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Silicon Labs and Ezurio (formerly Laird Connectivity) have extended our partnership to increase development support for Wi-Fi designs using Silicon Labs’ SiWx917 Wi-Fi SoCs. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Veda SL917, a groundbreaking Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)  5.4 module designed to meet the demands of next-generation wireless IoT applications while offering Ezurio’s 30+ years of experience in RF and hardware design, software services, EMC, RF testing, and more readily available to customers.

What is the Veda SL917 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE Module?

The Veda SL917 is purpose-built for ultra-low- power Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE connectivity, making it ideal for battery-operated devices that require extended operating life. Running an ARM Cortex M4 processor with FPU subsystem up to 180MHz, the Veda SL917 comes with up to 8MB internal flash with support of up to 16MB of optional external PSRAM flash. Alternatively, Ezurio offers the module with and without an integrated antenna adding flexibility to the end-design and an oppportunity to take advantage of Ezurio’s customized antennas and RF design services. Here are a few key features:

  • Dual Connectivity: Combines Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth® LE 5.4 for reliable wireless communication.
  • Low Power Consumption: Maximizes battery life, ideal for power-efficient applications.
  • Compact Design: Measures 16 x 21.1 x 2.3 mm for easy device integration.
  • Advanced Security: Supports WPA2/3 Personal and Enterprise, secure boot, secure zone, XIP, anti-rollback, secure key storage, and accelerators.
  • Global Approvals: Pre-certified for FCC, IC/ISED, MIC, EN, CE and UKCA regulations.
  • Flexible Integration: Available as SoC and NCP, offering developers flexible solutions.
Ezurio Veda SL917 Module

Expanded Development Platform Support for Ezurio’s Veda SL917 Module

Ezurio offers two development paths to implement the Veda SL917 module in future designs: SoC mode to support the entire system application, network stack and radio on a single module chip solution and NCP mode to make the Network stack and radio accessible to applications running on third-party MCUs. For SoC development, the Veda SL917 Explorer Board is a versatile development platform designed for rapid prototyping of IoT applications. Currently supported in Silicon Labs’ Simplicity Studio, the Veda SL917 Explorer Board features a mikroBus™ socket, allowing developers to easily integrate a wide range of add-on boards from MIKROE. This support enables the creation of diverse and innovative projects by leveraging the extensive ecosystem of mikroBus-compatible click boards. Ezurio further leverages this ecosystem by offering their 2nd development path with NCP module support on the Veda SL917 Click Board, compatible with MikroBus connections available for EFR32, STM32 and NXP host microcontrollers.

Expanded Development Platform Support for Ezurio's Veda SL917 Module

Get Started with the Veda SL917 Wi-Fi Module

To support developers, Ezurio offers comprehensive software support, including Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio® for SoC development and ported WiseConnect SDK and associated porting guides for NCP development on 3rd party boards. In addition, be on the look-out for future embedded python support within Ezurio’s Canvas Software Suite.

Discover the future of IoT connectivity with the Veda SL917. For more information and to purchase, visit Ezurio’s product page.

Washington, D.C. – August 6, 2025 – Wi‑Fi Alliance® congratulates FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on his appointment to the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This key step underscores the FCC’s essential role in meeting the unprecedented connectivity needs of LA28.

“Wi‑Fi® will be essential to the success of LA28,” said Kevin Robinson, President and CEO of Wi‑Fi Alliance. “Robust, reliable Wi‑Fi is core component of connectivity infrastructure, from high-density venues and credentialing zones to athlete readiness centers and global media hubs.”

Wi‑Fi Alliance is committed to empowering Chairman Carr and the federal Task Force with technical expertise to support spectrum planning, network resilience, and seamless user experience. The industry stands ready to collaborate across government, venue operators, and local organizers to help deliver world-class Olympic Games.

 

About Wi-Fi Alliance®  |  www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 80,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the Internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

Fans expect fast, reliable Wi-Fi® in stadiums to enhance their in-seat experience—whether streaming live replays, sharing moments on social media, or ordering food and merchandise from their seats. Delivering this level of connectivity in high-density environments requires strategic planning and innovative network design to meet rising expectations.

Flawless connectivity for packed stadiums: How Wi-Fi 7 delivers unrivaled performance

Wi-Fi Connectivity Challenges in High-Density Environments

1. High User Density

Stadiums must support tens of thousands of devices connecting simultaneously, requiring robust networks that can handle unpredictable spikes in demand without sacrificing performance.

2. Interference and Congestion

Interference is a major challenge in stadium Wi-Fi due to thousands of devices and competing signals from broadcasting, communication systems, and cellular networks.

3. Physical Constraints

Stadium architecture—large open spaces, thick walls, and dense crowds—creates challenges for Wi-Fi deployment, often causing signal dead zones and uneven coverage. Unlike predictable office layouts, stadiums require customized AP placement to overcome structural and human-related signal interference.

4. Capacity and Bandwidth Management

High-speed internet demand in stadiums is surging due to streaming, media sharing, and interactive experiences. To prevent bottlenecks, networks need intelligent load balancing, QoS policies, and advanced traffic management to prioritize critical services and deliver a seamless fan experience.

Wi-Fi 7: A Game-Changer for Large Venues

Wi-Fi 7 technology marks the beginning of a new era of possibilities. With groundbreaking advancements in speed, capacity, latency, and reliability, it is set to transform the way we connect and engage with the digital world. Many industries can benefit greatly from Wi-Fi 7’s low latency and high reliability, but large public venues and sports arenas, in particular, stand to gain the most from its unprecedented advancements in speed and capacity.

Key benefits of Wi-Fi 7 for large venues include:

  • Massive Speed and Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 introduces 320 MHz channels, 4K QAM modulation, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enabling multi-gigabit speeds and superior performance in ultra-high-density environments.
  • Reduced Latency and Faster Response Times: Fans will experience near-instantaneous access to interactive applications, live video streaming, and AR/VR experiences, enhancing their engagement during events.
  • Higher Device Density Support: The efficiency of Wi-Fi 7 allows thousands of devices to seamlessly connect, providing stable and fast internet for attendees, venue staff, and media professionals.
  • More Reliable and Resilient Connectivity: Advanced interference mitigation and adaptive networking features improve signal reliability, even in the most crowded stadiums.

Solutions: Multi-Faceted Deployment Approaches

To address Wi-Fi connectivity challenges in high-density environments, stadium IT teams implement a mix of access point (AP) placement strategies. Each approach has its own advantages, and in large venues, a combination of these methods is used for optimal coverage and performance.

