Nokia updates WiFi beacons with Wi-Fi 7

Nokia recently refreshed its WiFi beacon portfolio, introducing new speeds and WiFi standards. One of the most intriguing additions is the Nokia WiFi Beacon 24, which may be available exclusively through operators that have signed deals with Nokia.

The Nokia WiFi Beacon 24 is a Wi-Fi 7 quad-band mesh device, delivering an impressive Wi-Fi throughput of up to 24 Gbps. It adheres to industry standards such as TR-369 and EasyMesh, similar to Beacon 3 (which is great!) and the newer Beacon 6. This flagship Beacon extends Wi-Fi 7 coverage throughout the home and can be easily managed via the Nokia WiFi app, as it is powered by Corteka software.

 

Additionally, Nokia offers the ONT XS-2437X-A, a fiber ONT that provides high-speed internet through XGS-PON, delivering up to 19 Gbps over a true tri-band Wi-Fi 7 network within your home. This beacon can also create a mesh network, and its installation is made simple, thanks to the Corteka software and Nokia WiFi app.

 

For those without a strong cable network, Nokia has introduced the Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 7, also compatible with WiFi 7. The FastMile 5G Gateway 7 is a plug-and-play solution with easy installation, featuring LED indicators for radio signal strength. It integrates Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) with dual-band 4+4 connectivity. Powered by Corteca, it offers features like self-optimizing mesh Wi-Fi, carrier aggregation with up to 300 MHz bandwidth, end-user services using application containers, TR-369/USP management, and a unified browser interface. Moreover, the FastMile 5G Gateway 7 can be enhanced with optional hardware items for added functionality: an RJ-11 port for VoIP or VoLTE, GPS, eSIM, Bluetooth, and 8Rx.

 

 

Regarding pricing, specific details are not yet available, but we have reached out to Nokia for further information.

 

So, what exactly is WiFi 7, and do you need to upgrade? Wi-Fi 7 is the next-generation standard, promising faster data transfer speeds and improved device connectivity. It supports speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps and a wider bandwidth of 320 MHz, twice that of Wi-Fi 6E. It also introduces connection grouping for smoother performance.

 

While Wi-Fi 7 may be marketed for 8K video streaming, it’s currently ahead of its time, as 4K remains the prevailing standard. Wi-Fi 7 also offers 16×16 MU-MIMO streams, enabling 16 antennas to work simultaneously with connected devices, in contrast to Wi-Fi 6E’s typical 4×4 setup.

 

However, investing in Wi-Fi 7 may be premature for many, as it will take time for widespread adoption. It’s essential to assess whether it’s a necessary upgrade for your specific needs.

 

 

Nokia