marketplace – Extending Coverage to Rural Areas

“In the Americas, the fixed broadband market size in 2024 was estimated at USD 179.8 billion. It is expected to grow further at a CAGR of more than 2% from 2024 to 2029 creating significantly greater opportunities for telcos and OEMs.” – Robert Lamb, SVP for Partnerships & Strategy at Aprecomm and former Program Director of Rural Broadband.

Expanding the breadth of broadband coverage is critical to both urban and rural development. Smart cities worldwide use broadband to enable real-time traffic monitoring, manage energy grids, and public safety systems, among other technology-driven solutions.

“According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), there is a 93% broadband penetration in urban India versus a mere 29.3% in rural India.”

In India, in order to bridge the urban-rural divide, initiatives like BharatNet, one of the world’s largest rural telecom projects seeks to extend connectivity into rural areas, in an attempt to provide greater access to e-learning, telemedicine, and e-governance.

Wider coverage is going to fuel the Digital India vision, enabling small businesses and startups to thrive in remote areas. People across demographics, from urban centers to remote regions, are now actively encouraged to leverage the opportunities for education, work, healthcare, and entertainment by becoming digitally literate, driving up the demand for internet connectivity.

# 7 Transitioning to 5G – Being Future-Ready

“With 5G at its core, the future of connectivity is unfolding now, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. Rapid technological advancements are bringing smart, transformative possibilities to life.” – Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO, Aprecomm

Transitioning to 5G is going to be the flavor of the season in the network connectivity space in 2025.

Pitted to be the perfect solution to support advanced use cases like AR/VR, IoT, and connected industries with high data demands, 5G technology is touted to be fully scalable, ultra-fast, with low latency. Its interoperability and technology-agnostic nature is expected to allow seamless integration with cloud computing, edge devices, and AI, offering flexibility across diverse environments. Compared to FWA, 5G is expected to deliver greater reliability, energy efficiency, and spectrum optimization, making it ideal for industries, smart cities, and critical applications requiring consistent performance.

Transitioning to 5G, will help businesses explore more advanced innovations like autonomous systems, real-time analytics, and smart infrastructure, setting new benchmarks in the technology landscape.

If the previous year was about discovering and experimenting with AI models, 2025 is going to be the year when AI adoption goes mass scale. Newer models will hit the market, each one more evolved than the previous. The signs are there. It’s early January of 2025 and the tech markets are already abuzz with the launch of the latest AI tool on the block, DeepSeek and Kimi.

The future is one of immense possibilities. With the only constant being a relentless flow of innovations and advancements challenging the way we function, the way forward is to accept, adapt, and embrace change. That is the one and only way forward for businesses to survive, grow, and thrive.

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March 5, 2025

[Press Release]

ACT Fibernet’s ACT SmartWi-Fi® Delivers Breakthrough Customer Experience Improvements: Early Results Show Better Wi-Fi Performance Across All Connected Devices

In the initial 15 days after the launch across 250,000 homes, ACT SmartWi-Fi® users enjoyed an average speed improvement of 3X on all devices.
Over 80% of Smart TVs, 70% of laptops, and 60% of mobile devices were successfully steered to optimal Wi-Fi channels, ensuring a more reliable and high-performing experience.
ACT SmartWi-Fi® has also significantly improved speed and throughput on specific devices—it is nearly two times faster on Smart TVs, two times faster on laptops, and four times faster on smartphones.
These results demonstrate that ACT SmartWi-Fi®, powered by Aprecomm’s advanced AI, is already transforming subscribers’ in-home Wi-Fi experiences.

BENGALURU, India: Monday, March 3, 2025: ACT Fibernet, one of India’s leading internet service providers, is excited to share early results of its ACT SmartWi-Fi® launch, powered by its proprietary router OS, ACT Zippy. Developed in partnership with Aprecomm, this cutting-edge AI technology has demonstrated its ability to deliver a superior Wi-Fi experience, resulting in significantly higher Wi-Fi performance across all device types and fulfilling the company’s promise to transform in-home connectivity for its customers.

