Zyxel Networks recently announced that four of its WiFi 7 access points are now OpenWiFi-ready.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) now have a new way to deploy open, interoperable and customisable wireless services, bringing full-fledged, business-grade WiFi 7 performance to their subscribers.
WiFi 7 performance without proprietary lock-in
As subscriber demand for faster, more reliable WiFi continues to grow, ISPs are increasingly constrained by closed ecosystems that limit flexibility, interoperability and long-term scalability.
Kell Lin, Senior Associate Vice President, Networking Strategic Business Unit, Zyxel Networks, explains the reasoning behind the innovation, stating:
“ISPs need the freedom to innovate without being constrained by proprietary ecosystems. By making our WiFi 7 access points OpenWiFi-ready, we’re giving service providers the performance their subscribers expect, while empowering them with the openness, flexibility and scalability required to grow their businesses.”
Open networking principles
ISPs can improve subscriber satisfaction while retaining full control over their service architecture.
WiFi 7 access points OpenWiFi-ready offer versatile deployment options. Indoor and outdoor models ranging from entry-level dual-radio BE5100 to ultrafast triple-radio BE12300, including the NWA50BE, NWA55BE, NWA130BE and NWA210BE, enable ISPs to support diverse environments such as shared housing, co-working spaces, offices and hotels.
RF-First Design
Engineered to cut through noise where performance matters most, the RF-first design minimises interference from adjacent channels and nearby 4G/5G mobile networks. The rectangular form factor of the NWA210BE and NWA130BE provides increased space for superior antenna isolation, delivering stronger signal-to-noise ratios and more consistent coverage.
Vendor-agnostic benefits
- Reduced vendor lock-in: Standardised WiFi hardware allows ISPs to mix and match interoperable hardware and software from different suppliers, lowering CapEx for large-scale deployments and simplifying future expansion without disruptive rip-and-replace upgrades.
- Open-source, community-driven development enables deeper customisation, helping ISPs tailor WiFi services and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Select models in Zyxel Networks’ AP portfolio will also support OpenWrt, an open-source embedded operating system that further expands customisation options.
