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In my three-decade-long career, I have had the privilege of undergoing extensive training in various aspects of cybersecurity, network security, and computer forensics. With numerous certifications and over 900 hours of specialized training from the NSA and the National Cryptographic School (NCS), and more than 600 hours from the FBI and the FBI Academy in Computer Forensics, I have always been committed to staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving field. As a result, I’ve found that to be successful in cybersecurity, it is crucial to remain committed to continuous learning and stay aware of industry developments. That’s why I recently completed a course that stands out as one of the best I have ever taken: “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” at Cisco University. I’d like to share my thoughts with you about the value it has added to skills set, and can add to yours as well.

The Cisco University experience

First off, Cisco University offers a plethora of courses designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in various networking, security domains, forensics, incident response and more. The great thing is you can join “Cisco U” for free, and they offer a massive amount of free courses offerings. So, you can dive right in without any expense. And although some courses do involve a fee, I have found they are well worth the expense.

Cisco University’s “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” course was particularly exceptional. I learned so much. Despite the early mornings and late nights working around my day job, the experience was incredibly rewarding. The course was definitely challenging, but the knowledge and skills I gained were well worth the effort.

Why Cisco University training is Worth your time

Having accumulated a significant amount of training and certifications over the years, I can confidently say that Cisco University training programs are unparalleled. The “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” course utilized Cisco’s security portfolio in a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment, making the learning experience both real and hands-on. This practical approach is what sets Cisco University training apart from others.

Cisco University provides engaging labs and learning through Cisco dCloud. The dCloud lab provided an unparalleled hands-on experience that helped bridge the gap between my theoretical knowledge and practical Security Operation Center (SOC) applications, playbook, and processes using the powerful Cisco Security Portfolio tools that Cisco uses in their SOC.

Cisco dCloud provided a dynamic, cloud-based platform where I was able to
access a wide array of preconfigured virtual environments tailored to both
the course content and the various Cisco security technologies and solutions.

This immersive learning environment allowed me to experiment with real-world
scenarios during the course, troubleshoot issues, and implement real security and
incident response solutions in a risk-free setting.

The virtual classroom instruction was fantastic, but by leveraging Cisco dCloud, I had the ability to gain invaluable experience that enhanced my understanding of complex concepts. The course prepared me for real-world challenges and will definitely help me in my everyday job.

My advice after taking this class is, whether you’re a seasoned security professional or new to the field, the interactive classes and labs on Cisco dCloud at Cisco University are an essential resource for deepening your expertise and staying ahead of adversaries with cybersecurity and incident response technologies.

Course highlights: Performing CyberOPS using Cisco security technologies

The course offered by Cisco University covered a wide range of topics essential for anyone involved in cybersecurity operations. The best part was that I got to use our great Cisco Security portfolio. Here are some of the key areas covered in the class that helped expand my skills set.

Threat hunting and incident response

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat hunting and incident response involve proactively searching for and identifying potential security threats within an organization’s network (threat hunting) and systematically addressing and mitigating security incidents when they occur (incident response). Threat hunting aims to uncover hidden threats that may have bypassed automated defenses, while incident response focuses on containing, eradicating, and recovering from detected security breaches. Together, these practices enhance an organization’s ability to detect, respond to, and prevent cyber threats effectively.

Performing CyberOPS using Cisco security technologies

What I learned at Cisco University: Performing CyberOPS using Cisco security technologies involved leveraging Cisco’s suite of security tools and solutions to conduct cybersecurity operations and incident response. This included monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to security threats within an organization’s network. Utilizing Cisco’s advanced technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms and XDR, enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of cybersecurity efforts, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.

Performing incident investigations and response

What I learned at Cisco University: Performing incident investigations and response involved systematically examining security incidents to determine their cause, scope, and impact, followed by taking appropriate actions to mitigate and resolve the issue. This process included identifying the affected systems, collecting and analyzing evidence, containing the threat, eradicating the root cause, and recovering normal operations. I learned that effective incident investigations and response are crucial for minimizing damage, preventing recurrence, and improving an organization’s overall security posture.

Threat hunting basics

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat hunting basics involve the proactive search for cyber threats that may have evaded existing security defenses. This process includes using advanced techniques and tools to identify unusual patterns, behaviors, and indicators of compromise within an organization’s network. The goal is to detect and mitigate threats before they can cause significant harm. Mastery of these basics is essential for enhancing an organization’s security posture and staying ahead of potential attackers.