During the initial launch stages across 250,000 homes over 15 days, ACT SmartWi-Fi® users experienced an average of three times higher speeds delivered to all devices than in homes without the new smart Wi-Fi service. Specific devices showcased even more impressive gains—Smart TVs saw speeds improve by two times, laptops by three times, and smartphones by four times. Additionally, thanks to AI-powered intelligent optimization, over 80% of Smart TVs, over 70% of laptops, and over 60% of mobile devices were successfully steered to optimal Wi-Fi channels, ensuring a more reliable and higher-performing internet experience and resolving issues such as interference and congestion before they could impact the end user.

“We are thrilled to see the transformative impact of ACT SmartWi-Fi® on our customers’ digital lives,” said Ravi Karthik, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of ACT Fibernet. “Our initial launch data validates our commitment to delivering on our promise—ensuring a significantly superior online experience for our customers. Whether streaming on a Smart TV, working on a laptop, or browsing on a mobile device, ACT is redefining what high-performing internet looks like in Indian homes.”

ACT Fibernet’s partner, Aprecomm, also expressed excitement about the results: “The partnership has enabled us to push the boundaries of what’s possible with in-home Wi-Fi,” said Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO of Aprecomm. “Our agentic AI solution, which currently enables ACT SmartWi-Fi®, works to optimize for every device and application to enable a superior Wi-Fi experience. This delivers, among other benefits, improved speed, reduced latency, and enhanced reliability. We’re proud to be part of this journey to enhance connectivity for millions of users.”

ACT SmartWi-Fi®, powered by Aprecomm’s agentic AI solution, proactively scans and monitors in-home Wi-Fi, identifying potential issues, such as congestion and interference, and optimizes the experience in real-time through features like channel switching and band steering. This proprietary algorithm captures more than 15 parameters in real-time, calculating a Wi-Fi quality of experience score for each device and continuously optimizes to ensure enhanced experience across all devices, applications, and corners of the home, 24/7. ACT Fibernet continues to lead the way in revolutionizing internet services in India, with ACT SmartWi-Fi® setting a new benchmark for in-home Wi-Fi performance. The company remains committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower its customers with seamless, high-speed connectivity for all their digital needs.

About ACT Fibernet

ACT Fibernet is one of India’s largest wired ISPs, headquartered in Bengaluru, with operations in 30+ cities and serving 2.3 million customers. Known for its reliable and high-speed internet connections, ACT Fibernet caters to a diverse range of customer needs. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, ACT Fibernet provides excellent customer support and a seamless user experience. The company offers a wide range of plans to suit various budgets and usage requirements. For more information, please visit www.actcorp.in.

Press contact

Genishka Chouhan
genishka@value360india.com
+91 7742855997

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 Wi-Fi 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, partnering with more than 45 service providers worldwide.

Together, we are making intuitive networks a reality.

Follow Aprecomm on LinkedIn here.

#IntuitiveNetworks #BringingJoyToOnline

Visit www.aprecomm.ai to discover more.

Press contact

corporatecomms@aprecomm.ai

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March 5, 2025

[Press Release]

Zyxel Networks appoints Ken Tsai as new President

ANAHEIM, CA, UNITED STATES, (February 24, 2025) Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure and AI-powered cloud networking solutions, has announced the appointment of Ken Tsai as the new President of Zyxel Networks, effective February 2025.

Since its spin-off from Zyxel Communications in 2019, Zyxel Networks has focused on the small to medium-sized business (SMB) networking market, successfully building a strong market position through its Nebula cloud management platform alongside network security solutions. Ken Tsai’s leadership is expected to bring forward-thinking strategies and market insights that will fuel the company’s growth momentum in global markets.

“Zyxel Networks has been committed to delivering exceptional networking solutions for SMBs since day one,” said Tsai. “With the Nebula cloud management platform and security solutions, we have successfully distinguished ourselves with strong in-house R&D power in the international markets and established a robust business model. Building on this success, we are confident in our path forward. I feel a great sense of responsibility and will dedicate myself fully to leading Zyxel Networks in continued growth and innovation.”

