
Juniper Networks recently announced enhancements to its AI-Native Networking Platform to boost performance of its AP47 series Access Points and leverage the power of WiFi 7, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, extended range and improved reliability.
The platform leverages AI and cloud-native microservices to simplify network operations and automate many aspects of network management.
This AI-driven approach allows for predictive analysis, quick troubleshooting and proactive optimization of the network as it grows.
The Wired Assurance feature allows for streamlined switch configuration through templating and dynamic port profiles, helping minimize errors and speeding up deployment times.
Christian Gilby, Sr. director of product marketing for AI-native networking at Juniper, explained the integration of the AP47 access points with Juniper Mist provides full support for entire network lifecycles, from initial deployment to ongoing operations.
โThis combination offers ease of deployment, centralized control and visibility and quick access to new features without service disruption or unwanted downtime,โ he said.
The Mist cloud architecture enables effortless, cloud-based setup and updates, allowing businesses to manage the increased scale and speeds that Wi-Fi 7 can enable.
โThe platform’s ability to analyze large amounts of rich metadata collected by the AP47 access points helps in identifying and automating remediation of potential trouble spots,โ Gilby said. โIt also optimizes network performance, thereby enhancing user experiences even in complex, large-scale deployments.โ
He added AI plays a crucial role in automating and optimizing WiFi 7 performance, particularly through the AP47โs AI-driven Radio Resource Management (RRM) feature.
This feature intelligently orchestrates the network’s radio frequencies to minimize interference and maximize efficiency.
โThis approach utilizes advanced machine learning and real-time analytics to dynamically adjust channel assignments and power levels, ensuring optimal coverage and enhanced performance,โ Gilby explained.
He noted these capabilities are crucial in high-density environments where multiple devices and applications contend for bandwidth.
By automating these intricate adjustments, the network maintains high throughput and low latency, thereby enhancing user experiences and overall network reliability.
Meanwhile, AI-driven analytics provide actionable data to continuously optimize network performance, accommodating changing demands and advancing technology.
Gilby said to effectively incorporate Juniperโs EX Series switches into current infrastructure for WiFi 7 and IoT, businesses should leverage the PoE++ capabilities to address the power requirements of new devices.
He pointed out the Juniper EX4400-48MXP and EX4400-48XP switches are specifically designed for Wi-Fi 7 integration, offering 3600W of PoE to support power-intensive endpoints with up to 90W per port, compliant with the 802.3bt standard, and enabling multi-gigabit speeds of up to 10G.
โEmploying Virtual Chassis can optimize energy consumption and minimize hardware requirements, aiding sustainability efforts while enhancing overall network performance,โ Gilby added.
He said the integration of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Energy (BLE) technology in the AP47 access points offers key benefits to smart cities and factory automation.
โIn smart cities, it enhances navigation in public spaces like offices and transportation hubs, provides real-time directions, and integrates with IoT systems to automate workflows,โ Gilby explained.
The technology also lowers energy costs and maintenance by reducing the need for additional hardware while collecting valuable data to inform city planning.
In factory automation, UWB and BLE enable precise tracking of tools and materials, improving inventory management and safety, while analytics help optimize factory layouts and increase productivity.