Threat investigations

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat investigations involve the systematic process of examining and analyzing potential security threats to determine their nature, origin, and impact. This includes gathering and analyzing data, identifying indicators of compromise, and understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors. The goal is to uncover the full scope of the threat, mitigate its effects, and prevent future incidents. Effective threat investigations are crucial for maintaining an organization’s security and resilience against cyberattacks.

Malware forensics basics

What I learned at Cisco University: Malware forensics basics involve the fundamental techniques and methodologies used to analyze and investigate malicious software (malware). This includes identifying, isolating, and examining malware to understand its behavior, origin, and impact. The goal is to uncover how the malware operates, what it targets, and how it can be mitigated or removed. Mastery of these basics is essential for effectively responding to and recovering from malware incidents.

Performing security analytics and reports in a SOC

What I learned at Cisco University: Performing security analytics and reports in a SOC involves analyzing security data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and uncover potential threats. This process includes using advanced analytical tools and techniques to interpret data from various sources, such as network traffic, logs, and threat intelligence feeds. The findings are then compiled into comprehensive reports that provide insights into the organization’s security posture, helping to inform decision-making and improve overall security strategies.

Threat research and threat intelligence practices

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat research and threat intelligence practices involve the systematic study and analysis of cyber threats to gather actionable information about potential and existing security risks. This includes identifying threat actors, understanding their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and monitoring emerging threats. The insights gained are used to inform and enhance an organization’s security posture, enabling proactive defense measures and more effective incident response.

Implementing threat tuning

What I learned at Cisco University: Implementing threat tuning involves adjusting and optimizing security tools and systems to improve their accuracy in detecting and responding to threats. This process includes fine-tuning detection rules, filters, and thresholds to reduce false positives and ensure that genuine threats are identified promptly. Effective threat tuning enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of a SOC by ensuring that security alerts are relevant and actionable.

Investigating endpoint appliance logs

What I learned at Cisco University: Investigating endpoint appliance logs involves analyzing the log data generated by endpoint devices, such as computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices, to identify and understand security events and incidents. This process helps in detecting anomalies, tracking malicious activities, and gathering evidence for incident response. Effective log investigation is crucial for maintaining endpoint security and ensuring the integrity and safety of an organization’s network.

SOC operations and processes

What I learned at Cisco University: SOC operations and processes encompass the day-to-day activities and workflows carried out within a SOC to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats. These processes include threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring of an organization’s IT environment. Effective SOC operations and processes are critical for maintaining robust security, minimizing the impact of security incidents, and ensuring the overall protection of an organization’s digital assets.

Understanding SOC development and deployment models

What I learned at Cisco University: SOC development and deployment models refer to the strategies and frameworks used to design, implement, and manage a SOC. This includes determining the SOC’s structure, operational processes, technology stack, and staffing requirements. Understanding these models is essential for creating an effective SOC that can efficiently monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats, tailored to the specific needs and resources of an organization.

Understanding APIs

What I learned at Cisco University: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. APIs enable the integration of various systems and services, facilitating data exchange and functionality sharing. Understanding APIs is crucial for developing, managing, and securing applications, as they play a key role in enabling interoperability and enhancing the capabilities of software solutions.

Understanding cloud service model security

What I learned at Cisco University: Cloud service model security involves the strategies and practices used to protect data, applications, and infrastructure associated with different cloud service models—such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each model has unique security requirements and responsibilities shared between the cloud service provider and the customer. Understanding these security measures is essential for ensuring data privacy, compliance, and protection against cyber threats in cloud environments.

Understanding analytical processes and Playbooks

What I learned at Cisco University: Analytical processes in cybersecurity involve systematically examining data to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential threats. These processes use various techniques, such as data mining, statistical analysis, and machine learning, to transform raw data into actionable insights. Understanding these processes is crucial for making informed decisions, improving threat detection, and enhancing overall security posture. Playbooks in cybersecurity are predefined, step-by-step guides that outline the procedures and best practices for responding to specific types of security incidents or threats. They provide a standardized approach to incident response, ensuring that actions are consistent, efficient, and effective. Playbooks help streamline operations, reduce response times, and improve coordination among security teams.

Understanding risk management and SOC operations

What I learned at Cisco University: Risk management in cybersecurity involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential threats to an organization’s information assets. It includes implementing strategies to mitigate or manage these risks to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Effective risk management helps organizations minimize the impact of security incidents and maintain business continuity. SOC operations refer to the processes and activities carried out within a SOC to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. SOC operations involve the use of advanced tools and technologies to ensure continuous surveillance of an organization’s IT infrastructure, enabling rapid incident response and threat mitigation to protect against cyberattacks.

