Wi-Fi 6 was introduced last year based on 802.11ax technology and eventually a range of networking devices with support for Wi-Fi 6 was introduced. Now Qualcomm has announced Qualcomm Networking Pro Series platforms, its second-generation Wi-Fi 6 networking offerings for a faster connectivity experience.
‘Qualcomm Networking Pro Series’ platforms were announced at the Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6 Day in San Francisco. It comprises of four platforms which are distinguished by format, the scale of application, and computing needs. Qualcomm says that the platforms are designed for densely congested networks and it leverages the company’s Wi-Fi 6 architecture and approach.
Qualcomm Networking Pro Series comprises of four platforms – Qualcomm Networking Pro 1200 Platform, Qualcomm Networking Pro 800 Platform, Qualcomm Networking Pro 600 Platform, and Qualcomm Networking Pro 400 Platform.
- Qualcomm Networking Pro 1200 Platform supports up to 12 spatial streams of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with up to 2.2GHz Quad-core A53 processor
- Qualcomm Networking Pro 800 Platform supports up to 8 spatial streams of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with up to 1.4GHz Quad-core A53 processor
- Qualcomm Networking Pro 600 Platform supports up to 6 spatial streams of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with up to 1.0GHz Quad-core A53 processor
- Qualcomm Networking Pro 400 Platform supports up to 4 spatial streams of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with up to 1.0GHz Quad-core A53 processor
The features of the four platforms include 8×8 radio support, MU-MIMO, Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access with up to support for 37 users per 5GHz channel used, Wi-Fi 6 modulation scheme, improved security implementation, ability to associate and maintain connectivity for up to 1500 clients simultaneously etc. It also supports unique reconfiguration of wireless resources and users can design for either dual- or tri-radio operation (8×8 + 4×4 or 4×4 + 4×4 + 4×4) without the need to add a separate radio component.
Qualcomm is also working closely with networking brands like Ruckus, Aruba, Belkin, KT Corp, Netgear to bring the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 to next-generation networks.
Commenting on this, Nick Kucharewski, vice president and general manager, wireless infrastructure and networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc said:
Wi-Fi 6 is a transformational reimagining of how Wi-Fi works, a leap forward arriving alongside 5G and designed to accommodate the massive surge of connected devices. The Qualcomm Networking Pro Series platforms raise the bar for the management of the ever-growing number of connected devices, the variation and complexity of those devices’ data needs, and the quality of the overall connectivity experiences they deliver.