Lumen Technologies has introduced a new innovation in wireless connectivity: a custom-built Wi-Fi 7 capable device for its Quantum Fiber multi-gig users. This launch promises faster speeds and an optimised Wi-Fi experience, placing business and smart home users at the cutting-edge of network technology.
Quantum Fiber's Wi-Fi 7 capable device is set to be a feature at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), running from January 9-12 in Las Vegas. The device will be showcased at the Quantum Fiber suite in the Smart Home section.
"Our Wi-Fi 7 capable device is a game-changer in wireless technology, providing higher speeds, lower latency, and better home coverage than Wi-Fi 6/6E devices, so our Quantum Fiber customers can make the most of every gigabit," explained Maxine Moreau, Lumen President of Mass Markets.
Moreau explained the device as primarily aimed at improving the wireless experiences of homes and businesses, stating, "We're proud of this accomplishment and are ready to install these devices in customer homes and offices. We believe everyone deserves a fast, secure, high-performing Wi-Fi experience."
The Wi-Fi 7 capable device boasts key features that set it apart from its predecessors. Superior coverage means one device covers up to 90% of a home based on square footage, reducing the need for extra nodes. Multi-user capability allows the device to support numerous users and gigabit bandwidth demands, minimising the need for ethernet cables in homes.
It offers improved latency and speed, with less than three milliseconds of latency and symmetrical speeds up to 8 Gbps. Its customer experience is enhanced through full integration and control via the Quantum Fiber app, providing advanced parental controls and Wi-Fi performance diagnostics. It also has a built-in GPS chip and is cloud-based digital twin enabled.
"These devices are ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like 8K video streaming, cloud gaming, virtual reality, and large multimedia file transfers," Moreau added.
In developing this latest innovation, Lumen partnered with AXON Networks, the global provider of SDN firmware solutions. Martin Manniche, CEO of AXON Networks, said, "Our Wi-Fi 7 capable devices support Standard Power with AFC and GPS, enabling new use cases indoors and outdoors. By leveraging our innovative technology, this clearly sets Lumen apart from other operators."
After a successful first installation of the Wi-Fi 7 capable device for a customer earlier this month, Lumen is set to make them available for Quantum Fiber customers from early 2024.
Lumen is a global telecommunications company focused on empowering organisations to ignite growth by connecting people, data and apps - quickly, securely and effortlessly.
Opportunities like this need an advanced application delivery architecture, designed specifically to handle the complex, data-intensive workloads of next-gen technology and businesses. Lumen brings together the talent, experience, infrastructure and capabilities of technology companies to address the dynamic data needs of next-generation applications.