Tsai brings 19 years of experience from the Zyxel Group, having held key positions across various strategic operations and product management units, including the Gateway Strategic Business Unit, Management Center, Corporate HR Service Division, and Business Supporting Center.

His extensive expertise in brand management, market development, and customer experience—gained through roles at global HQ and several years expatriating in European markets—positions him as a proven leader capable of guiding cross-departmental and cross-cultural teams towards achieving business goals. This experience will lay a solid foundation for Zyxel Networks’ future development.

The widespread challenges currently facing SMBs worldwide include regulatory pressures, limited resources, and recruitment difficulties, calling for more efficient operational practices and resource allocation. The increasing security attacks also underscores the urgent need for secure and reliable solutions.

Zyxel Networks’ Nebula cloud management solution is specifically designed to address these pain points by integrating wired, wireless, and security devices through a single platform that leverages cloud management and AI for analytical monitoring. This approach simplifies management processes while reducing risks associated with cyber threats, alleviating burdens on SMBs.

Zyxel Networks emphasizes that Tsai’s wealth of cross-functional collaboration experience and team trust will facilitate deeper integration within the company, enhancing its ability to seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving market. This will enable the company to keep delivering innovative solutions that meet customer demands, while supporting SMBs in overcoming challenges and driving business growth.

About Zyxel: Zyxel Networks is a leading provider of secure, AI-powered cloud networking solutions for SMBs and the enterprise-edge. We deliver seamless connectivity and flexible scalability through subscription services, all backed by robust security. With a reputation built on decades of unlocking potential and helping people adapt to the changing workplace, Zyxel Networks has earned the trust of over 1 million businesses across 150 markets.

For more information about Zyxel, its connectivity solutions, and the Zyxel Authorized Partner Program, visit www.zyxel.com/us and follow us on Facebook, X(formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

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March 5, 2025

[Blog]

Scalable, Pre-Certified Test Strategy Is Key to Enhanced Wi-Fi 7 Performance

Accelerate Wi-Fi 7 Deployment Through Pre-Certification

Our customers use LitePoint’s scalable test solutions across the entire Wi-Fi development ecosystem, from reference designs, characterization and validation to volume manufacturing.

FCC and Wi-Fi Alliance Create Access Point Test Beds

Managing Wi-Fi 7 Production Economics

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March 5, 2025

[Blog]

Silicon Labs Launches the PG26 MCU for Low-Power, High-Performance IoT Applications

Silicon Labs, a leader in IoT connectivity, has consistently set new benchmarks in MCU performance, capabilities, and applications. Today, we’re announcing the general availability of the PG26 – a general-purpose microcontroller with a large combination of flash and RAM that features a dedicated matrix vector processor to enhance AI/ML hardware accelerator speeds. This addition to our portfolio is equipped to address a wide array of challenging applications, making it an essential tool for AI/ML-driven applications.

A 32-bit Microcontroller Specifically Designed for Energy-Efficient Embedded Development

The PG26 offers an impressive 3200 kB of flash and 512 kB of RAM, both of which lead Silicon Labs’ Series 2 platform. This combination allows for more complex AI/ML models, larger customer applications, and bigger ML models for more accuracy. It also offers a rich peripheral set with a substantial number of GPIOs which enables better system integration. Its 64 GPIOs and four additional analog-only pins reduce the need for external components, which is also facilitated by an integrated LCD driver that can support up to 288 segments. The high performance, multicore compute platform (80MHz Cortex-M33 Core) is also equipped with Secure Vault™ High to improve efficiency and security. Like other Series 2 MCUs, the PG26 is firmware-compatible across the portfolio, making it easier for developers to work across multiple devices. The PG26 maintains the low-power performance Silicon Labs developers are used to, making it an ideal main microcontroller for sensors and home automation devices.