Wrapping up: Final thoughts on Cisco University

If you are looking to elevate your cybersecurity, network security, forensics and/or incident response skills, Cisco University is the place to go. The “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” course is a great example of the high-quality training that Cisco offers. It is challenging, rewarding, and incredibly informative. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about advancing their career in this very complex field.

Investing your time and effort in Cisco University training is undoubtedly worth it. The skills and knowledge you gain will not only enhance your professional capabilities but also prepare you to tackle all the hard challenges in the cybersecurity and computer forensics fields.

Everything from smartphones to blenders these days are WiFi-enabled and require internet connectivity. For smart WiFi to be effective, a network needs to determine how to identify and properly manage the device. Through years of experience, managing tens of millions of locations and billions of devices, Plume has built algorithms that can quickly and accurately determine device demands. This includes not just identification, but the technical assessment to inform how each device is handled, the necessary bandwidth and how to prioritize its position within the network traffic.

Every day, people add millions of new devices to Plume networks. In this Plume IQ, we are going to look at the devices added to Plume networks in the United States in the first half of this year.

The top device added? Smartphones, unsurprisingly. Over half (53.5%) of devices added in the first six months of the year were smartphones. Laptops and computers are in second place (15.7%) and then tablets (8.5%) are in the number three spot of added devices. After those three, comes a mix delineating how consumers interact with the internet. In descending order, the next devices are: watches (5.2%), televisions (3.8%), game consoles (3%), and set-top boxes (2.7%).

Cameras, printers and voice assistants all show up on the list of new devices added – and at the bottom of the device list – blenders. But don’t let that deter any smoothie chefs out there – we see you.

Plume identifies dozens of different device types and the data evolves daily as it learns the demands of specific makes and models. All of this information allows for network management to become personalized in each location. Device detail all ladders up to a connected, smart and unparalleled experience.

Bell launches WorkPass

Bell announced the launch of its new Bell Business Wi-Fi App, designed to empower small businesses in Ontario and Québec with an enhanced Wi-Fi experience that combines improved security, customizable guest Wi-Fi, employee and customer data insights, and simplified network management.

The Bell Business Wi-Fi App with Bell pure fibre Internet provides tools and insights to help small businesses stay securely connected and manage their operations effectively, in addition to Wi-Fi access for employees and guests. A cloud-based platform designed in partnership with Plume, the app delivers an innovative, next-level experience.

“We’re excited to launch the Bell Business Wi-Fi App, a powerful tool for small businesses. Powered by Canada’s fastest network, Bell pure fibre Internet, it offers innovative features to help small businesses thrive. This app reflects our commitment to investing in new areas of growth and new opportunities for our customers, as we transform from a traditional telco to a tech services leader.”

Read more: Bell launches innovative Business Wi-Fi App, delivering a next-level experience for small businesses in Ontario and Québec on Canada’s fastest network

Award

WorkPass wins TMC 2024 Communications Solutions Products of the Year Award

Plume WorkPass was recently awarded with a Communications Solutions Product of the Year Award. The award honors exceptional products and services that enable, facilitate, and enhance voice, data, and video communications, and which were brought to market or greatly improved upon in the last twelve months.

See the list of TMC honorees here

News Roundup

“One of the things that we do to enhance corporate culture is to consistently engage and encourage our global remote teams. We connect outdoor activity throughout the year via Strava, and we frequently have employees engage in activities such as 29 minutes of outdoor activity a day for the 29 days of February. It’s a great way to do team building even though we are physically located all over the world.

For the upcoming #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge in September we have several of our employees training to ride with us! You can check them out — and sponsor their fundraising efforts — here.”
– Jasna Mihelj Coustaury

More from Medium

If you’re installing products yourself, make sure they are both easy to install and simple to use. “The right smart home device should be simple to set up and fit into the existing ecosystem you may have,” says Matt Rosenberg of Plume Design, a company specializing in managed Wi-Fi services and network security.

More from Associated Press

Bell has launched its Bell Business Wi-Fi App for small businesses in Ontario and Quebec, which lets small businesses easily manage their network.

The Bell Business Wi-Fi App from California-based partner Plume, offers enhanced security with three separate Wi-Fi zones, providing increased protection for business, employee, and customer internet usage. It features an easy guest Wi-Fi experience with a customizable login portal.

