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Secured platform-enabled Wi-Fi MCU module pre-provisioned for cloud platforms

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As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands beyond home automation and drives deeper into home control – including Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), garage doors, and fans – and grows in building and industrial automation, the need for highly integrated, reliable and secured Industrial IoT (IIoT) connectivity is greater than ever. Microchip Technology announced the first-ever Wi-Fi microcontroller (MCU) module with Microchip’s Trust&GO-enabled unique, verifiable identity.

For developers designing secure IIoT systems, Microchip’s highly integrated WFI32E01PC is a Trust&GO secured platform-enabled Wi-Fi MCU module that is pre-provisioned for cloud platforms. The WFI32E01PC is compliant to Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) specification and fully certified with the following world regulatory agencies: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada (IC), and European Radio Equipment Directive (RED). Microchip’s Trust&GO platform inside the WFI32E01PC streamlines the process of network authentication using secure element technology, which is preconfigured and pre-provisioned for cloud authentication.

Unlike existing devices, Microchip’s new technology includes a premium PIC32 MCU core, rich peripherals, and a proven hardware security platform – enabling it not only to provide Wi-Fi but also to serve as a powerful MCU core for the entire IIoT system.

Unlike module-based designs, discrete designs can be difficult due to the need to develop drivers and circuits for multiple chips, especially when the chips are from different vendors. Often it is difficult to receive system-level support from vendors as their expertise is only in the products they produce. Embedded designers need a highly integrated module solution providing industrial-grade MCU functionality, robust Wi-Fi connection, and hardware security and authentication. The WFI32E01PC provides these capabilities and more in an all-in-one module, improving Radio Frequency (RF) power and providing a higher level of security. In addition to industrial applications, the WFI32E01PC is designed for home automation devices, computing, and consumer devices.

As a total system solution provider, Microchip offers a broad portfolio that simplifies IoT and IIoT systems when pairing the WFI32E01 module with other Microchip market-leading components, such as the KSZ8081 family of Ethernet PHYs, MCP2542WFD family of CAN transceivers, sensors, and radio technologies including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Long Range (LoRa) and IEEE 802.15.4. Microchip’s system solution approach provides ready-to-use software drivers and hardware reference designs, significantly reducing project risk and time-to-market.

Microchip’s WFI32E01PC includes the PIC32MZW1 Curiosity Board. Microchip offers several options for software and hardware support. Software support includes Microchip’s MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB Harmony v3 embedded software development framework. Supporting tools include the on-board debugger and in-circuit serial programming header for MPLAB Snap, MPLAB PICkit 4, or MPLAB ICD 4 external programmer/debuggers.

The curiosity board is qualified with AWS IoT Core and listed in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner Device Catalog. It contains an out-of-box demo featuring registration and communication with AWS IoT Core and interaction with the onboard sensors using Alexa Voice Service (AVS). Included with the AWS IoT Core qualification are code samples, WLAN software, and network stack, which can be found in MPLAB Harmony v3.

The WFI32E01PC-I (54-pin SMD 24.5 x 20.5 x 2.5 mm) device is available in volume production in 10,000-unit quantities starting at $8.14. Also available are module options with an external antenna and without the Trust&GO security feature.

BLE chips drive first Wi-Fi 6-enabled gaming consoles

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NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced it’s family of 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Dual-Band + Bluetooth/BLE solutions that are driving a new phase of connectivity innovation for advanced gaming, audio, industrial, and IoT markets. Enabling the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 enabled gaming console, NXP’s optimized IW62X family of products will provide increased capacity, efficiency, and performance for next-generation connectivity solutions including smart consumer IoT hubs, wireless speakers, video-enabled smart devices, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) devices and a universe of additional IoT applications.

Powering the latest gaming solutions in the market underscores the innovation and integration ingenuity of NXP’s wireless connectivity portfolio. The new 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 solutions are ideal for advanced gaming consoles that demand high-performance Wi-Fi with near-zero wireless controller lag time and low-latency multiplayer gaming experiences (via a single, in-room console) over wireless networks. The IW62X solutions also offer real-time interactions for cloud-based gaming devices, clients, and services by providing high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity needed for full 4k / 60 fps gameplay.