The PG26 MCU Brings Advanced AI/ML Functionality, More Memory, and Additional GPIO

The PG26 provides developers with a wide variety of options to meet diverse application needs. Its low power consumption and small form factor are ideal for energy-sensitive applications. Its precision analog capabilities and integrated LCD are ideal for applications requiring accurate measurements and display functionalities while maintaining low-power performance. The PG26, with its enhanced AI/ML capabilities, more memory, and additional GPIO, is designed for advanced applications that require high processing power and flexibility. Lastly, the latest PG26 offers the most memory, a comprehensive peripheral set, and extensive GPIO options, making it well-suited for complex and memory-intensive applications like industrial automation, predictive maintenance, and monitoring.

The PG26 Microcontroller Makes it Easy to Transition to Embedded IoT Designs

The xG26 platform (BG26, PG26 and the most recently announced MG26) supports a dual strategy, allowing developers to choose between connected and non-connected configurations based on their specific needs. This flexibility ensures that the xG26 can be used in a wide range of applications, from standalone devices to complex IoT systems. One of the key advantages of the xG26 platform is its firmware compatibility and common toolchain across the entire Series 2 portfolio. This ensures that developers can migrate their applications quickly and easily to take advantage of the latest features and improvements without extensive rework. The xG26 platform also offers footprint compatibility, making it easier for developers to upgrade their designs and integrate new features without significant changes to the hardware layout.

Silicon Labs has a rich history of developing cutting-edge microcontrollers, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and reliability. The PG26 builds on decades of expertise and technological advancements, bringing Silicon Labs’ track record of integrating advanced connectivity features to enable seamless communication with various devices and networks. This combination of robust performance, advanced security, and wireless capabilities makes the xG26 a standout choice for modern applications.

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March 5, 2025

[Blog]

Cisco Wins “Industrial IoT Company of the Year 2025” Award from IoT Breakthrough Organization

I’m pleased to report that Cisco was named Industrial IoT Company of the Year 2025 in the IoT Breakthrough Awards Program. Since 2017, IoT Breakthrough has made annual awards to industrial IoT companies and products based on quality, unique technology, and market leadership. I would like to thank our customers, partners, and the entire Cisco industrial IoT team for making this award possible.

“Most people know Cisco for their enterprise networking products, but for over 20 years, Cisco has been instrumental in making enterprise technologies decisive for digitizing industrial operations.”

– Steve Johansson, Managing Director at IoT Breakthrough

In this blog I’ll summarize the reasons why the evaluation committee awarded Cisco top honors as Industrial IoT Company of the Year. Our solutions enable our customers to protect their operations and lay a robust foundation for AI, all with seamless IT-OT collaboration and validated designs built in partnerships with leading industrial automation companies.

“The same robust security as the enterprise”

In the award announcement, IoT Breakthrough emphasizes Cisco innovations in industrial cybersecurity and AI readiness, which it terms paramount concerns for industrial operations. The announcement says, “Designed specifically for industrial needs, Cisco’s switches, routers, and wireless equipment share a common foundation with their enterprise counterparts… A shared operating system, management platform, and security measures facilitate collaboration between IT and OT teams.” As shown in the figure, Cisco industrial networking solutions come with built-in visibility, segmentation, zero-trust remote access, and the threat intelligence needed for effective incident response. A case study: Brazil’s CPFL Energia uses Cisco solutions to automatically detect and profile OT assets in substations and identify vulnerabilities and anomalies.

Figure 1: Visibility, segmentation, and secure remote access are built into Cisco network fabric

Johansson from IoT Breakthrough says, “By enabling IT best practices in OT, Cisco has freed industrial networks to scale and be flexible, while enjoying the same robust security as the enterprise.”

“The power of AI/ML”

I meet regularly with leading industrial companies, many of them already using AI to modernize operations—for instance, for predictive maintenance, manufacturing anomaly detection, robotics and autonomous vehicles, supply chain optimization, and more. For example, Audi uses Cisco solutions for virtual reality prototypes and predictive maintenance. Argos Cement uses AI to analyze historical data and build digital twins and predictive models to maintain quality, reduce energy consumption, and increase throughput.