Overhead APs with Wide-Angle Directional Antennas

Wide-angle directional antennas are used to provide broad coverage across stadium seating areas, concourses, and open spaces. These antennas are ideal for covering large sections of a venue with minimal AP deployments, making them a cost-effective solution for general connectivity. By strategically placing APs with wide-angle antennas overhead, stadiums can ensure a balanced distribution of Wi-Fi coverage while reducing the number of devices competing for the same signal.

Overhead APs with Narrow-Angle Directional Antennas

Narrow-angle directional antennas are used in high-density zones where a more focused signal is needed. These antennas help concentrate Wi-Fi coverage in areas with heavy user traffic, such as premium seating sections, media areas, and fan experience zones. By narrowing the coverage area, interference is minimized, and the network can deliver higher data rates to targeted users. This method enhances network performance and ensures reliable connectivity even in the busiest parts of the stadium.

Under-Seat Access Points

Another effective method for high-density deployments in sport arenas is placing APs under the seats. This approach provides several benefits:

  • Shorter Signal Path: Since devices are closer to the APs, there is less interference and better signal quality. Placing APs under the seats ensures that signals do not have to travel through dense crowds, reducing attenuation and improving reliability.
  • Directional Control: The seating structure naturally helps confine the Wi-Fi signal, reducing cross-channel interference. This is particularly useful in tiered seating arrangements where overlapping signals from overhead APs could cause interference.
  • Scalability: Additional APs can be installed as needed to support growing capacity demands. This modular approach allows for incremental upgrades, allowing networks to adapt to increasing user expectations and technological advancements.
  • Minimized Aesthetic Impact: Under-seat APs are hidden from view, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the venue while delivering high-performance connectivity.

The RUCKUS® AI-Driven Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 Solution: T670 and T670sn APs

RUCKUS is the first and only vendor as of April 2025 to offer a complete Wi-Fi 7 solution for large venues that includes under-seat deployment, overhead narrow-angle APs, and overhead wide-angle APs. This comprehensive approach ensures that stadiums, arenas, and other high-density environments receive the best possible wireless performance, maximizing speed, capacity, and reliability for attendees and venue operations.

RUCKUS T670sn: A Unique Programmable Sector Antenna Enables Software-Defined Coverage

The RUCKUS T670sn is a high-end Wi-Fi 7, tri-band outdoor AP with a unique programmable directional antenna array that is software-configurable for either narrow-angle or wide-angle coverage.

RUCKUS-T670sn-blog

                                   T670sn Programmable Software Defined Coverage

This dynamic control minimizes interference while maximizing signal strength and data rates, leading to better connectivity and performance in targeted areas. Additionally, the ability to modify coverage patterns remotely eliminates the need for physical adjustments, making it ideal for scenarios with changing network demands, such as seasonal events or infrastructure expansions.

Key benefits include:

  • Deployment Flexibility: Software-defined sector coverage allows easy adaptation to changing network needs.
  • Optimized Performance & Signal Control: Reduces interference and enhances connectivity in high-demand areas.
  • Simplified Network Planning: Eliminates the need for multiple AP types, reducing costs.
  • Dynamic Adaptation: Antenna patterns can be remotely adjusted to suit different crowd conditions.
  • Enhanced Spectral Efficiency: Improves spectrum utilization, reducing co-channel interference.
  • Cost-Effective and Scalable: Enables fewer AP deployments with optimal coverage and performance.

RUCKUS T670 Under-Seat Mounting Solution

RUCKUS Stadium Under-seat Mounting solution is purposely designed with stadiums and arenas in mind, enabling the deployment of the RUCKUS Wi-Fi 7 T670 Outdoor Access Point neatly under the stadium seating, on a riser or thread, keeping the access point and cables secure from access and from the elements, without impeding foot space. The mount is comprised of a heavy-duty cast aluminum bottom and durable reinforced polycarbonate top cover with a protective gasket for indoor /outdoor under-seat installation.

RUCKUS-T670-outdoor-sports-stadiums

The solution is purposely designed to be transparent to RF signals and protects from liquid/water projected from pressure washer jets/hoses. It can be floor or wall-mounted with a 10° tilt, enabling cable pass-through for daisy-chaining access points. A second mounting bracket is available for flat mounting (0°tilt). The enclosure does not impede the thermal performance of the enclosed AP.

Benefits:

  • Expands Wi-Fi deployment options for stadiums.
  • Enables higher AP density for better fan connectivity.
  • Reduces the cost of stadium Wi-Fi coverage.
  • Enhances durability with weather-resistant and pressure-wash-proof enclosures.
  • Simplifies installation and maintenance.

RUCKUS One® AI-Driven Management and Assurance Platform

While advanced access point (AP) technology and optimal AP placement are essential for providing reliable connectivity in large sports arenas, the management and assurance platform Under-Seat 10-degree Tilt Mounting Bracket Under-Seat 0-degree Flush Mounting Bracket is critical to delivering a complete, high-performing solution. Deploying RUCKUS One and RUCKUS AI solutions offer key benefits, including:

  1. Efficient Network Management: RUCKUS One platform provides centralized control and real-time monitoring, streamlining network operations.
  2. AI-Driven Performance Optimization: RUCKUS AI solution uses machine learning to predict network demand and automatically adjust to dynamic conditions, providing consistent high-speed connectivity, even during peak moments.
  3. Scalability: The solution easily scales to meet growing demands as more devices connect.
  4. Improved User Experience: AI-driven traffic prioritization provides seamless Wi-Fi for streaming, social media, and mobile services by minimizing congestion.
  5. Proactive Issue Resolution: AI insights identify potential issues before they affect performance, allowing for dynamic adjustments and reducing downtime.
  6. Lower Operational Costs: Proactive AI-driven optimization reduces maintenance and manual interventions, saving time and resources.

By leveraging both the T670 under-seat APs and T670sn programmable overhead APs, stadiums can achieve the most flexible, high-performance Wi-Fi network possible. Together with the RUCKUS One platform, these solutions enable stadiums to provide reliable, high-performance connectivity while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

How to Watch a Movie at Home, circa 2005: Head to the video rental center. Find a parking space. Browse aisles of picked-over DVDs. Settle for your third choice. Wait in line. Pay the rental fee. Drive home through traffic. Pray the DVD works. Watch immediately to avoid late fees! Next day: repeat the journey in reverse.