More from iPhone in Canada

Bell Canada has launched a new app for business customers to help manage their Wi-Fi networks. Available in Ontario and Quebec, the Bell Business Wi-Fi App offers security controls to separate traffic from different users, customizable guest Wi-Fi access, employee and customer data insights, and network management tools such as pod installation and scheduled access. The app is aimed at business customers using Bell’s fibre broadband services. It was developed as a cloud-based platform with Plume.

More from Telecompaper

#PlumeStrong

The #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge (#PSCC24) is on! Plume and its employees – with the help of generous corporate sponsors and individuals – are seeking to raise €1,000,000 to continue #PlumeStrong‘s mission to provide education and opportunity to communities in need.

#PSCC24 will be held from September 2-6, 2024. Our riders will begin in Zurich, Switzerland and finish in Venice, Italy. Returning #PlumeStrong Ambassador, three-time Tour de France champion, and recent winner of the Giro d’Italia, Tadej Pogačar, will join the ride for the first leg. Additional #PlumeStrong Ambassadors joining the ride include cyclists Urška Žigart, Scott Ogden and Marko Baloh.

Follow our #PSCC24 riders and all the updates from the ride on Instagram.
It’s not too late to sponsor our individual #PSCC24 riders here.
Bid on the new #PlumeStrong auction items here.
For more information and to donate directly to #PlumeStrong please visit our website.

In today’s connected world, reliable and secure Wi-Fi is a necessity, especially in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) such as apartment complexes, condominiums, and student housing. Traditional Wi-Fi security methods often fall short in these environments, leading to potential security risks and management headaches. Enter Dynamic Pre-Shared Keys (dPSK aka iPSK aka xPSK aka mPSK etc), a game-changer for MDU Wi-Fi networks. Let’s explore the benefits of using DPSK in an MDU environment.

Enhanced Security

One of the primary benefits of DPSK is enhanced security. Unlike traditional Pre-Shared Keys (PSK), where a single key is shared among multiple users, DPSK assigns a unique key to each device. This means that even if one device’s key is compromised, the rest of the network remains secure. This individualized approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Simplified Network Management

Managing a Wi-Fi network in an MDU can be challenging, especially when dealing with frequent tenant turnover. DPSK simplifies network management by allowing administrators to easily add or revoke access for individual devices without affecting the entire network. This flexibility is particularly useful in environments where residents frequently move in and out, such as student housing.

Improved User Experience

With DPSK, residents enjoy a seamless and secure Wi-Fi experience. Each device is assigned its own unique key, eliminating the need for residents to share a common password. This not only enhances security but also reduces the likelihood of connectivity issues caused by incorrect password entries. Additionally, residents can connect multiple devices without compromising network performance or security.

Scalability

As MDUs grow and the number of connected devices increases, scalability becomes a critical factor. DPSK offers a scalable solution that can accommodate a growing number of devices without compromising security or performance. This makes it an ideal choice for MDUs of all sizes, from small apartment buildings to large residential complexes.

Auto-Assigned VLANs

Another significant advantage of using DPSK in an MDU environment is the ability to auto-assign VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). With DPSK, each device can be automatically assigned to a specific VLAN based on its unique key. This allows for better network segmentation and management, ensuring that traffic from different devices or users is isolated and secure. Auto-assigned VLANs can help optimize network performance by reducing broadcast traffic and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, this feature enhances security by preventing unauthorized access between different VLANs, further protecting residents’ data and privacy.

Cost-Effective Solution

Implementing DPSK can also be a cost-effective solution for MDU operators. By reducing the need for complex network configurations and minimizing the risk of security breaches, DPSK can lower operational costs. Additionally, the simplified management process can free up IT resources, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wi-Fi Dynamic Pre-Shared Keys offer a robust and flexible solution for MDUs, addressing the unique challenges of these environments. By enhancing security, simplifying network management, improving user experience, and offering scalability, DPSK is a valuable tool for any MDU operator looking to provide reliable and secure Wi-Fi to their residents. GoZone’s SecurePass helps tenant self-signup and management of their own DPSK connections and also allows additional functionality such guest plans and payment for access. Talk to An Expert for more details.

Residential communities are undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). From senior living to multifamily and mixed-use properties, AI is revolutionizing how we manage and interact with our living spaces. Staying abreast of these AI-driven trends is crucial for properties that want to remain competitive. Here, we explore ways AI can improve the resident experience while improving profitability and sustainability.