AI applications like these place high demands on the network. Think of the network as the nervous system connecting the brains in the data center to the industrial IoT assets in plants and in the field. In the award announcement, IoT Breakthrough states, “Cisco’s industrial solutions empower industries to leverage the power of AI/ML to drive innovation to meet current and future needs. The network’s high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity between OT and IT domains transports large volumes of data generated by sensors, machines, controllers, and other devices to analytical applications in datacenters and the cloud.”

“Validated design guides that are blueprints”

Besides our technology, IoT Breakthrough also calls out Cisco for “publishing validated design guides that are blueprints for successful networking and security deployments… that achieve business objectives.” We provide more than 80 Cisco Validated Designs and architectures for industries including manufacturing, power and water utilities, oil and gas, mining, ports and terminals, roadways and intersections, and public transportation. My colleague Keith Higgins, Director of Product Marketing at Cisco, adds that “Validated designs improve IT/OT collaboration, which helps to reduce risk, increase operational efficiency, and accelerate implementation.”

Industrial companies also benefit from our partnerships and joint designs with Rockwell Automation®, Schneider Electric®, and CODESYS. Integration with Splunk gives OT teams the observability that’s needed for digital resilience.

Get started

Wherever your company is on the journey to network modernization, we can help you take the next step. I invite you to schedule a personalized consultation.

Sign up for the Cisco Industrial IoT Newsletter

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February 27, 2025

[Press Release]

Airties Unveils “Airties Pro”: New Connectivity Experience Platform for ISPs to Serve Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and Channel Partners

Enables ISPs to better serve and monetize the SMB market with a “white label” connectivity experience platform purpose-built for their unique needs
Powered by Airties Cloud which provides secure multi-layer access for SMBs, ISPs, and channel partners to remotely manage network performance and insights across devices and apps as well as a suite of tools allowing SMBs to offer secure connectivity for employees, guests and protected devices
Allows SMBs to easily create their own branded portal to manage Wi-Fi log-in for guests and employees, create free or paid access tiers, and choose from flexible hardware options

Paris, France – February 27, 2025 – Airties, a global leader of AI-driven software that improves the connectivity experience for ISPs’ subscribers, today unveiled Airties Pro, a new connectivity experience platform that was purpose-built to help ISPs better serve and monetize the small and medium business (SMB) market segment.

Broadband service providers have long relied upon Airties’ software for the ongoing optimization of their customers’ home broadband experience to help reduce churn, attract new customers, lower operating costs, and innovate in new ways. However, Airties recognized a gap for SMBs whose needs were more complex than home broadband, but less complicated than full-scale enterprise systems. Airties Pro is a fit-for-purpose solution designed to address this gap and help ISPs deliver a premium broadband experience to serve their high-value SMB customers and prospects.

Airties Pro continually optimizes SMBs’ local network performance based on real-time conditions and provides key insights on connected devices and usage. Notably, it provides secure multi-layer access to Airties Cloud, which enables ISPs and their IT partners to remotely manage and optimize local network performance. SMBs can easily set up secure connectivity for employees and protect their critical data. Airties Pro also allows SMBs to easily create their own branded portal to manage Wi-Fi log-in for guests and create free or paid access tiers. It also includes an easy-to-use SMB mobile app for remote network configuration and management and gives ISPs a choice of hardware options for gateways and Mesh extenders–all designed to meet the unique needs of each business.

“SMBs make up the vast majority of companies across the globe, and they need consistent, quality broadband connectivity for their employees and guests,” said Metin Taskin, founder and CEO of Airties. “Airties Pro was created to help ISPs enhance their core business, attract new customers, and improve customer satisfaction through a premium broadband experience that was purpose-built for SMBs. The combination of our AI-driven software, easy-to-use management tools with secure multi-layer access, flexible hardware options, and unrivaled expertise make Airties Pro the ideal solution for ISPs to create and manage differentiated SMB offers.”