How to Watch a Movie at Home, 2025: Grab a snack. Settle on your couch. Click “play.”

Compare the complexities. In just a little over two decades, we have transitioned from lengthy, complex processes to just a few seconds of effort. Now, when we set out to do almost anything, we expect it to be achieved smoothly, quickly, and without friction. Even a single, additional click, a few moments’ delay or disruption leaves us disgruntled and frustrated.


Shifting Customer Expectations

What customers want today is speed, consistency, and reliability bundled into a seamless and friction-free customer experience (CX). Successful businesses understand this reality. On-demand access to services is not a good-to-have but a necessity.

From the customer’s standpoint, these are perfectly justifiable. A promise of speed and reliable quality is about respecting people’s time and mental energy in a dynamic world. Businesses that don’t adapt to this reality risk losing their customers. Competitors who adapt to deliver faster and smoother experiences are going to get ahead.

For businesses, user-validated CX is the competitive advantage that will drive greater user adoption, deliver customer satisfaction, and ensure success.


Network Connectivity On-demand

The customer-driven demand for speed, consistency, and availability at all times has reshaped entire industries. Nowhere is this more obvious than in network connectivity space—the backbone powering our connected existence.

IT and IT-enabled solutions underscore modern life. Work, smart homes, communications, entertainment, and our personal lives are all possible through technology-enabled tools, applications, IoT devices, streaming platforms, and cloud services.

But it is the underlying connectivity infrastructure that ensures the operations.

Networking solutions enable the smooth working of this always-on world that businesses and consumers have now come to take for granted. As our dependence on digital ecosystems deepens, networks have become more than infrastructure—they’re the lifeline keeping our interconnected world functioning.


Spiraling Demand for Zero-Touch, Friction-free Experiences

The zero-touch concept has emerged from increasing customer demand for seamless experiences. “Zero-touch” means things work automatically and are prioritized through sophisticated machine learning capabilities. Advanced technologies operate quietly and unobtrusively in the background providing customers access to friction-free experiences unhindered by the need for any form of user intervention in set-up, configuration, maintenance, management, or servicing.


What is Zero-Touch Connectivity?

Zero-touch connectivity is a concept where networks automatically configure, stabilize, and optimize themselves. These AI and analytics-guided intelligent systems continuously monitor, diagnose, and take autonomous remedial actions in real-time. Advanced systems are intuitive, and self-healing, further elevating the end-user’s quality of experience.


The Business Impact of Zero-Touch Connectivity

Zero-touch connectivity has transitioned from innovation to absolute necessity with trained AI systems anticipating events and needs and responding without manual intervention, to deliver the proactive, predictive, and personalized performance which customers value.

In a world of dynamic demand, Zero-touch builds the foundation for autonomous, experience-first connectivity. With its seamless orchestration, provisioning, and management, investing in zero-touch technologies is a strategic investment in performance and sustained growth.


Zero -Touch and Operational Efficiency

Zero-touch connectivity boosts growth by transforming operational efficiency. When issues are detected and resolved automatically, complaints decrease, technician visits (truck rolls) reduce, and support costs come down. Zero-touch networks scale better with dynamic, personalized services, such as boosting bandwidth for remote workers during meetings, or instantly activating a secure guest network for a visitor to the office. The outcome of adopting zero-touch technology is smarter, leaner operations that deliver more value with fewer resources.


Zero-Touch Connectivity is the Hidden Driver of Great CX

No dead zones, no frozen videos, no buffering streams, and no onboarding delays. Zero-touch solutions monitor, detect, and correct performance dips in real time. Customers enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality service, without ever knowing what was avoided, making zero-touch the ultimate driver of customer experience.


Leading with Proactive CX

The best customer experiences often go unnoticed, because nothing goes wrong. Flipping the old model where support meant fixing an issue after it emerged, zero-touch technology seeks to monitor, identify, and preemptively rebalance processes to fix issues, even before users notice. Trained AI and machine learning algorithms detect anomalies and restore performance in real-time. This shift from a reactive to a proactive approach builds trust and enduring customer relationships.


Meeting at the Edge for Speed and Security

In services such as gaming, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) , or telehealth, latency can break the experience. Zero-touch at the edge ensures ultra-responsive performance with fast, localized decision-making. It’s not just faster networks—it’s smarter, adaptive infrastructure that reacts immediately to conditions and demands, right where they happen.

Edge computing satisfies the need for real-time speed demands by moving intelligence closer to the user. Processing at the edge also promises a higher level of security by reducing the need to transfer sensitive information over networks. The localized approach ensures critical data stays within the user’s immediate environment, minimizing exposure to cyber threats.


Zero-Touch Experience as a Competitive Moat

In banking, streaming, or logistics, network quality is mission critical. Zero-touch technology becomes the differentiator that bolsters trust and loyalty. When users face minimal disruptions or incidents, they stay. Dependability creates an unbreachable moat around customer experience.

Qualtrics and ServiceNow research revealed that 80% of customers surveyed switched brands because of poor customer experience.[1] Zero-touch limits that risk by turning reliability into a competitive edge that directly impacts revenue and retention.


The Inevitable Supremacy of Zero-Touch Customer Experience

Zero-touch is destined to be the future of customer experience as more businesses move toward effortless, automated interactions that deliver instant value. While there may be some barriers to adoption, they are negligible compared to the clear benefits for both customers and companies, making widespread adoption inevitable.


How to Overcome Barriers to Zero-Touch

Legacy systems, siloed operations, and fragmented data often obfuscate the deployment of zero-touch automation. However, a mindset change aimed at embracing agility, cross-functional integration, and a culture of continuous improvement, can help overcome these hindrances to benefit from the full potential of zero-touch automation.


Addressing Fears through Trust, Transparency, and Control

Despite the ease of use and quality of experience, for some users the lack of visibility into behind-the-scenes processes can create a sense of lost control. The solution here is simple. Customer-facing dashboards, real-time analytics, and service transparency build trust and offer control. Balancing autonomy with assurance promises users peace of mind while letting the system work silently in their favor.


Future Forward: What’s Next for Zero-Touch and CX?

Agile, on-demand connectivity will become the industry standard. AI will orchestrate everything from capacity management to user experience in real time. This will lead to autonomous, anticipatory ecosystems that are even more context-aware, emotionally intelligent, and hyper-personalized. Capable of predicting needs before they’re expressed, zero-touch, AI-driven systems will be the norm.