NXP’s family of 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band + Bluetooth solutions bring a dramatic boost in speed, and a 4x increase in network capacity, and a 2x increase in bandwidth over previous generations of Wi-Fi. This increased capacity with reduced latency supports a significantly higher number of users and devices connected to a network or gateway.
These forward-looking features support a wide range of robust use cases, including AR/VR headsets, making full, completely wireless immersive experiences in HD possible; Multi-channel home theatre audio experiences with wireless speakers, video-enabled smart assistants with full bandwidth to support seamless 4k video interaction and content streaming; Smart IoT hubs, appliances, and accessories, outdoor and remote IP-enabled security cameras; Consumer, commercial, and industrial IoT solutions for home and building control (smart lighting, building safety and security and climate control).

The BT/BLE radios support Bluetooth/BLE standards (BLE LR/2Mbps, BLE AoA/AoD, BLE Mesh), independent Bluetooth connections, and operational modes with multiple external devices. These capabilities enable advanced smart hub and smart home services that use Bluetooth-based positioning and Mesh connectivity, providing support for numerous applications, including Dual/independent wireless headset support; Robust support of audio steaming (via stereo A2DP, Isochronous Channel); Separate low-power peripheral/accessory control, including the speaker, voice assistant, audio hubs/soundbar, physical remote control, and low-power device wakeup.

The IW62X family features the highest level of integration in the market, including 2.4 and 5 GHz dual-band Power Amplifiers (PAs), Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) antenna switches. It also includes a power management unit that substantially reduces system-level BOM (Bill of Materials) and device board area. while also simplifying chip-on-board and integrated-module designs.

NXP’s IW62X family of 2×2 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band + Bluetooth solutions are available for sampling now and soon from select module partners.

World’s First 16-Gb DDR5 DRAM supports transfer rates up to 5,600 Mbps

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SK hynix Inc. announced to launch the world’s first DDR5 DRAM. It is a high-speed and high-density product optimized for Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) as a next generation standard of DRAM.

Since SK hynix announced the development of the World’s First 16 Gigabit (Gb) DDR5 DRAM in November 2018, the Company has provided its major partners including Intel with sample products and has completed various tests and verification of its functions and compatibility. This will allow SK hynix to provide its customers with the products once the DDR5 market becomes active.

In the meantime, SK hynix has conducted a joint-operation of the on-site lab, system-level test, and simulation with System-on-Chip1) (SoC) manufacturers to verify the functions of DDR5. Also, the Company validated the compatibility of its DDR5 and the major components of DRAM module including register clock driver2) (RCD), which affects DRAM performance, and power management integrated circuit3) (PMIC). Through these verifications, SK hynix has been collaborating closely with its global partners.

SK hynix’s DDR5 supports transfer rate of 4,800 ~ 5,600 Megabit-per-second (Mbps), which is 1.8 times faster than the previous generation – DDR4. It can transmit 9 full-HD (FHD) movies (5GB each) per second with a 5,600Mbps transfer rate. Its operating voltage is 1.1V being lowered from 1.2V of DDR4, which means that its power consumption is reduced by 20%.

Another notable specification of the Company’s DDR5 is Error Correcting Code (ECC) inside the chip that can correct even 1-bit-level errors by itself. With the ECC, the reliability of applications will be increased by 20 times. The Company’s DDR5 also could build up to 256 Gigabyte (GB) capacity applying through-silicon-via (TSV) technology.

The Company expects that these eco-friendly semiconductor memories will reduce both the power consumption and operating costs of data centers as DDR5 consumes less power and significantly improves its reliability.

Meanwhile, DDR5 standard was published by JEDEC (JEDEC Solid State Technology Association) earlier in July 2020. According to market intelligence provider Omdia, the DDR5 demand will begin its surge in 2021, and it will possess 10% of the total global DRAM market in 2022 and increase to 43% in 2024.

Synopsys, Renesas, Montage Technology, and Rambus have also stated their commitment to the continuing cooperation in creating the DDR5 ecosystem.

