Zyxel Networks, a renowned provider of secure, cloud-enabled networking solutions, announced the introduction of its first WiFi 7 access point - the WBE660S WiFi 7 BE22K Triple-Radio NebulaFlex Pro Access Point. Built for use by managed service providers (MSPs), small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and the enterprise edge, the new system is designed to assist businesses in resolving common WiFi issues, like network congestion, inefficient management, and security vulnerabilities.

The WBE660S WiFi 7 Access Point promises to revolutionise the way businesses tackle connectivity in high-density areas such as offices, classrooms, stadiums, and transportation hubs. The system's triple-radio architecture supports speeds of up to 22Gbps, which is five times faster than the prior WiFi generation (WiFi 6/6E). This speed increase is attributed to the broader 320MHz channel exclusive to WiFi 7 devices, contributing to improved overall throughput and enhanced capacity to support more devices, thereby making the most of the 6GHz spectrum. Additionally, the system includes a Multi-Gig LAN uplink supporting up to 10GbE, unlocking the full potential of 10GbE networks.

Functioning on the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 Wi-Fi 7 Platform, the WBE660S delivers robust computing power to facilitate smooth operations, even in very demanding scenarios. Employing three 4x4 Smart Antennas, WiFi performance is further optimised by intelligently shaping antenna patterns to adapt to each environment and mitigate interference. Zyxel's exclusive RF-first design incorporates Advanced RF Filter and Advanced Cellular Coexistence technologies, minimising interference from adjacent WiFi channels and 4G/5G mobile networks, a frequent issue in high-density settings.

Addressing WiFi congestion, management, and security issues is challenging, especially in mission-critical, high-density networks. The WBE660S, seamlessly integrated with Zyxel Networks' Nebula cloud, provides WiFi Health, WiFi Aid, and Connect & Protect Plus (CNP+) features, significantly simplifying the task and enhancing network protection. WiFi Aid automatically diagnosds network access issues throughout the wireless client onboarding journey, while the CNP+ function bolsters security at the access point, where most user traffic enters the network.

Ganesh Swaminathan, vice president and general manager, Wireless Infrastructure and Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., lauded the collaboration with Zyxel, stating that "the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 Platform delivers next-gen Wi-Fi 7 features today, features powerful computing, an architectural design built for challenging infrastructure environments."

Mr Kell Lin, Senior Associate Vice President of Zyxel Networks, reiterated the importance of the new access point, labelling the WBE660S as "a true game-changer for MSPs seeking to solve WiFi congestion in the most challenging venues." He added, "As WiFi 7 pioneers, we've harnessed the power of wireless innovations and combined it with our unique product architecture to address the connectivity challenges faced by businesses."

Set for release in late October 2023, the WBE660S power options include PoE++ and USB Type-C charging, with the latter providing an eco-conscious alternative.