“While there are many broadband management solutions for the enterprise and home markets, that really has not been the case for SMBs,” said Jeff Heynen, Vice President, Broadband Access and Home Networking at Dell’Oro Group. “SMBs have unique needs that ISPs could better serve, provided they have the right tools. ISPs and SMBs need multi-tenancy control and capabilities to manage their broadband networks. Given the economic pressure facing their home broadband businesses, ISPs would be well-served to look towards opportunities in the lucrative SMB market with custom solutions that can demand a premium.”

Airties’ AI-driven connectivity experience platform helps ISPs observe, diagnose and fix connectivity issues automatically or through actionable recommendations. By personalizing the customer experience and optimizing connectivity, it is designed to help improve customer satisfaction and NPS scores. Airties’ data-driven insights, across devices and applications, help ISPs improve performance quality, market effectively, and deliver a premium managed broadband experience to customers. Airties developed its first SMB solution to serve Cox in the U.S., and it will make Airties Pro commercially available to other ISPs in Q2 2025.

Airties Pro provides a seamless, all-in-one SMB solution with premium support that is tailored to help ISPs increase ARPU, lower cost-to-serve, improve customer satisfaction and reduce churn. Key features include:

Premium Quality of Experience (QoE) Management: Airties Pro relies upon Airties Edge software on gateways/routers/extenders to intelligently direct connected devices (laptops, tablets, phones, POS terminals, IoT, etc.) to the best available Wi-Fi access point and frequency band based on real-time network conditions; manage Mesh networking; optimize QoS; and deliver critical data to Airties Cloud. Airties Cloud helps SMBs and ISPs remotely observe, diagnose, and fix connectivity issues automatically or through actionable recommendations; delivers insights on usage trends, connected devices and application performance; and provides APIs to support operators’ CRM systems and apps. In addition to views of individual businesses, Airties Pro enables ISPs to see population-level views across their SMB customers and channel partners to compare data, usage statics and trends to help them refine their service offerings.
Customization and Monetization: Airties Pro includes easy-to-use software for SMBs to design and launch guest Wi-Fi landing pages and configure monetization options. SMBs can set different access parameters for employees, set up free or paid access tiers for guests, and offer other promotions. In addition to web-based management controls, Airties Pro includes a customer-facing mobile app that allows SMBs to set up and manage core aspects of their networks. SMBs can also see helpful insights such as the devices on their network, whether they have new or returning guests on the network, which hours of the days are the busiest, benchmarked usage data compared to similar SMBs, and more.
Multi-Layer Access Customer Management: Flexible multi-layer access allows ISPs, SMBs and their IT partners to all manage the SMB network based on their specific needs and capabilities. For example, it supports both self-service or outsourced network management that enables channel partners to install, manage and support local network connectivity.
Network Security and Value-Added Services: Airties Pro provides network separation and security across business layers, including employee access, guest access, and POS transactions. It also provides cybersecurity features to protect the local network and connected devices from threats, and it includes content filtering at different levels for PCI compliance of POS transactions.
Flexible and Easy-to-Install Hardware Choices: Airties Pro is compatible with a wide range of enterprise grade CPE hardware, including the ability to upgrade existing residential hardware with Airties Pro software features. Airties’ software is hardware agnostic and relies on standards-based and open-source technology to avoid proprietary solutions and vendor lock-in. Airties Pro also enables easy “zero-touch” installation of Wi-Fi access points by SMBs, ISPs or their partners. SMBs can simply unbox pre-provisioned access points or scan a QR code to activate and add new access points onto their network.

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 Pro and Airties can be found at: www.airties.com.

About Airties
Airties is a global leader of AI-driven software solutions that improve the connectivity experience for ISPs’ subscribers to help reduce churn, attract new customers, lower operating costs, and innovate. Leveraging insights from millions of managed homes and businesses, Airties provides industry-leading customer experience measurement and optimization for broadband service providers to improve customer satisfaction and NPS scores. Airties’ holistic suite of hardware-agnostic software enables ISPs to manage home connectivity, based on leading industry standards and open-source software, across their fiber, 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.

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