Through edge intelligence and frictionless integration, these self-healing networks will achieve true zero friction, where technology becomes invisible yet indispensable, transforming from reactive tools into proactive, trusted digital collaborators that elevate connectivity into a genuine business enabler.



Aprecomm offers zero-touch, intuitive, self-healing network optimization solutions that are designed to deliver exceptional customer experience (CX) at all times, validated through a proprietary industry-first benchmarking framework of Quality of Experience (QoE) indicators. Curious to know more? Get in touch with us at [email protected]

Wi-Fi 7 is reshaping how devices communicate, and Wi-Fi 8, with even more advanced capabilities, is on the horizon. Businesses building connected devices need to understand how next-generation Wi-Fi impacts design decisions, user expectations and product viability.

Whether you’re developing smart home devices, industrial systems or enterprise-grade solutions, staying ahead of these evolving standards helps you deliver reliable and future-ready products.

Discover the key feature differences between Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8, use cases and what this all means for product development.

What Is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, or standard IEEE 802.11be, is the latest generation of wireless technology with extended capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. The standard offers precise coordination, better use of spectrum and enhanced flexibility. Wi-Fi 7 delivers speeds of up to 46 Gbps.

The technology is commercially available in chipsets, routers, access points and adapters. Wi-Fi 7 maintains backward compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, making it easier to transition without overhauling existing infrastructure.

Key Features of Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 redefines wireless connectivity with robust capabilities that boost efficiency. The features of Wi-Fi 7 include:

320 MHz Channel

Wi-Fi 7 has a channel bandwidth of 320 megahertz (MHz). This additional bandwidth is primarily available in the 6 GHz spectrum and is beneficial in large data load settings, where faster data transfers reduce latency and streamline user experiences.

4096 QAM

Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) determines how much data can be encoded into a signal. Wi-Fi 7 moves from 1024 QAM of Wi-Fi 6 to 4096 QAM, meaning more bits are transmitted per signal burst. For product developers, this means less time spent on data handoffs, which improves responsiveness and frees up network resources.

Multi-Link Operation 

Multi-link operation (MLO) allows devices to operate across the 2.4 GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands simultaneously or dynamically. This flexibility reduces congestion, balances traffic and adds redundancy for stable connections.

MLO modes include:

  • Multi-link single radio: Allows a user to alternate bands but receive only one frequency spectrum at a time.
  • Multi-link multi-radio: Allows for simultaneous and non-simultaneous transmission using two or more radios to operate across bands.
  • Enhanced multi-link single radio: Allows transmission on only one band at a time but adds more intelligence to how the device switches between frequency ranges.

Multiple Resource Units 

Wi-Fi 7 introduces flexible ways to allocate spectrum through multiple resource units (MRUs). These resource units allow a single device to pull together fragmented portions of the channel to form a usable transmission path. For environments with mixed traffic or partial interference, MRUs help maintain efficient operation and minimize wasted spectrum.

Preamble Puncturing

Preamble puncturing enables devices and clients to avoid portions of a channel experiencing interference while still using the rest of the bandwidth. This technique increases bandwidth availability in spectrum-dense areas. For developers building products for offices or industrial zones, this feature better supports multiple devices on the same network.

Restricted Target Wake Time

Wi-Fi 7 enhances the target wake time feature in Wi-Fi 6. With restricted target wake time (R-TWT), devices schedule times to wake and communicate, reducing overlap and saving energy. This has direct implications for battery-powered smart devices, where predictable, energy-efficient operation is essential.

Improved Power Efficiency and Low Latency

Improved Power Efficiency and Low Latency

With better control over how and when devices communicate, Wi-Fi 7 improves energy use. Lower latency allows time-sensitive applications to respond more quickly, which translates to smoother operation and more reliable communication for industrial automation and health care products.

Enhanced MU-MIMO and OFDMA

Wi-Fi 7 extends the multiple-user (MU) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) — MU-MIMO — and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) techniques from Wi-Fi 6. These features allow more devices to transmit data simultaneously, improving overall network efficiency. It’s useful in high-density environments like offices and stadiums.

What Is Wi-Fi 8?

Wi-Fi 8 technology, known as IEEE 802.11bn, is currently in development. Compatible devices are expected to launch in early 2028, and early drafts suggest a shift toward reliability, coordination and resource efficiency.

The standard is being designed for future-forward use cases, such as autonomous systems, immersive computing and dense Internet of Things (IoT) environments. IEEE 802.11bn will maintain backward compatibility with Wi-Fi 7, 6 and 6E, and is anticipated to exceed 46 Gbps.

Key Features of Wi-Fi 8

While still in early development, Wi-Fi 8 will expand wireless capabilities. Here are some features that support next-gen applications.

Ultra-High Reliability

Wi-Fi 8 aims to reduce jitter and packet loss by improving scheduling, redundancy and error correction. This shift prioritizes consistency over peak throughput and supports applications where dropped signals impact performance or safety.

Multiple Access Point Coordination

The standard aims to create a more seamless experience for devices moving across spaces, improve load balancing and help avoid signal conflicts. For businesses managing high-density deployments, wireless networks may behave like well-managed wired ones.

Advanced Power Management

Wi-Fi 8 refines device wake cycles and energy scheduling to extend battery life further in ultra-low-power devices. These refinements support long-lifespan IoT devices in industrial and outdoor settings where frequent battery replacement isn’t practical.

Enhanced Spectrum Utilization

IEEE 802.11bn will introduce smarter spectrum management through predictive traffic scheduling and adaptive channel use. This reduces interference and increases network performance as the number of connected devices increases. For developers, this means more-reliable performance in real-world conditions.

Integrated mmWave Support

Millimeter wave (mmWave) communication has already been employed in 5G for high-density urban environments and fixed wireless access solutions to provide high-speed, low-latency communication. Millimeter wave will become more native in Wi-Fi 8 and offer fast, short-range communication ideal for virtual reality (VR) headsets, docking stations and local data transfer between machines. Built-in mmWave support allows product designers to target these use cases without relying on separate radio systems.

Lower Latency

What you should know:
  • Wi-Fi 8 is being defined to prioritize reliable performance in challenging real-world conditions, enhancing connectivity even in congested, interference-prone and mobile environments.
  • Wi-Fi 8 introduces breakthrough innovations like seamless roaming, edge performance optimization and multi-access point coordination — designed to deliver wired-grade reliability for mission-critical applications in enterprise, home and large-scale venues.
  • Expected to be finalized in 2028, IEEE802.11bn will serve as the foundation for Wi-Fi 8 — with Qualcomm Technologies playing a key role in shaping the standard, driving innovation and enabling the technologies behind it.