Standardized data exchange/TSN combo delivers real-time QoS for critical traffic flows

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Connext DDS is now integrated into the Relyum portfolio of DDS-TSN products which provides determinism, reliability, scalability and availability for critical systems. Combined, DDS and TSN allow connectivity networks to converge towards a single commodity hardware solution for real-time exchange of all data.

Connext DDS provides a standardized data ddsexchange between applications built from separate components. With the addition of TSN, real-time traffic is delivered over the same Ethernet and users can enforce real-time Quality of Service (QoS) for critical traffic flows, simplifying the network structure. The combination of DDS and TSN also makes it possible to specify and enforce QoS in distributed systems, allowing system administrators to define the reliability of flows, latency budgets, deadlines, durability requirements and data lifespan, among other factors. In time-sensitive applications, together, TSN and DDS result in significant savings to applications in Industrial Automation, Energy and Aerospace & Defense domains.

For distributed systems that involve coordinated action at multiple endpoints, DDS and TSN improve interoperability, bandwidth and performance, all packaged in a modern architecture that allows developers to build robust distributed systems that can evolve over time.

“Critical systems demand high-availability, interoperability, real-time operation and higher data-throughput in their communications. DDS and TSN allows developers to achieve these goals while simplifying the required infrastructure. This partnership that joins the expertise of RTI and SoC-e in these fields allows offering our customers a reliable single-point-of-contact for these challengeable projects.” said Armando Astarloa, Chief Executive Officer at SoC-e.

“Companies need a reliable ecosystem of technology that enables development of comprehensive and coordinated solutions,” said Gerardo Pardo, Chief Technology Officer at RTI. “Together, RTI and SoC-e are leading the way in combining these powerful communication capabilities while reducing costs to our mutual customers. We’re looking forward to working with SoC-e to provide our customers with the convenience and performance they need to ensure end-to-end, proven and reliable real-time data throughout their systems.”

Trusted Computing Group spec combats sophisticated cyber threats

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trusted computing groupCybersecurity is taking a huge stride forward, as the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) today released its TPM 2.0 Library specification Revision 1.59 – providing necessary updates to the previously published TPM specification to combat the growing sophistication of cybersecurity threats worldwide.

The challenges facing the cybersecurity industry are unprecedented, with technological advances creating a greater risk than ever before as newer threats evolve and emerge. The NotPetya malware attack in 2017 demonstrates the severity attacks can have; global logistics and shipping firm Maersk became critically affected and worldwide damage to other organizations totaled US $10 billion. According to Gartner, global spending for protecting software and systems from attacks is forecasted to reach US $133.7 billion in 2022, highlighting the need for new ways of tackling them.

The newest version of the TPM 2.0 specification is an essential tool that developers and manufacturers can utilize in their fight against cyberthreats to safeguard devices not just from conception of the product, but throughout their lifecycle. It provides enhancements for authorization mechanisms, extends the availability of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to new applications allowing for more platform specifications to be built, simplifies management, supports additional cryptographic algorithms and provides additional capabilities to improve the security of TPM services.

One of the newest features is the Authenticated Countdown Timer (ACT) which enables a way of regaining control of a compromised machine by configuring a TPM ACT that restarts a platform when it reaches zero. This is hugely beneficial for remotely managed IoT devices with a TPM. If the device is determined as healthy by a cloud management service, the cloud can cryptographically create a ticket that adds more time to the ACT, preventing healthy systems from being restarted. However, if the device is deemed infected, it will not obey instructions to start recovery. At this point, the ACT will eventually reach zero and force a restart – allowing for boot firmware to kick in with recovery. 

The latest specification also includes a new x509Certify command which simplifies access to TPM functions in cryptography. This allows a TPM to use internal keys to make statements about other keys by signing x509 certificates about them. This ensures secure communications with another party and is more recognizable for people not used to working with TPMs and more used to working with x509 certificates.

