By Claus Hetting, WiFi NOW CEO & Chairman
MediaTek: Wi-Fi 8 can nearly double speeds in mixed-generation networks
MediaTek says its Filogic 8800 Wi-Fi 8 platform can improve overall system throughput by up to nearly 100% in mixed-generation environments using Dynamic Subband Operation Plus (DSO+), while Non-Primary Channel Access Plus (NPCA+) can improve throughput by up to around 80% in congested overlapping networks. According to Airoha Technology’s Network X announcement, the technologies are designed to improve coexistence between Wi-Fi 5, 6, 7 and 8 devices. Airoha is a MediaTek subsidiary specialising in fixed-network infrastructure and wireless edge-AI silicon, including broadband, Ethernet, Bluetooth and GNSS products. MediaTek and Airoha are jointly showcasing the technology at Network X 2026 this week in Vienna. Read more here.
Sagemcom adopts RDK EasyMesh software across broadband portfolio
Sagemcom has adopted RDK’s new unified Wi-Fi software stack for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh across its broadband gateway and extender portfolio. According to Sagemcom’s announcement, the stack includes RDK’s EasyMesh controller, agent, and IEEE 1905.1 layer, providing a standardised framework for whole-home Wi-Fi management and multi-vendor interoperability. Sagemcom is deploying the software using an edge-based controller architecture and says it is designed to work with third-party extenders as well as its own products. The company is also positioning the architecture for future Wi-Fi 8 deployments.
HPE to deploy Wi-Fi 7 and autonomous networking at 2027 Ryder Cup
HPE has been selected to provide the networking foundation for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland, including Wi-Fi 7 and its AI-driven Self-Driving Network capabilities. According to HPE’s announcement, the network will span the 230-acre venue and support more than 250,000 spectators during tournament week.
The deployment is significant not only as a major mixed indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi 7 reference, but also competitively. Large public venues have in recent years been a highly visible domain for Cisco, with major stadium deployments including SoFi Stadium, Levi’s Stadium, and the Bernabéu in Madrid. HPE’s Ryder Cup network win gives HPE Networking another prominent reference in high-density Wi-Fi while providing a real-world test of whether AI-assisted network operations can improve reliability and user experience in demanding and complex large-venue environments.
Silicon Labs launches AI-assisted development platform for BLE and edge IoT
Silicon Labs has launched the public beta of its Simplicity AI SDK, designed to help developers use AI coding assistants when building Bluetooth LE and edge-IoT products. According to Silicon Labs’ announcement, the platform gives AI tools structured access to Silicon Labs documentation, software libraries and development workflows. Initial support focuses on Bluetooth LE, with broader wireless support expected later. The significance is practical: As embedded wireless products combine connectivity, security, sensing and local AI, development complexity is increasing. Silicon Labs is betting that AI-assisted coding can shorten development cycles and make advanced wireless features easier to implement.
Apple and LG reportedly developing UWB-enabled smart-home devices
Apple is reportedly working with LG Electronics on a new range of smart-home products including cameras, a thermostat, video doorbell, and smart lock. According to Bloomberg, the LG-branded devices are being developed to work with Apple’s upcoming smart-home ecosystem. The smart lock is expected to support UWB for close-proximity automatic unlocking, while other products will combine Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter. UWB is increasingly being used as a mainstream secure-access technology, working alongside Bluetooth and Matter rather than competing with them.
/Claus.