In the world of wireless connectivity, speed has long been the headline feature. Wi-Fi 7 pushed the boundaries of peak performance, delivering exceptional throughput and low latency. But as AI becomes more deeply woven into the systems that shape how we live and work — as real-time responsiveness becomes essential to everything from automation to collaboration, and as users and devices demand seamless connectivity on the move — expectations for wireless connectivity are shifting.

Wi-Fi 8 marks a fundamental pivot — moving beyond peak speeds to prioritize reliable performance in challenging real-world conditions. It’s designed to deliver consistent, low-latency and near-lossless connectivity even in highly congested, interference-prone and mobile environments.

Building on over two decades of wireless innovation, Wi-Fi 8 refines and extends the capabilities of its predecessors to meet the demands of mission-critical, AI-driven systems and dynamic use cases. It’s designed to bring Wi-Fi closer than ever to the reliability and responsiveness of wired infrastructure. 

Wi-Fi 8 marks a fundamental pivot — moving beyond peak speeds to prioritize reliable performance in challenging real-world conditions. It’s designed to deliver consistent, low-latency and near-lossless connectivity even in highly congested, interference-prone and mobile environments.

Elevating Wi-Fi to new heights: Introducing IEEE802.11bn

Wi-Fi standards are developed by a global group of engineers and technologists who collaborate within the IEEE802.11 standards body. Leading technology companies — including Qualcomm Technologies — are actively contributing to the development of the underlying standard for the next-generation Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 8. This effort is being led by Task group IEEE802.11bn under the initiative known as ‘Ultra High Reliability’ (UHR).

UHR represents a bold vision to elevate Wi-Fi performance to new heights. The IEEE scope document that guides the development of the standard outlines a clear goal: to make wireless connections faster, more responsive and more robust.

With today’s standards, Wi-Fi can claim impressive performance metrics: multi-gigabit throughput, sub-10 millisecond latency and packet loss rates below 0.1%. Even so, Wi-Fi 8 aims to go further by improving performance by a measurable leap not only compared to Wi-Fi 7, but by doing so in the most challenging scenarios. According to the IEEE scope document, Wi-Fi 8 will introduce:

  • At least 25% higher throughput in challenging signal conditions.
  • 25% lower latency at the 95th percentile of the latency distribution.
  • 25% fewer dropped packets especially when roaming between access points.

These enhancements are designed to support both isolated and overlapping network deployments, with a focus on environments characterized by congestion, interference, user mobility and coverage boundaries. The standard also introduces improvements in power efficiency, peer-to-peer communication and mobility — all critical for emerging applications.

In subsequent blog posts, we will provide deeper insights into the underlying technologies and features being standardized in 802.11bn. Here, we’ll introduce some of the key concepts.

Qualcomm-image

Why Wi-Fi 8: The need for ultra-high reliability

As we look ahead to 2028 and beyond, Wi-Fi networks will need to support new classes of devices, greater mobility with those devices and mission-critical applications. Wi-Fi 8 is designed to rise to this challenge, delivering enhanced performance and reliability across a wide range of environments. This next-generation technology will be pivotal in enabling intelligent, mobile workspaces in enterprise settings; immersive and essential applications in connected homes; and seamless, high-density connectivity in public spaces. Just as importantly, Wi-Fi 8 is designed to support transformative trends, such as the proliferation of peer-to-peer device communications and the rise of AI-driven services, applications and devices.

 

Transformative trends: Wi-Fi 8 as the foundational connectivity fabric

Beyond today’s understood connectivity needs two trends are set to dramatically increase the density and dynamism required of local Wi-Fi networks.

  • The proliferation of personal device ecosystems: AR glasses, health monitors and next-generation wearables are accelerating demand for high-throughput, low-latency peer-to-peer links. These devices often offload compute-intensive tasks to companion devices, requiring seamless, short-range wireless performance.
  • The rise in AI-driven systems: Whether wearable, embedded in smart environments or autonomous, AI-driven systems demand reliable, low-latency connectivity to access edge or cloud-based AI for real-time inference. These intelligent systems are increasingly central to how we interact with the world around us.

Wi-Fi 8 is being defined to serve as the foundational connectivity fabric that enables these ecosystems to thrive.

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Advancing Wi-Fi for real-world deployments: New capabilities with 802.11bn

Turning this vision into reality depends on the new capabilities being standardized in 802.11bn, which advance Wi-Fi performance across five critical dimensions that matter most in real-world deployments.

  • Seamless roaming: 802.11bn introduces a transformative approach to mobility through the concept of Single Mobility Domains, enabling seamless roaming across multiple access points. This allows devices to provide a “once connected, always connected” experience by maintaining continuous, low-latency connections as they move — without the interruptions or packet drops caused by traditional handoffs.
  • Reliable coverage at the edge: Another important innovation vector in the 802.11bn standard is the focus on enhancing edge performance — the ability of a Wi-Fi network to maintain reliable, high-quality connectivity for client devices operating under non-ideal signal conditions. This is especially important for client devices operating at the outer boundaries of AP coverage or in environments with signal degradation due to distance, interference or power limitations. The standard addresses these challenges with a range of physical layer enhancements that work together to strengthen performance at the edge.
  • Smarter coordination for dense deployments: In high-density environments, such as enterprise campuses, apartment buildings and public venues, Wi-Fi networks can face challenges with overlapping signals and airtime contention. These conditions can lead to latency spikes, degraded throughput and overall user experience. Wi-Fi 8 tackles this head-on with one of its most important innovations: multi-AP coordination. By enabling APs to operate collaboratively rather than independently, Wi-Fi 8 introduces a smarter, more efficient way to access the medium and share resources between access points, providing a consistent user experience.
  • Improved in-device coexistence: Modern devices increasingly integrate multiple radios (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB), creating new coexistence challenges, such as disruptions on one technology while the shared antenna is used for another technology. Wi-Fi 8 introduces improved in-device coexistence to ensure smoother operation when multiple radios share antennas or spectrum, gracefully handling the temporary outages when the antenna is used for another technology.
  • Smarter energy use: As Wi-Fi becomes more central to everyday life, power efficiency is critical for extending battery life of client devices and mobile APs and reducing energy consumption of fixed APs and residential gateways. Wi-Fi 8 introduces new features that make wireless connectivity more energy-aware without compromising responsiveness.
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Where Wi-Fi 8 will make the biggest impact

Wi-Fi 8 is poised to transform wireless performance across the environments that need it most.