In addition, an Attached Component API command facilitates the secure transferring of a TPM object to an externally attached device such as a Hardware Security Module (HSM) or self-encrypting device, providing more security. By doing this, TPM 2.0 authorization mechanisms can be combined with the performance power of an HSM. Added support for symmetric block cipher MACs and AES CMAC is also built in, aiding with integration between TPMs and low capability devices with encryption.

Trusted Computing Group published its initial TPM 2.0 Library Specification as an International Standard in 2015, through the International Organization for Standardization. TCG will apply for the features in this latest revision to also achieve the same status as a global standard, by starting a new submission to ISO at the end of this year.  

Open-source spec enables acceleration of 2D vector graphics API by OpenGL ES 2.0-compatible GPUs

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The Khronos Group, an open consortium of industry-leading companies creating graphics and compute interoperability standards, publicly releases the OpenVG 1.1 Lite Provisional Specification for advanced 2D vector and raster graphics, with conformance tests placed into open source under the Apache 2.0 license. OpenVG 1.1 Lite enables this high-quality 2D vector graphics API to be fully accelerated by any OpenGL ES 2.0-compatible GPU for the first time, significantly increasing the range of devices on which it can be deployed. The Provisional Specification is released in markdown format on GitHub to enable the developer community to provide input and feedback before the specification and conformance tests are finalized.
OpenVG Rendering Pipeline
OpenVG provides a low-level hardware acceleration interface for sophisticated 2D vector graphics, ideal for smooth and fluidly scalable user interfaces. Since its inception in 2008, OpenVG has been widely deployed in consumer electronics, handhelds, wearables, and automotive devices, as it can be accelerated by low-power, low-cost 2D graphics hardware.
The OpenVG 1.1 Lite specification relaxes the accuracy requirements of stroke path rasterization and normalizes the stencil/blending modes of OpenVG 1.1 so that they can be directly accelerated by any OpenGL ES 2.0-compatible 3D GPU, while maintaining high rendering quality. With this update, OpenVG can be even more widely deployed on almost any existing or new 3D-accelerated devices and platforms.
OpenVG 1.1 Lite includes the following updates to OpenVG 1.1:
● Stencil paint modes have been made optional;
● Complex stroke path generation (Bezier cusp cases) conformance has been relaxed;
● Lighten and Darken blending modes have been made optional.
OpenVG 1.1 Lite has been developed by Khronos members, including Ajou University, Digital Media Professionals Inc., and TAKUMI.

OpenRoaming spec aims to simplify public-guest Wi-Fi connections

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The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) today invited all organisations in the Wi-Fi ecosystem to join WBA OpenRoaming and become part of a globally available Wi-Fi federation that offers an automatic and secure connection of billions of devices to millions of Wi-Fi networks. WBA OpenRoaming provides a new global standards-led approach, removing public-guest Wi-Fi connectivity barriers and bringing greater convenience and security to the wireless ecosystem. WBA OpenRoaming removes the need to search for Wi-Fi networks, to repeatedly enter or create login credentials, or to constantly reconnect or re-register to public Wi-Fi.
For organisations and businesses, WBA OpenRoaming provides the opportunity to create new commercial business models and innovative services with speed and simplicity.

Declaring WBA OpenRoaming as “open for business” WBA CEO Tiago Rodrigues said: “Wi-Fi is already arguably the most successful wireless technology of our time, but with these globally agreed standards and policies, we can take public-guest Wi-Fi to another level in terms of ease-of-use and global availability. The WBA OpenRoaming creates an open framework for all types of players to join and develop their Wi-Fi services and create new business opportunities. We invite venues, vendors and operator/identity providers to join WBA OpenRoaming and revolutionise Wi-Fi usage around the world.”

WBA OpenRoaming simplifies Wi-Fi, much like the cellular roaming experience. Companies who join WBA OpenRoaming can allow end users to automatically connect on any Wi-Fi network managed by a federation member. No more SSID-password guessing games, insecure login credentials or reconnecting to public Wi-Fi. From enterprises to coffee shops, concert venues to connected cars, WBA OpenRoaming creates a world where Wi-Fi users move from one network to another without needing to constantly re-register or sign-in.

