By Claus Hetting, WiFi NOW CEO & Chairman
Apple brings UWB-based hands-free access to the smart home
This past week Apple introduced its new Home Collection – developed in cooperation with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric – including an LG Smart Deadbolt Lock that uses ultra-wideband for hands-free access. According to Apple’s October 13 announcement, the lock can detect when an authorised user carrying a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch approaches and unlock automatically without requiring a tap. It also supports Matter and Aliro and can continue core access functions locally even without an Internet connection.
Aliro is a Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) standard for digital access credentials – essentially a common framework for using phones, smartwatches, and other devices as secure digital keys. Apple says that the wider Apple Home Collection integrates with Apple Home, while individual products support technologies including Matter, Thread, Bluetooth and UWB depending on the device.
Apple’s backing could accelerate UWB as a mainstream secure-access technology for the home while reinforcing a multi-radio architecture in which UWB provides precise proximity detection and technologies such as Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter handle complementary connectivity and interoperability functions.
Network X: Realtek showcases Wi-Fi 8 router solutions with Multi-AP Coordination
Last week chipmaker Realtek outlined its Wi-Fi 8 strategy at Network X 2026, including next-generation router solutions featuring Multi-AP Coordination. According to Realtek’s announcement, the technology is designed to reduce interference between mesh nodes while improving uplink performance at network edges, dead zones, and difficult locations such as garages. Realtek also says its Wi-Fi 8 platform will support more seamless roaming between access points, with an emphasis on reliability, low latency, and energy efficiency rather than higher peak speeds alone.
Realtek is a major supplier of connectivity silicon for high-volume broadband and consumer networking equipment. The company’s move into Wi-Fi 8 could help bring advanced coordination features into a broad range of operator gateways and routers and not only premium products.
Sagemcom positions Wi-Fi 8 as part of a broader operator services platform
Sagemcom used Network X 2026 to showcase next-generation broadband platforms combining Wi-Fi 8, 50G-PON, DOCSIS 4.0, and 5G Advanced with open software and AI-driven services. According to Sagemcom’s October 13 announcement, the new solutions have been tested in industry plugfests and are available with both prpl and RDK middleware. The company’s software stack includes device management, remote service deployment without full firmware upgrades, AI-assisted customer support and cybersecurity functions. Sagemcom
This means that Sagemcom is presenting Wi-Fi 8 not simply as a new radio generation but as part of a programmable broadband platform. For operators, Sagemcom’s approach could make it easier to deploy new services, manage mixed access networks, and evolve gateway functionality independently of the underlying hardware.
Extreme Networks wins WBA award for multi-beam stadium Wi-Fi
Extreme Networks has won the Wireless Broadband Alliance’s 2026 Best Wi-Fi Network Technology Award for its Multi-Beam Wireless solution for stadiums and other large public venues. According to the WBA’s announcement, the technology creates multiple independent coverage sectors from a single installation point, reducing cabling, access-point density, and deployment complexity while maintaining capacity in high-density environments. Large public venues are among the most demanding Wi-Fi environments, and reducing infrastructure requirements could materially lower deployment costs. Extreme Networks is also using the technology to strengthen its position in a segment where Cisco has traditionally been dominant.
Brazil’s 6 GHz dispute intensifies as providers push for AFC-based sharing
Brazil’s 6 GHz spectrum debate is intensifying as regional broadband providers challenge the country’s allocation of much of the upper 6 GHz band to mobile services. According to Folha de S.Paulo, provider association Abrint is advocating greater spectrum access for Wi-Fi, including possible sharing using Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC).
Mobile operators represented by Conexis oppose the proposal, arguing that the spectrum will be needed for future 5G and 6G capacity. Regulator Anatel remains cautious because of interference concerns but has left the door open to further technical trials. The outcome could materially affect future Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8 capabilities in Brazil. Brazil’s initial 6 GHz decision from 2023 included allocating the full 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi with AFC – read more here.
Japan’s Wi2 expands OpenRoaming across more than 20 municipalities
Wire and Wireless Co. (Wi2) – a KDDI group company – has been recognised by the Wireless Broadband Alliance for an OpenRoaming deployment spanning more than 20 municipalities in Japan. According to the WBA’s October 15 announcement, the deployment connects previously fragmented public Wi-Fi networks and allows residents and visitors to connect automatically and securely without repeated registrations or captive portals. Coverage includes Tokyo, Osaka, transport hubs, tourist destinations, and designated emergency evacuation centres. The project demonstrates OpenRoaming at a municipal scale and provides a practical model for seamless public Wi-Fi across different local authorities.
/Claus.