Enhancing the Resident Experience

As smart home devices become an integral part of modern living, AI offers opportunities to improve the daily living experience in MDUs. For example, AI-driven apps can help residents control lights, thermostats, and locks. They can even learn to adjust controls for individual spaces based on residents’ habits. This can help residents save money while improving convenience. It can also improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities by enabling them to adjust their environment without physically accessing on-wall devices.

AI-powered virtual assistants can help residents manage daily tasks, provide entertainment, and offer reminders. They can help coordinate the use of common spaces for resident events or act as a virtual concierge. In senior living communities, these assistants can remind residents to take medication or help them schedule appointments.

AI-driven chatbots can also help property managers with routine inquiries and maintenance requests. They can also keep residents informed on the status of repairs and other events. Chatbots ensure 24/7 availability for non-urgent requests, reducing the workload on staff and improving response times and resident satisfaction. This also enables staff to focus on personal interactions that need the “human touch.”

For enhanced security and safety, AI can improve features such as biometric access and smart surveillance. This can help ensure that only authorized individuals can access residences. With real-time monitoring and alerts, AI-based security solutions can alert staff quickly to unusual activity or potential emergencies, enabling faster responses.

For senior housing communities in particular, AI technology can help monitor residents’ health through wearable devices and smart home sensors. This can ease residents’ minds and lessen the burden on staff by providing ongoing information on residents’ health and safety without constant personal check-ins. It can also provide more detailed information to support personalized care plans.

Boosting Profitability

AI not only enhances the resident experience but can also boost the profitability of multifamily properties by optimizing operations. For example, AI solutions can use sensors and machine learning for predictive maintenance. By monitoring the performance and condition of appliances, plumbing, and utilities, these tools can schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs, reducing downtime and repair costs. For example, an AI solution can alert maintenance staff if a toilet has begun leaking. A single leaky toilet can cost over $1000 per year, not including the cost of water damage – so this can save money as well as prevent headaches!

AI-driven optimization of energy use can also save money. For example, AI solutions can adjust thermostats and lighting systems in common areas. They can even take into account factors such as occupancy and weather conditions.

AI can also help improve profitability by analyzing market trends and demand to adjust rent prices dynamically. For example, factors such as local market conditions, historical pricing data, and current demand can help properties remain competitive while maximizing revenue. While managers can undoubtedly perform these types of calculations, AI-based solutions can potentially take into account more factors and update them more frequently to optimize pricing.

Similarly, AI-assisted analytics and machine learning can help spot opportunities in everything from marketing to operations. For example, by analyzing audience data, AI can suggest better ways to target and personalize messaging to prospects. Digital agents can jumpstart the leasing process by guiding prospects through their first inquiries. They can also screen prospective tenants and schedule property tours, ensuring leads aren’t missed. Some properties have also used AI to analyze operations and determine where hangups occur to streamline processes. There are even AI-based solutions for review management!

Driving Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming a selling point for modern residential communities. Many residents, especially in younger generations, say they prefer properties that support sustainable living. Green properties not only have lower operating costs but also command rent premiums. AI can help multifamily properties become more eco-friendly. For example, smart irrigation systems can adjust water usage based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels. This enables properties to reduce water waste while maintaining beautiful landscapes.

As noted previously, AI solutions can also optimize heating, cooling, and lighting to minimize energy waste while decreasing operating costs. AI can even help with waste management by sorting out recycling. This assistance reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills while lessening the burden on residents.

Preparing Communities for AI

AI solutions are only part of what’s needed in modern housing communities. To support these solutions, it’s crucial to establish the right digital infrastructure.

Properties must invest in fast, reliable connectivity, including Wi-Fi and wired connections that can support the increasing number of connected devices. A property’s connectivity infrastructure needs to be able to accommodate not only devices pre-installed by the property, but also resident devices such as phones, TVs, gaming systems, and wearables. It also needs to perform well even when many residents are using it. Fiber provides a good foundation for AI-powered solutions and other connected devices. Properties will also need to ensure that their Wi-Fi architecture can handle the resulting traffic without degraded performance.

Because AI-enabled solutions can potentially collect personal and sensitive data, it’s essential that properties take action to preserve data security and privacy. Ideally, properties should implement cybersecurity at every stage, from designing and building products and systems to their implementation, use, and management, and even how staff respond when an attack is detected. It’s also important to ensure that managers make residents aware of what data these solutions collect and how systems will use that data.