The pioneering companies – members of WBA – supporting the WBA OpenRoaming standards include: Airmesh, Airties, Aprecomm, American Tower, Aptilo, AT&T, Boingo Wireless, Broadcom Inc, Cisco, Cityroam, Comcast, Commscope, Deutsche Telekom, Eduroam, Eleven Software,GlobalReachTechnology, Google, Hub One, Hughes Systique Corp, Intel Corporation, IT&E, m3connect, Nomosphere, Orange, Purple Wi-Fi, Samsung, Single Digits, Sun Global, Veniam, WifiCoin and Zephyrtel. Together these companies provide Wi-Fi services that reach billions of people and things.

WBA OpenRoaming defines the industry policies and standards that will manage the federation. The WBA OpenRoaming framework and standards are based on the following features:
Cloud federation, consisting of a global database of networks and identities, dynamic discovery and the Wireless Roaming Intermediary Exchange (WRIX)
Cyber security, consisting of Public Key Infrastructure and RadSec providing the certificate policy, management and brokerage services
Network automation, facilitated by an automated roaming consortium framework and policy and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint
Companies who join WBA OpenRoaming are included in a federation of identity and network providers. Equipment vendors, identity providers, venues and operators – as well as private and public Wi-Fi networks – can join WBA OpenRoaming and immediately become part of the global ecosystem and help to shape the future of the federation.
To join or for more information, visit www.openroaming.org.

Comments from pioneering members of WBA OpenRoaming:
“AirTies is excited to see the progress of OpenRoaming as it will significantly increase ease-of-use for network service providers and consumers alike.  AirTies Wi-Fi technology will support fixed and mobile service providers ability to offload their mobile traffic seamlessly to millions of Wi-Fi home networks. Combined with AirTies Wi-Fi 6 portfolio, OpenRoaming will enable fluid mobile-Wi-Fi handover while providing a highly secure quality of service for both mobile and home user.” Metin Taskin, CTO of AirTies.

“Under the WBA’s leadership, OpenRoaming will make it easier for more locations to offer seamless and secure Passpoint Wi-Fi to their employees and customers.” JR Wilson, WBA Chairman and AT&T Vice President of Tower Strategy and Roaming.

“As a Wi-Fi Infrastructure Provider supporting Wi-Fi Calling capabilities, American Tower supports the OpenRoaming framework. The framework will improve subscriber call initiation security and allows our design team to create an infrastructure with compliant vendors for seamless interoperability”. Jake Rasweiler, Senior VP Innovation, American Tower.

WBA OpenRoaming is a monumental step for our industry in the quest for a secure, ubiquitous and seamless Wi-Fi user experience. This initiative will simplify co-operation on Wi-Fi roaming for our 100+ operator customers globally, not only with each other but also with large government funded networks such as WiFi4EU. Paul Mikkelsen, CEO, Aptilo.

“OpenRoaming is a global effort to improve Wi-Fi connectivity by creating an interoperable network of premium hotspots that adhere to strict quality measures. The standards-based framework will expand Wi-Fi offload opportunities for Boingo, enabling us to grow roaming relationships to bring Passpoint® connectivity to more places with more partners.” Dr. Derek Peterson, WBA Co-Chairman and Boingo Wireless Chief Technology Officer.

“Broadcom’s next-generation Wi-Fi solutions have always been built with the consumer in mind. Wi-Fi 6 products power seamless user experiences across the world and Wi-Fi 6E will further optimize our connected world in 2020 and beyond. The groundbreaking OpenRoaming effort spearheaded by WBA will truly future-proof our networks by providing users with a convenient, accessible and secure Wi-Fi experience.” Gabriel Desjardins, Director of Product Marketing, Broadcom Inc.

“With WBA OpenRoaming we’re building something that will have a dramatic impact on the service provider space, the enterprise user space and the consumer space. This is a ground-breaking effort that will provide your users, your customers, your passengers, your students, or your employees with the very best possible Wi-Fi connectivity and experience wherever they go – automatically.” Matt McPherson, Wireless CTO, Cisco

“OpenRoaming has the potential to revolutionize WiFi roaming by offering easy seamless access to WiFi networks around the world. Mobile devices as well as tablets and laptops can be configured by mobile operators and other companies to visit any hotspot on the ground, on boats and in airplanes supporting OpenRoaming. This will satisfy customers and will strengthen wholesale business. Dr. Angelos Mavridis, Senior Manager WiFi Roaming, Telekom Global Carrier, Deutsche Telekom.