  • Enterprise connectivity — enabling intelligent, mobile workspaces: From smart factories and hospitals to logistics hubs and corporate campuses, enterprise environments are entering a new era of mobility, intelligence and automation. Wi-Fi 8 is designed to deliver the reliability and performance of wired infrastructure, with innovations that allow a new class of mission-critical use cases — such as collaborative robots, industrial automation systems, drones and autonomous-guided vehicles (AGVs) to operate without interruptions — even while in motion. This marks a fundamental shift. Wi-Fi is no longer just a convenience layer, but the core infrastructure enabling real-time decision-making, autonomous operations and AI-driven workflows at scale.
  • Home connectivity — powering immersive and critical home applications: The connected home is evolving into a platform for immersive and increasingly essential services. From predictive automation to real-time health monitoring, these services increasingly rely on AI to become context-aware, predictive and responsive, placing unprecedented demands on residential wireless networks. Wi-Fi 8 will make it possible to deliver these experiences consistently, even in high-density settings like multi-dwelling units (MDUs), where interference and congestion have traditionally limited performance.
  • Public spaces — delivering seamless mobility in high-density environments: Venues like airports, stadiums and transit hubs are evolving into hyper-connected environments. Users will expect uninterrupted access to services including live video sharing, augmented reality (AR) navigation, real-time translation and immersive visitor experiences while on the move. These venues increasingly rely on wireless infrastructure to support critical safety systems, video surveillance, sensor networks, emergency communications and real-time tracking of people and assets. Wi-Fi 8 will be essential to delivering seamless mobility and consistent performance, enabling users to stay connected while moving through expansive spaces and ensuring that critical operations run smoothly, even during peak usage times.
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The road ahead

The development of the 802.11bn standard is a collaborative effort within Working Group 802.11, involving an unprecedented number of contributors. Steady progress is being made with high-level consensus already achieved on a significant portion of the new standard, while other elements remain under discussion. Going forward, the 802.11bn task group will be busy finalizing a solid and high-quality basis of the future Wi-Fi 8 generation  — a generation that is again anticipated to be used in billions of devices in the next decade.

As the standard continues to evolve, Qualcomm Technologies remains at the forefront — driving innovation, shaping the specification and delivering the technologies that will bring this vision to life.

Stay tuned: In our next post, we’ll dive deeper into the technical breakthroughs behind Wi-Fi 8’s seamless roaming and edge performance.

Businesses today rely on robust, secure, and agile network infrastructures to power their operations and maintain a competitive edge. For global food and beverage leader Nestlé, addressing the limitations of legacy systems was critical to achieving these goals. By overhauling its network infrastructure with Cisco SD-WAN, Nestlé unlocked improved resiliency, agility, operational efficiency, and centralized control across 1700 offices, factories, and warehouses in 185 countries.

A recent Cisco webinar featuring special guest speaker Giovanni di Marzio, Senior Solution Architect, WAN – Connectivity, ITP C&V for Nestlé, explored the challenges Nestlé faced, the Cisco SD-WAN solution it adopted, and the transformative outcomes that enabled the company to future-proof its network and enhance its overall operational performance.

Click here to watch the on-demand webinar featuring Nestlé.

Navigating legacy network roadblocks

Nestlé’s IT team is tasked with managing a vast and complex global network that spans branch offices, manufacturing facilities, data centers, and cloud environments. However, several key obstacles have hindered their ability to scale, optimize performance, and deliver a seamless digital experience, including:

  • High costs of MPLS links
    Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) links were integral to Nestlé’s legacy network infrastructure. However, they came with significant operational costs that made scalability difficult and modern network optimization nearly impossible.
  • Fragmented and inefficient tools
    The complexity of managing a fragmented network infrastructure with disparate tools created many inefficiencies. They not only reduced operational agility but also complicated troubleshooting and day-to-day network management.
  • Limited visibility into network performance
    A lack of visibility into multiple cloud and internet providers made it challenging to troubleshoot issues and ensure optimal performance for cloud applications.
  • Security and compliance challenges
    In certain regions, security and compliance requirements added another layer of complexity. Policy-based routing and centralized compliance controls were necessary to address these challenges effectively.

Faced with these hurdles, Nestlé recognized that a modern approach was essential to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and meet the needs of a digitally driven enterprise.

The solution: An innovative suite of networking technologies from Cisco

Nestlé adopted Cisco SD-WAN paired with Cisco ThousandEyes and Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers that together are designed to enhance connectivity, digital experience, security, and automation. This strategic move enabled the company to manage its global network with greater efficiency and resilience.

The technologies that transformed Nestlé’s network include:

  • Cisco SD-WAN
    Cisco SD-WAN provides a cost-effective and simplified solution that features a multi-region fabric (MRF) and a software-defined approach to managing WAN traffic. With this technology, Nestlé gained performance optimization, resilience, and efficiency across its WAN.
  • Cisco ThousandEyes
    Cisco ThousandEyes offers a holistic view of digital experiences across Nestlé’s entire service delivery chain. This provides Nestlé with real-time visibility into internet paths and the performance of cloud and data center connections, enabling faster troubleshooting and optimization.
  • Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers
    Packed with next-generation security capabilities, Cisco 8000 Series Secure Routers feature AI-powered automation, post-quantum cryptography, and seamless cloud management. These routers have helped future-proof Nestlé’s WAN, ensuring it can adapt to evolving security and connectivity needs.

Transforming and unifying network operations

The adoption of Cisco SD-WAN with Cisco ThousandEyes has yielded remarkable results for Nestlé, driving significant improvements in both network performance and manageability.

Key outcomes for Nestlé include:

  • Centralized and simplified control
    With Cisco SD-WAN, Nestlé IT gained the ability to manage branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments through a single dashboard. This eliminates the need for multiple point tools and has reduced the complexity of network management.
  • Enhanced cost efficiencies
    By replacing expensive MPLS links with a centrally managed SD-WAN and network-as-a-service model, Nestlé significantly reduced leased line and operational costs. This shift to a more cost-effective infrastructure supports scalability and long-term savings.
  • End-to-end network visibility
    Cisco ThousandEyes empowers Nestlé with real-time views into internet paths and network performance. This allows the IT team to proactively address issues, optimize cloud app performance, and ensure a seamless digital experience.
  • High availability and performance improvements
    Automated failover and redundancy mechanisms have improved network reliability, ensuring 99.97% availability. Additionally, Nestlé now enjoys a lower incidence of latency, reduced disruptions, and overall enhanced performance across its global network.

