By Claus Hetting, WiFi NOW CEO & Chairman
FCC extends waiver on software & firmware updates for foreign made routers
The FCC’s foreign-made router ban debacle continues but as of last Friday, at least the FCC has wisely decided to extend a waiver that will allow Wi-Fi (and other) routers to receive software and firmware updates through at least January 1 2029 (the previous cutoff date for receiving updates was March 1 2027). This waiver applies to routers that are already FCC approved and as such does nothing to alleviate the situation for prospective new foreign-made routers, which are of course still banned according to the FCCs ruling (we wrote about it here).
The notice came from the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology and the reason given was that said routers should “continue to receive software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to U.S. consumers.” The full document can be found here. Router models exempted from the ban (granted conditional approvals) thus far include products from NETGEAR, Adtran, eero, and – as of May 6 – Calix.
Spectrum promotes Dave Rodrian to Senior VP Connectivity Products
Dave Rodrian of Spectrum – a frequent WiFi NOW and Wi-Fi World Congress speaker – has been promoted to Senior VP Connectivity Products, which means Dave Rodrian will “oversee the newly formed Connectivity organization responsible for the strategy and development of Spectrum’s Internet, WiFi and Voice products,” Spectrum said in a recent press release here. In his previous role as GVP Wi-Fi and Connected Home, Dave Rodrian was instrumental in launching a series of Wi-Fi 7 products, two of which won WiFi NOW Awards in 2024 and 2025, respectively. We’re delighted and send our heartfelt congratulations to Dave Rodrian for his new appointment.
Extreme Networks launches five new Wi-Fi 7 APs at Extreme Connect in Orlando
Extreme Networks is ramping up its focus on Wi-Fi 7 with 6 GHz spectrum capability: Last week at the company’s flagship partner and customer event Extreme Connect in Orlando, Florida, the company announced a total of five new Wi-Fi 7 APs: The AP5060 ruggedised outdoor 4×4 AP aimed at stadiums and arenas.Also released was the AP5022 largely equivalent indoor unit, both units supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz. The company also introduced the AP3020W and AP3020X, both 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 indoor units, and the AP3060 outdoor unit. We will have more to say about these releases and Extreme’s Wi-Fi 7 strategy shortly. Read the full press release here.
Cambium Networks files list of 6 GHz new rule requests to the FCC
The FCC is likely issue a number of improvements to current 6 GHz Wi-Fi rules some time this year following a Notice of Proposed Rule Making issued in February. Cambium Networks has responded with an extensive and – frankly – compelling list of possible changes that would make a significant difference in particular for WISPs using the 6 GHz band.
The list of requests can be found here and includes inclusion of antenna patterns into the AFC rules, more power for point-to-point backhaul, provision for building entry loss into AFC calculations, and more. The list makes for interesting reading in particular because of its focus on WISPs while most other proposed rule changes are designed to benefit home and enterprise Wi-Fi usage.
Morse Micro partners with Gateworks, DigiKey
Morse Micro, a leading Wi-Fi HaLow silicon provider, today announced Gateworks as the first official partner in its Design House Partner Program, marking a major milestone in the expansion of its global ecosystem for production-ready Wi-Fi HaLow solutions. Launched earlier this year, the Morse Micro Design House Partner Program is a global initiative designed to accelerate the commercialisation of Wi-Fi HaLow by formalising collaboration with vetted design houses, system integrators, and developer groups.
The company also last week announced a new partnership with DigiKey, a global distributor of electronic components and automation products. The partnership expands global access to Morse Micro’s award-winning Wi-Fi HaLow products, making it easier for engineers, developers and solution providers to evaluate, prototype and build next-generation long-range, low-power wireless devices.
/Claus.