“Eduroam has been doing federated Wi-Fi roaming since over a decade with many of the building blocks that meanwhile underpin Passpoint. Now that Passpoint and OpenRoaming provide a coherent vision and technology to enable inter-federation roaming in a scalable way, it is only natural for eduroam to join forces and take this exciting next step as a first-to-market pioneer participant.” Paul Dekkers, Chair of GÉANT (the Global Eduroam Governance Committee).

“We believe in the power of connectivity and that Wi-Fi access should be simple, seamless, and secure. That’s why we’re excited to be part of the WBA OpenRoaming federation—a tangible next step to a world where people can get and stay connected, without hassle.” Peri Pierone, CEO Eleven Software.

“OpenRoaming will enable enterprises to transform the way they provide Wi-Fi access to customers, employees and guests – seamlessly and securely without the barriers of landing pages and passwords. For public venues this can be a platform to help attract, engage and reward customers and for private enterprise offices this can make registration for Wi-Fi access frictionless removing an unnecessary task from visitor reception staff or for IT staff for employees.” Chris Bruce, Managing Director, GlobalReach Technology.

“Arthur C Clarke once said that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. With WBA OpenRoaming I think we are on the verge of making the Wi-Fi experience more magical for everyone. We’re excited about the potential for OpenRoaming to give people all over the world better and easier access to use internet services.” Raj Gajwani, Director Area 120 Research Lab, Google

“Since we deployed Passpoint two years ago, it proved to be a great success and it brought great experience for around one million of our users. We are very excited about WBA’s initiative to create a global federation and thus help propose this great service for millions more users in large public venues. In 2024, our goal is to provide a seamless Wi-Fi experience thanks to Passpoint to visitors from all around the world during Paris Olympic Games”. Mr. Jean-Christophe Budin, Wireless Director, Hub One.

“The OpenRoaming initiative by WBA extends the power of Passpoint technology by uniting the global Wi-Fi networks. It allows for seamless and secure connectivity which is highly desirable among end-users, service providers, and enterprises alike. OpenRoaming will open up new avenues for enterprises to discover new business opportunities. Hughes Systique is looking forward to participating in this journey towards achieving “cellular-like” automatic connectivity for the end-users across Wi-Fi networks.” Ajay Gupta, SVP, Global Business Development, Hughes Systique.

“OpenRoaming will provide virtually seamless hotspot connections to users around the globe and continues the rolling thunder of Wi-Fi innovations following Wi-Fi 6 and upcoming Wi-Fi 6E products. Intel is excited to join the WBA and our industry partners in delivering this world changing technology to a world that relies on connectivity more and more each day.” Eric McLaughlin, VP Client Computing Group, GM Wireless Solutions Group, Intel Corporation.

“We are very excited to be a part of the OpenRoaming implementation, IT&E is a proponent of seamless, zero-touch provisioning and onboarding for WiFi. Guam and the Northern Marianas being a major tourist destination will greatly benefit from OpenRoaming by allowing our tourist and visitors the ability to seamlessly and securely connect to our WiFi networks and hotspots. We are looking forward to collaborating with the WBA and everyone in the OpenRoaming ecosystem, OpenRoaming is definitely a game-changing wireless technology.” Mark Badal, CIO, IT&E Guam & CNMI.

As part of WBA membership, Nomosphere is happy to support the OpenRoaming initiative. With this major project, the Wi-Fi worldwide ecosystem is focusing on improving customer experience, and on increasing Wi-Fi networks efficiency. We hope Nomosphere’s 10,000 hotspots will soon join this OpenRoaming community. Philippe LE GRAND, Vice President Nomosphere.