A unified vision for the future

Nestlé’s transformation journey highlights how modern, transformative network technologies drive agility, efficiency, and resilience. By adopting Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco ThousandEyes, and secure routers, the company has not only addressed its immediate challenges but also positioned itself for future success in a connected world.

When describing the impact of the company’s network transformation, di Marzio said,

“Cisco SD-WAN provides internet connectivity without any limitations. And instead of looking at every log for two thousand routers, we have a single dashboard to manage the network and a centralized platform for orchestrating configurations across all Nestlé sites.”

This centralized approach has empowered Nestlé to streamline its operations, optimize costs, and deliver a seamless digital experience to its global workforce and customers.

A blueprint for modern enterprises

Nestlé’s network transformation serves as a blueprint for other enterprises grappling with the limitations of legacy systems. The company’s decision to embrace Cisco SD-WAN demonstrates how modern technologies can simplify network management, reduce costs, and enhance performance—all while ensuring security and compliance.

For organizations looking to future-proof their network infrastructure, Nestlé’s journey underscores the importance of embracing innovation and partnering with trusted technology providers like Cisco. By doing so, businesses can unlock the full potential of their network and thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Ultimately, Nestlé’s story is about more than just technology—it’s about aligning IT strategy with business goals to achieve operational excellence. Nestlé’s success is a testament to the power of innovation and a forward-looking vision for operational excellence.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 31, 2025 – DNSFilter announced today the release of its latest security report, which finds that bad actors are increasingly using domains associated with smaller island nations to attempt threat activity. Additionally, the report finds that new domains continue to be the most popular threat mode for bad actors for the second consecutive quarter. Download The DNS Record: Q3 Security Report 2025 here.

Analysis of threat traffic between April 1 and June 30, 2025 also found that malware and phishing continue to grow, with the former accounting for the second most trafficked threat category. The DNSFilter network processed billions more DNS queries in Q2 2025 compared to the previous quarter, with June recording the highest DNS traffic volume of the quarter. Each blocked malicious request represents a real attack prevented, real harm avoided and real people and organizations protected.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Almost 4% of DNS traffic was blocked, marking the highest percentage of blocked traffic on record. Not all blocked traffic is malicious, but this indicates DNSFilter’s users are more regularly blocking domains, whether to avoid cyber threats or block sites associated with time-wasting or inappropriate content.
  • New domains accounted for nearly 40% of requests categorized as malicious. While this was down slightly from the prior quarter, it indicates that bad actors continue to rely on new domains to capitalize on trends with catchy domain names to customize their threat campaigns. When domains are new, they’ve not yet had time to appear on block lists, which gives bad actors time for exploitation.
  • Phishing and deception roared back. After a slight dip, phishing and deception (31.6%) marked an increased percentage of traffic on DNSFilter’s network compared to the prior quarter. That represented over 750 million queries, which could be attributed to an increase in sophisticated Phishing-as-a-Service techniques, such as Tycoon 2FA.
  • Island nations’ domains gain traction with bad actors: Of the top five country code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs) likely to be malicious, four were domains associated with island nations. Domains associated with the Faroe Islands (.fo) were number one, with 27% of traffic deemed malicious. Also high on the list were Grenada, Mayotte and Wallis and Futuna. Threat actors adopt new TLDs for use in their campaigns and often choose TLDs and registries that are cheaper or even free in some cases, allowing them to quickly move on from domains and register new ones without cost concerns.

Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder, DNSFilter, said: “Bad actors are agile, and the volume and variation of threats we saw in Q2 underscore that defenders must move as quickly and flexibly as attackers. Blocking new domains, which continue to drive threat traffic, remains a key defensive approach that can mitigate risk from emerging domains that bad actors are trying to weaponize quickly. We’re seeing a structural shift in how modern attacks are launched and sustained and defenders must take notice.”

About the company:

DNSFilter is a cybersecurity company that protects every click, leveraging AI-driven content filtering and threat protection to block threats 10 days earlier than competitors. DNSFilter’s solution secures workers anywhere they are, helping to boost productivity, minimize compliance risk, and protect corporate brands on public Wi-Fi networks. Unlike traditional filtering solutions, DNSFilter deploys in minutes instead of days and is trusted by more than 43,000 organizations worldwide. Learn more about how DNSFilter is the first and last line of defense for corporate and hybrid networks at dnsfilter.com.

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), the leading innovator in low-power wireless, today announced that its Series 3 Secure Vault security subsystem on the SiXG301 SoC, the first SoC in its Series 3 portfolio, has achieved the world’s first PSA Level 4 certification. This achievement – the highest level recognized by PSA Certified – affirms Silicon Labs’ security leadership and its legacy of embedding trust at the core of connected technology.

PSA Certified introduced the Level 4 certification and its two designations, iSE/SE for secure elements and ROT for Root of Trust, to address the rising complexity and sophistication of physical attacks on embedded devices. Unlike previous levels, Level 4 validates resilience against laser fault injection, side-channel attacks, microprobing, and voltage manipulation – threats once considered theoretical but now part of the evolving reality.

Silicon Labs has consistently led the industry in achieving PSA milestones. Its MG21 SoC was the world’s first device to earn PSA Level 3 certification, establishing new benchmarks in protection against physical tampering and setting the stage for this next leap to Level 4. Silicon Labs SoCs were also the industry’s first to reach PSA Levels 1 and 2.

Silicon Labs collaborated with Keysight Technologies, a market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions company with renowned test and evaluation labs to validate Secure Vault on Series 3 for PSA Level 4. Their experts noted the seamless partnership with Silicon Labs’ engineering team, who demonstrated deep technical expertise and adaptability throughout the audit process.

“Keysight is proud to have supported Silicon Labs in achieving the world’s first PSA Level 4 certification,” said Marc Witteman, Technical Director, Keysight Device Security Testing at Keysight Technologies. “Our advanced testing methodologies, including side-channel analysis and fault injection, were instrumental to validating the Series 3 Secure Vault on the SiXG301’s resilience against today’s most sophisticated threats. This milestone reflects our commitment to helping innovators like Silicon Labs meet the highest levels of security assurance and regulatory readiness in a rapidly evolving IoT landscape.”