It’s vital that everyone, from management and owners to staff, understand where AI excels and where it does not. AI will never be able to replace all facets of human interaction; there is a need to maintain a human connection with residents. To improve resident satisfaction, consider how best to achieve a balance between AI automation and human interaction. Also, be sure to review processes on an ongoing basis to ensure fairness and transparency, as AI can be as subject to biases as humans are.

AI is transforming multifamily and senior housing: Modern housing is smart housing. Residents are increasingly coming to expect the integration of smart solutions in their daily living environment. By investing in connectivity and security, you can set your property at the forefront of this digital revolution.

Property owners need to invest in a robust and secure connectivity infrastructure to support the continuing demand for connected technology in multifamily and senior housing. WorldVue is your trusted provider that can help you meet these growing needs. Give us a call to find out how our solutions can help you meet housing community technology trends for connectivity, infotainment, and more!

Imagine upgrading from a regular bicycle to a high-speed sports car—this is the leap you’ll experience with Zyxel’s WBE530 WiFi 7 Access Point. Just as a sports car delivers unmatched speed and performance on the road, the WBE530 transforms your network with incredible WiFi 7 speeds, expanded capacity, and cutting-edge security features.

Designed to meet the demands of modern educational environments and dynamic small businesses, the WBE530 ensures you’re equipped for the digital age. It’s like moving from a basic phone to the latest smartphone, where speed, reliability, and security are taken to new heights.

The WBE530 is powered by a Qualcomm quad-core CPU, delivering blazing-fast WiFi 7 data rates of up to 11Gbps and a substantial increase in capacity. This advanced technology is tailored to enhance online learning environments and support small business operations with unmatched efficiency and reliability.

Enhanced by Zyxel’s Nebula platform, the WBE530 integrates a comprehensive suite of management and security features, providing robust connectivity and dependable performance. Nebula’s intelligent cloud management simplifies network installation and oversight, offering real-time notifications and a user-friendly interface, all without additional software or hardware costs.

With NebulaFlex Pro, the WBE530 offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to easily switch between cloud-managed, controller-managed, and standalone modes to fit their specific needs.

The Zyxel WBE530 WiFi 7 Access Point is more than just an upgrade—it’s a transformative leap in networking technology. Just as a sports car revolutionizes your driving experience, the WBE530 redefines your network’s speed, capacity, and security. Designed for modern educational settings and small businesses, this device offers the power and flexibility needed to excel in the digital age. With the advanced Qualcomm quad-core CPU and seamless integration with Zyxel’s Nebula platform, the WBE530 ensures that your network is prepared for today and ready for the future. Discover the difference and take your connectivity to the next level with the WBE530. For more info, click here.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Aug. 19, 2024 — Now in its fourth year, #PlumeStrong is proud to announce two significant fundraising events: the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge (#PSCC24) and a Gala Philanthropic Dinner. Plume and its employees, with the help of generous corporate sponsors and individuals, are seeking to raise €1,000,000 to continue #PlumeStrong’s mission to provide education and opportunity to communities in need.

Recently, #PlumeStrong and Street Child committed to continue their partnership. This year, the focus shifts to Sierra Leone, a country where access to secondary education in rural areas remains a critical need. The funds raised during the #PSCC24 will benefit Street Child’s work in Sierra Leone. The collaboration will focus on developing 15 rural secondary schools, providing quality education to over 1,500 children annually, teacher training, and the establishment of a community agriculture project to help sustain the school.

#PSCC24 will be held from September 2-6, 2024. Riders will begin in Zurich, Switzerland and finish in Venice, Italy, covering a distance of 824 km and traversing famous mountain passes through the Alps and the Dolomites.

Returning #PlumeStrong Ambassador, three-time Tour de France champion, and recent winner of the Giro d’Italia, Tadej Pogačar, will join the ride for the first leg. Additional #PlumeStrong Ambassadors joining the ride include cyclists Urška Žigart, Scott Ogden and Marko Baloh.

The 2023 #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge (#PSCC23) raised over €550,000 and was used to provide much-needed educational support for children affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquakes. Through the support of our riders, partners, and all of our generous donors, #PlumeStrong is building a school in one of the most impacted regions in the area.

Following the ride, #PlumeStrong will host its first-ever Gala Philanthropic Dinner in California on October 19, 2024. The Gala will raise funds to support the work of our U.S.-based partner, the Ron Brown Scholar Program, for the creation of the Ron Brown Venture Lab (RBVL). It is an innovative initiative designed to provide the essential resources that Ron Brown Scholars, Captains, and Alumni need to launch and grow their entrepreneurial ventures. The event will include both a silent and a live auction.

