Juniper Networks unveils AI-powered Wi-Fi 7 technology updates

Juniper Networks has announced updates to its AI-Native Networking Platform aimed at leveraging the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7. The enhancements are designed to offer higher throughput, lower latency, extended range, and greater reliability compared to previous Wi-Fi versions. These innovations will enable customers and partners to maximise the new technology and transition more cost-effectively and sustainably.

The company has introduced the AP47 Series Access Points and high-power EX Series Switches as part of this upgrade. These products integrate advanced AI, which is expected to improve overall network management and user experiences. The AP47 Series features three models: AP47 with integrated omni-directional antennas, AP47D with directional antennas, and AP47E with connectors for external antennas. The devices support dual-5GHz or dual-6GHz operation, and a dedicated scanning radio.

Juniper's new high-power EX Series Switches, including the EX4400-48MXP and EX4400-48XP, are focused on modernising wired and wireless infrastructure. These switches support higher power devices such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Access Points. The series also includes hardened models like the EX4100-H, designed to withstand extreme conditions, catering to environments such as smart cities and factory automation.

Ben Shapiro, Senior Network Engineer at Eugene School District 4J, commented on the significance of this development: "Juniper's announcement of Wi-Fi 7 technology, paired with its AI-Native Networking Platform, marks a pivotal moment for our network's future and the possibilities it presents for enhanced student learning. This combination of ultra-low latency, increased capacity and AI-driven operations has the potential to enable real-time collaboration, virtual labs and seamless access to digital resources, transforming how students engage with technology in the classroom."

Chris DePuy, Founder and Technology Analyst at 650 Group, added: "Automation in Juniper's AI-Native wired and wireless solutions helps accelerate deployments while eliminating significant numbers of networking-related trouble tickets. By expanding its AI-Native Networking Platform with more industry-firsts such as AI-Native Wi-Fi 7, Juniper continues to pioneer the usage of AI in networking to deliver unsurpassed scale, agility and security."

Sudheer Matta, GVP Products for Campus and Branch at Juniper Networks, highlighted the practical benefits. "This announcement directly addresses two of the top concerns from our customers and partners: reliable Wi-Fi that's easy to manage. Competing solutions in the market may struggle with the additional complexity of configuring and optimizing Wi-Fi networks resulting from recently expanded RF spectrum available for use and additional features of Wi-Fi 7. Juniper's unique AI for Wi-Fi 7 leverages reinforced learning to optimize channel and power settings to maximise the performance and experience for end users and devices, without manual tuning. This helps our customers move away from complex, hard-to-troubleshoot legacy controller-based architectures, where it's nearly impossible to build a self-driving AI-Native network."

The AP47 series promises enhanced user experiences across various enterprise environments, leveraging AI-driven features like Reinforcement Learning (RL) for optimal capacity utilisation. Additional features include dual Bluetooth LE (BLE) radios and Ultra Wideband (UWB) for better location accuracy and IoT gateway functionalities.

Juniper also emphasises sustainability with the EX Series Switches. Managed via the Juniper Mist cloud, these switches aim to reduce operational expenses and support the deployment of higher-power IoT devices. They also provide a more efficient power supply for smart buildings by allowing direct power provisioning through the switch rather than a building's power infrastructure.