CommScope & Nokia launch AI-driven connectivity solution

CommScope and Nokia have announced a new AI-driven solution aimed at enhancing in-building and campus-wide connectivity, tailored specifically for various industry verticals. The collaboration introduces an integrated fibre and Wi-Fi solution designed to provide a high-quality end-user connectivity experience in sectors such as multi-dwelling units (MDUs), hospitality, large public venues (LPVs), and education.

The combined solution employs an AI-driven Wi-Fi offering from RUCKUS Networks alongside a high-capacity optical fibre network from Nokia. According to the companies, this integration promises scalability, bandwidth, reliability, and both energy and operational efficiency, potentially reducing the total cost of ownership. This is seen as a significant development for campus and in-building connectivity.

Bart Giordano, Senior Vice President and President of Networking Intelligent Cellular Security Solutions at CommScope, emphasised the unique advantages of the new offering. "RUCKUS Networks is the industry leader when it comes to delivering the best end-user experiences. This purpose-driven RUCKUS Wi-Fi and Nokia fibre solution will enable use cases where traditional IP-based networks are difficult to install and a simple cost-effective solution is required," he stated. "This joint offering allows us an opportunity to meet the needs of a larger addressable market."

The solution is designed to support a wide array of bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), 4K video streaming, and conferencing. It also aims to facilitate the growing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart thermostats, lighting systems, and security sensors in verticals like hospitality and MDUs. Integrators, telecoms, cable companies, managed service providers, and Local Area Network (LAN) service providers can deploy the solution, thereby accelerating time-to-market and reducing operational costs, while enabling the provision of revenue-generating value-added services.

"Fibre is a fantastic technology with a wide range of benefits. As an Optical LAN, it can reduce energy costs by 40% and total cost of ownership by as much as 50%. When combined with RUCKUS Networks' industry-leading Wi-Fi portfolio, we are creating a campus connectivity solution that will allow enterprises to grow their business, reduce their costs, and be more sustainable," said Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia.

The initiative has reportedly been validated with several Tier one service providers globally, reinforcing the market readiness and uniqueness of the offering. Tim Dyer, VP WW Service Provider Sales and Business Development at RUCKUS Networks, noted, "Having validated this initiative with several Tier one service providers globally, confirms our confidence of both market readiness and that it’s a unique offering. Service providers are excited about the opportunity to address both greenfield and brownfield environments with the same solution while fundamentally changing their deployment economics and ROI."