The Ron Brown Venture Lab will create a robust support network to address the significant challenges Black founders often face in securing the resources needed to bring their business ideas to life. By providing social, human, and financial capital, RBVL supports developing and scaling ventures within the community. The initiative aims to ignite a new generation of socially-minded innovators to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.

“What started as an internal program has grown beyond even our own expectations. We started #PlumeStrong to assist our employees and support one another at a time when people felt isolated and alone. Now, we have extended #PlumeStrong’s reach all over the world and have created a program that actively provides resources for education and community building. Our employees, business partners, and sponsors have played a vital role in this endeavor, and we are so grateful for their continued support. Our extraordinary #PlumeAmbassadors, including cycling star Tadej Pogačar, have helped to spread the word about the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge and the aims of our global mission. #PlumeStrong has gone from strength to strength, and I am so proud of this team.” – Fahri Diner, Founder and CEO, Plume

• Follow along for #PSCC24 updates on Instagram
• Learn more about how to sponsor our individual #PSCC24 riders here
• For details on the Ron Brown Venture Lab click here
• Get more information on the Gala Philanthropic Dinner Ticket & Sponsorship information here
• For details on how to partner with us or take part in #PSCC24 please visit the #PlumeStrong website

The World’s Only Wireless Bridge That Goes Through Concrete

The introduction of any new technology or a new application of an existing technology comes with a “lessons learned” phase. We have been shipping and deploying with customers the innovative WaveTunnelTM system for more than a year now. This experience, which includes numerous trials, testing sessions and commercial deployments, has proven that 60GHz broadband wireless technology has truly found its home as an indoor wireless backbone. As a result, we have proven that the WaveTunnel provides pervasive Gigabit-speed connectivity in MDUs, factories, warehouses, conference centers and other similar large properties.

This success is based on our first-in-the-industry accomplishment of achieving NLOS connectivity for 60GHz systems. NLOS in the case of the WaveTunnel means it can indeed penetrate interior walls such as plasterboard and wood, glass windows and partitions of various types. Advances in beam steering capabilities mean that WaveTunnel signals can also go down long corridors (distances of 150 meters are no problem, with transmission rates averaging 1 Gbps – distances of 100 – 125 meters average 1.8 Gbps) and “bend” around corners (even 90-degree ones). All of this has resulted in tremendous cost and time savings in terms of Ethernet cables and other equipment (such as conduits and IDFs), labor and permitting processes.

However, there is one obstacle that we just cannot avoid and “get around” – and that is thick concrete walls, which average 20 cm / 8 in. or more in Commercial Real Estate (CRE) buildings around the world. These types of walls can form a building’s perimeter, serve as interior load bearing walls and as protection for spaces such as fire control or network server rooms. Connecting rooms or production areas separated by such walls can be even more problematic than connecting scores of Wi-Fi APs and other equipment in a wide open and spacious factory floor, as it often involves drilling a fairly good-sized hole through the wall, which is known as “core” drilling.

Obviously, this type of task requires additional expertise (not the “average” cable installation company) and can entail additional considerations. For example, if the wall is classified as a firewall, then permits and x-ray style inspections become part of the process – which adds time and money to the project. Another issue is that of fire alarm control rooms. Any CRE structure of a certain size (which varies from one locality to another) must contain a fire control system and often they are located in the basement and surrounded by thick concrete walls.

These rooms are mandated to have connectivity to the outside world (to the fire department and perhaps other first responder entities) and 3G wireless connections have been used to accomplish this vital link since the introduction of that technology more than 20 years ago. However, 3G is now being phased out. Furthermore, newer fire control systems require more of a broadband connection and 3G does not have the required bandwidth. 5G does have the required bandwidth, but its signal propagation characteristics prevent it from penetrating the walls and making a connection. In this situation, our analysis shows that the core drilling required to run an Ethernet cable through the wall would cost between $3000 and $10,000 and require a Professional Engineer sign-off — all of which can extend the project time by weeks or months.

And this is only looking at the problem from a “sideways” perspective – what about “up and down” (as in floors and ceilings)? Almost all floors in CRE structures are made up of concrete and rebar with a thickness of 4 to 5 inches minimum. To connect the floors, present mode of operations today consists of either routing cables to the nearest elevator riser shaft or existing riser or drilling through the floor. In the case of the latter, structural integrity requirements call for permits and inspections that add an average of $3000 to the cost and a month added to the project timeline.

