AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 enterprise connectivity showcased at Singapore Member Meeting

RUCKUS Networks demonstrated how Wi-Fi 7 supports today’s connected enterprise at the Wi-Fi Alliance^® Asia Member Meeting in Singapore. As today’s workplace continues to evolve, enterprises must ensure their networks can support the applications that empower communication and collaboration, including immersive presentations, 8K video conferencing, and more. Attendees saw how Wi-Fi 7’s heightened speeds, low latency, and increased capacity bring simplified network management and a new class of connected devices to enterprise scenarios. 

Demonstrated devices and capabilities  

The demonstration showed how the RUCKUS R770 enterprise-class Wi-Fi 7 Access Point (AP) uses the advanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 and RUCKUS^® patented innovations, including RUCKUS AI^™, to enhance Wi-Fi 7 networks and deliver superior performance. Devices and applications showcased in this demonstration included: 

• RUCKUS Wi-Fi 7 AP R770 
• RUCKUS One, an AI-driven converged network assurance and business intelligence cloud controller platform 
• ICX Switch (ICX8200) 

The demonstration began by connecting a cellular modem router to a RUCKUS Wi-Fi 7 AP R770. In parallel, a venue was created on the RUCKUS One (R1) cloud controller, a centralized management platform that allows network administrators to access their networks anywhere. The R770 AP was then added to the venue by entering its serial number and other user-configurable parameters such as name and description. Onboarding was completed quickly due to RUCKUS’ firmware logic which allows for seamless pairing – the R770 AP will always look for the R1 Controller, allowing for the AP to be onboarded and managed by the R1 in a matter of minutes. 

Once the network was brought up, the team configured an SSID to connect to a smartphone. While a smartphone was attempting to connect to the SSID, the R1 Client Connection Diagnostics feature documents the process of a wireless client connecting to the network to give users more insight into the process and additional details if a connection fails, expediting troubleshooting and providing further understanding of the efficiency of the network. 

The team demonstrated how the RUCKUS-developed Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML) firmware proactively monitors the networks and takes action through decisive troubleshooting when issues are reported. For example, users can proactively set up a test through a scheduler that runs every hour, day, or week to validate the veracity of the network by simulating a wireless client experience connecting to the network, such as testing speed or predicting whether the traffic is taking an expected path. These test results can then be delivered to all relevant stakeholders via email – a helpful measure for IT managers who want to start their day with a quick review of their networks. The demonstration also included the rich reporting features that provide users with the tools to dissect the vast volume of stored data to find a specific piece of information to better understand the efficacy of a network’s performance. 

The future of enterprise  

Wi-Fi^® will continue to evolve at a breakneck speed. With every Wi-Fi amendment and subsequent major release, users experience heightened throughput speeds and substantial enhancements in security, the efficiency of interaction between the Wi-Fi devices, and the addition of various Wi-Fi enabled devices in the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. 

AI/ML plays a significant role in providing the capabilities to efficiently understand and execute an all-encompassing network. This allows users to run their applications on reliable and scalable networks, such as fully automated manufacturing warehouse and logistics, driverless automobiles, high definition video and audio streaming, AR/MR/VR/XR, and more importantly, addressing the rudimentary yet vital operational requirements that result in significant cost savings. 

Conclusion

Wi-Fi 7 enables a host of advanced applications that will support the evolution of today’s workplace. By utilizing AI and machine learning powered by the cutting-edge features of Wi-Fi 7, network administrators can simplify the complexity that encumbers modern networks, allowing IT teams to quickly react to incidents in challenging environments and ensure their networks are scalable and efficient as enterprises continue to evolve.