Cisco Launches Wi-Fi 7 Solutions

Cisco has announced its latest Wi-Fi 7 access points, incorporating Ai-native features and location-awareness to support evolving workplace needs. The new Wi-Fi 7 solutions offer organisations a foundation for flexible, secure connections that adapt to changing environments. The introduction aligns with Cisco’s aim to support modern workplaces with Ai-driven, self-configuring networks.

The new Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points integrate seamlessly with Cisco Spaces, enabling smart workplaces out-of-the-box and making it easier for customers to navigate their connectivity, security, and assurance challenges. Cisco’s approach focuses on providing a converged wireless experience that offers flexibility and adaptability across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid networks.

Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized the importance of Wi-Fi in modern workplaces, saying, “Everything we do now blends human behavior with sensors, cameras, or screens — experiences that are increasingly digital. And Wi-Fi is central to it all. With our Wi-Fi 7 offering and Cisco Spaces, we deliver connectivity, security, data, and assurance. IT, real estate, and facilities teams can now reimagine employee and customer experiences everywhere they work and connect.”

Simplified Licensing and Deployment

Cisco’s new approach to licensing makes it easier for customers to integrate Wi-Fi 7 technology into their existing setups. The company’s unified subscription model provides flexibility, allowing organizations to manage their networks on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid model. A single license now covers the full Wi-Fi 7 solution, simplifying business operations and offering customers the confidence to expand and adapt their networks as needed.

Intelligent, Secure, and Assured

Cisco says its Wi-Fi 7 access points offer some key benefits to users:

• Intelligence: Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 solutions include Ai-native features, enabling automatic configuration upon setup. The devices detect their location immediately and are ready to use with Cisco Spaces, transforming workplaces into smart spaces without additional configuration.
  
  
• Security: With advanced threat detection, Cisco’s access points secure every connection. The Ai-driven profiling and threat prevention features enhance security through data encryption, making each connection as safe as possible.
  
  
• Assurance: Cisco’s ThousandEyes platform uses Ai and automation to help organizations detect and address network performance issues across all connected networks, ensuring high-quality digital experiences for users.

A Platform Approach for Reliable Wireless

The introduction of Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 technology aligns with the company’s Networking Cloud platform strategy. This platform approach simplifies network management, embedding Ai across Cisco’s solutions to enable secure, flexible, and reliable wireless connectivity.

Carlos Sanchez Baena, Telco Manager at Fira de Barcelona, praised the importance of reliable Wi-Fi for hosting major events, stating, “Fira de Barcelona hosts 270 events every year, including the Mobile World Congress, and we provide seamless connectivity across 500,000 square meters of exhibition space. Reliable, predictable, and secure wireless experiences are essential for our events. With Wi-Fi 7 from Cisco, we’re confident we can support high-bandwidth needs like AR/VR and live streaming.”

Brandon Butler, Senior Research Manager at IDC, spoke to the importance of Ai and networking platforms, noting, “Wi-Fi is a critical enabler of everyday and mission-critical communications for organizations worldwide. Cisco’s unified licensing approach shows the value of a platform approach, granting customers access to ongoing optimization and flexibility.”

Availability

Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 access points are available to order in November 2024, with shipments set for December 2024.