After being confronted with this reality over the last year, we went back to the lab to see how we could develop a solution that, combined with the proven effectiveness of the WaveTunnel, would result in an all-inclusive and pervasive broadband backhaul solution within any large structure. The goal was to be able to provide a 2+ Gbps connection through a minimum of 12” of concrete.

We completed our in-house testing in May 2024 and over the last few months we have been trialing the system with select customers, some in conjunction with our North America distributor Power & Tel (P&T). These were our “proof of concept” deployments and the new WaveCore systems passed with flying colors. In one trial we connected through 8” of concrete in the middle of a 54’- link at 3Gbps. In another we were able to connect through a 12” concrete wall in a garage in a 6-foot link at just under 4Gbps.

WaveCore Tested on a 8” Cinderblock Wall

Backed by these impressive results, we are now excited to announce the commercial availability of the new WaveCore product. It is available for immediate shipment and you can see it in action at the SCTE Cable Tec Expo next month in Atlanta (in the booth of our partner P&T). Thanks to the efforts of our engineering team, our technology partners and customers, Airvine now has a complete product portfolio and the combination of the WaveTunnel and WaveCore product lines replaces the need for what can be miles of Ethernet cabling in a wide variety of settings – and the associated labor costs to deploy it.

Our innovations in wireless engineering enable gigabit speed connections that now can go around corners, through floors and walls (including thick, load-bearing walls) and other formerly impenetrable barriers. Gone are the days of conduit, drilling, permits, structural inspections and other hassles that come with deploying cables to connect Wi-Fi APs, IoT equipment and other Ethernet devices. The introduction of the WaveCore represents the culmination of efforts at Airvine since the founding of the company—that is, solutions that can be deployed in Any Building, with Any Floor Plan and Anywhere.

The Smart City Living Lab Wi-SUN Challenge is a dynamic platform that aims to support hardware innovators, start-ups, and academic institutions in developing workable prototypes utilizing the Wi-SUN RF mesh. The challenge encourages them all to harness the potential of the Wi-SUN network. By doing so, they contribute to smarter cities, efficient utilities, and innovative healthcare solutions. With over three hundred members across forty-six countries, the Wi-SUN Alliance drives interoperability and standardization in IoT applications. This challenge aligns with this greater vision.

The thematic areas eligible for the scheme covered domains such as smart cities, energy, water utilities, healthcare, smart parking, metering, smart streetlighting, and more. Focus areas included edge intelligence, predictive maintenance, battery-powered smart utility solutions, etc. We received an overwhelming number of submissions, a total of 266 which consisted of a diverse pool – students, researchers, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups—all eager to tackle real-world problems using Wi-SUN technologies. All the teams provided not only their ideas but also detailed plans for executing their projects including budgetary and component requirements.

A thorough screening process was undertaken by our esteemed judge panel – Dr. Aftab Hussain, Mrs. Anuradha Vattem – Lead Architect from IIITH, Venkatesh Narasimhan, and Srinivasa Dukkipati from Silicon Labs, which took place in three stages, the first based on the relevance to the smart city applications, the second based on their understanding on sensors and cloud connectivity, and the final round, which was an online interview round designed to check their capability to ready their concept in the stipulated amount of time, their experience with IoT applications and their understanding on Wi-SUN.

Our expert panel narrowed down the submissions, after thorough review and discussions and announced the chosen Top 10. Consisting of six teams from startups and four from college students, the ideas were innovative and fresh. These finalists, spanning four Indian States, are poised to make a difference with their ideas. Ranging from smart dustbins, particulate matter monitoring devices, and real-time water quality monitoring systems to warehouse management bots and real-time soil monitoring, they have it all covered.

In the first week of August, a one-day workshop will have been planned for the ten finalists to give them hands-on experience with the LFN (Limited Function Node) HW kit and SW development platform, following which the participants will begin the development of the application.

Once the concepts are built, in the final leg of their journey, the ten teams will evaluate the PoC at the Living lab using the existing Wi-SUN backbone network in the IIIT Hyderabad campus.

The winners would then be finalized by the panel of experts followed by the award ceremony where the winners will take home grand cash prizes worth Rs. 8 lakhs (9.6 k in USD).

The Wi-SUN Challenge is a collaborative effort between IIITH Smart City Living Lab and Silicon Labs, as part of their campus-wide Wi-SUN network initiative. The Wi-SUN Challenge has been a tremendous success so far. However, this is not just a competition—it is a catalyst for real-world impact. It is about working together and striving to make substantial changes in the world around us.