Future-Proofing Through Security-First Engineering

The Series 3 Secure Vault and the SiXG301 SoC’s resilience aren’t just about meeting today’s standards – it’s about anticipating future threats. The security subsystem and SoC were engineered to endure over a decade in the field, with industry-leading defenses against threats not yet commonplace. When combined with over-the-air firmware and software updates and real-time monitoring, Series 3 Secure Vault and the SiXG301 exemplify security as an ongoing lifecycle, not a one-time event.

Silicon Labs’ Series 3 platform, built on a 22 nm process node, is an industry leader in security and builds upon Silicon Labs’ award-winning Series 2 security legacy and scales it with PSA Level 4 capabilities. All Series 3 devices are planned to feature this industry-leading enhanced security foundation, with the SiXG301 expected to be the first to market with PSA Level 4 certification when it becomes generally available in Q3 2025.

Enabling Compliance Around the World

As governments around the globe enact new regulations – such as the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and CRA, the US Cyber Trust Mark, and Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labeling Scheme (CLS) – Silicon Labs stands ready to help device makers align with emerging mandates. Silicon Labs’ holistic approach to security and expert guidance gives product teams a head start on regulatory readiness and consumer trust, backed by independent lab validation.

With the EU’s RED regulations now in effect as of August 1, 2025. Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault – when properly implemented – delivers the features needed for compliance. Developers can register for an upcoming webinar, Stay Ahead of Global IoT Security Regulations with Silicon Labs, to learn how to integrate RED-ready security into their products.

To learn more about how Silicon Labs is pioneering security-first design and helping device makers and future-proof their solutions, visit:

About Silicon Labs

Silicon Labs Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is the leading innovator in low-power wireless connectivity, building embedded technology that connects devices and improves lives. Merging cutting-edge technology into the world’s most highly integrated SoCs, Silicon Labs provides device makers with the solutions, support, and ecosystems needed to create advanced edge connectivity applications. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs has operations in over 16 countries and is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the smart home, industrial IoT, and smart cities markets. Learn more at www.silabs.com.

IT managers face an increasingly challenging task: building a network that is fast, resilient, and secure, yet simple to manage and affordable to scale. Read on to learn why NETGEAR managed switches are a compelling option for Campus IT.

In today’s enterprise landscape, the demands placed on IT infrastructure are more complex and dynamic than ever before. Medium-sized organizations are experiencing an explosion in connected devices—from smartphones and tablets to IoT sensors and smartboards—while cloud services, collaboration platforms, and bandwidth-hungry applications like video conferencing have become integral to daily operations. As a result, IT managers face an increasingly challenging task: building a network that is fast, resilient, and secure, yet simple to manage and affordable to scale.

NETGEAR – The Compelling Option for Campus IT

NETGEAR, known for 25+ years of networking innovation, has become one of the most compelling secure and scalable options for campus IT. Its M4350 and M4500 switch families are purpose-built for fluctuating environments. Together, they offer a comprehensive solution that spans access, distribution, and core networking layers—delivering enterprise-grade performance and features enterprises expect, without the complexity or added cost often associated with incumbent vendors, yet with a proven track record in powering the most demanding AV-over-IP multicast networks.

M4350: Redefining the Access Layer

The NETGEAR M4350 series completely reimagines the network access layer. Recognizing the shift toward multi-Gigabit Wi-Fi, cloud-first applications, and higher endpoint density, the M4350 brings high-performance switching right to the network edge. It supports a range of port types—1G, 2.5G, 10G, and 25G—making it well-suited to campuses deploying next-generation wireless technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.

The M4350 doesn’t just provide raw speed; it’s engineered for uptime and security, with active-active stacking using Non-Stop Forwarding, redundant power supplies, and comprehensive Layer 3 support including RIP-v2 MD5 authentication and OSPF. NETGEAR’s industry-leading implementation of IGMP for multicast is another popular feature.

M4500: Powering the Core

While the M4350 transforms the access layer, the M4500 is designed to dominate at the core and distribution levels. Built with high-bandwidth applications in mind, the M4500 supports 10G, 25G, 40G, and even 100G Ethernet ports. This level of throughput ensures that the switch can handle demanding workloads, such as 4K/8K video streaming, AI-based processing, and high-density wireless backhaul, all without bottlenecks. It also supports Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG), enabling active-active core configurations that provide high availability and minimal failover times.

Effortless Control with Insights Cloud

For remote management and increased visibility, the M4350 offers intuitive deployment and monitoring through a unified web GUI and REST APIs. Additionally, NETGEAR’s Insight cloud platform provides a single pane of glass for centralized management, enabling IT teams to efficiently monitor and configure switches across multiple locations. This integration simplifies network operations, offering unparalleled control for IT teams tasked with supporting hundreds or thousands of endpoints across classrooms, offices, and shared spaces.

Why Choose NETGEAR?

What sets NETGEAR apart from traditional enterprise vendors isn’t just its performance metrics—it’s the cost-efficiency and openness of its platform. Unlike many competitors that charge for licenses, advanced features, or technical support, NETGEAR delivers its complete Layer 2/3 feature set without additional fees. Security is enterprise-grade, with support for access control lists, 802.1x authentication, RADIUS/TACACS+, and secure boot options in select models. All switches come with a lifetime hardware warranty under the ProSAFE program, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership.

The M4350 and M4500 series also stand out for their interoperability. They’re compatible with widely used optics, such as Cisco’s SFP-10/25G modules, reducing vendor lock-in and making upgrades or expansions far more flexible. For IT managers planning multi-vendor environments or gradual migration paths, this can eliminate a host of headaches down the road.

According to recent data from IDC and Dell’Oro, while overall port shipments slowed in 2024 due to the industry’s shift toward AI and datacenter infrastructure, demand for 25G and 100G ports in campus environments is rising—driven by Wi-Fi 7 and higher-capacity backbone upgrades. NETGEAR’s timing with the M4350 and M4500 couldn’t be better. In head-to-head comparisons, these enterprise-grade switches offer approximately 95% of the features enterprises require, while outperforming the competition in terms of value and manageability.

A Future-Ready Network

For IT managers weary of bloated product lines, complicated licensing models, and sluggish support from legacy vendors, NETGEAR offers a refreshing alternative. The M4350 brings next-gen capability to the access edge, and the M4500 provides a formidable core switching option for organizations ready to scale.

Ultimately, the choice of switching infrastructure is no longer just about speed or port counts. It’s about building a network that adapts to future demands, safeguards your data, and gives your IT team the tools to stay ahead. NETGEAR’s switch portfolio, enhanced by Insight’s single pane of glass cloud controller, meets that brief—and then some.