“Orange recognizes the value of widely available secure and quality Wi-Fi through Passpoint. By enabling multiple Wi-Fi providers in key locations, such as transportation hubs, municipalities, campuses, stadiums and corporate buildings, to be readily available to roaming subscribers, the WBA OpenRoaming initiative will greatly benefit both the user-experience and business of our mobile service-provider customers.” Cedric Gonin, Senior Marketing Director for Mobile Services at Orange International Carriers.

Purple was established on the basis of making WiFi a pleasure for the end-user, that principle is still at the core of what we do and this new the OpenRoaming initiative from the WBA will help further that goal. We look forward to ushering in a new world of Public WiFi usage with the WBA and all the other federation partners. Gavin Wheeldon, CEO Purple.

“The technology standards that make OpenRoaming possible, including Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoin and RadSec, enhance our ability to deliver the seamless, reliable and secure connected user experience our customers are asking for at their venues and for their users. Together they bring us one step closer to true wireless convergence.” Blaz Vavpetic, CTO at Single Digits.

“Sun Global Broadband is proud to be a member and a Hawaii / Pacific Hub for the Wireless Broadband Alliance OpenRoaming federation. Sun Global Broadband is a worldwide leader in macro based super long-range Wi-Fi with mobility. The worldwide federation of Wi-Fi networks provides the platform for Wireless Internet that provides seamless roaming between aggregated Wi-Fi networks. Congratulations to the Wireless Broadband Alliance and the Cisco technology for this great achievement that allows us to link indoor Wi-Fi to outdoor Wi-Fi from Sun Global Broadband.” Edward Sun, CEO and Chairman, Sun Global Broadband.

“WBA OpenRoaming will enable connected vehicles to access millions of Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. We are excited about this opportunity and we believe that it will be an important step towards realizing our vision of the Internet of Moving Things — a new kind of network where all devices that move form a mesh to make the most out of all wireless interfaces.” João Barros, Founder & CEO at Veniam.

“It is a great privilege to be part of this game-changing program in its early stages. We are excited to support WBA in delivering a superior Wi-Fi experience to people around the world, a further proof point towards our goal of revolutionizing the telco industry. With ever-increasing smartphone growth and usage, we see a great opportunity in using our Accuris Wi-Fi Offload and Roaming solution to significantly simplify connectivity between networks and help users move seamlessly between networks”. Andy Berry, EVP Worldwide Sales at ZephyrTel.

MIPI v3.0 enables more rapid and dynamic configuration changes for RF front-end subsystems

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MIPI A-PHYThe MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, today announced the release of MIPI RF Front End Control Interface (MIPI RFFE) v3.0. The latest version of the world’s de facto standard interface for control of radio frequency (RF) front-end (FE) subsystems, MIPI RFFE v3.0 is designed to deliver the tighter timing precision and reduced latencies that manufacturers need today to advance the rollout of 5G around the world.

Features in v3.0 bring significant new capabilities to the well-established MIPI specification. Since its initial release a decade ago, RFFE has been deployed in billions of device in virtually every device with cellular connectivity including handsets, smartwatches and automobiles, to name a few.

MIPI RFFE simplifies the design, configuration, and integration of the increasingly complex RF front end—which encompasses the power amplifiers, antenna tuners, filters, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and switches—connecting with the modem baseband and/or RF integrated circuit (RFIC) transceiver. As the number of RF bands involved in both uplink and downlink communications has exploded in the rollout of 5G, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) windows among RF packets have narrowed. MIPI RFFE v3.0 addresses the decreased reconfiguration windows and lower-latency switching among various bands and band combinations demanded in the 3GPP 5G standard by delivering enhanced triggering features and functionality, which results in fast, agile, semi-automated and comprehensive control of individual RFFE subsystems.

MIPI RFFE v3.0 utilizes multiple, complementary triggers to synchronize and schedule changes in register settings, either within a slave device or across multiple devices:

  • Timed triggers—Allows for tighter, synchronized timing control of multiple carrier aggregation configurations
  • Mappable triggers—Enables groups of control functions to be remapped to other triggers quickly and easily
  • Extended triggers—Boosts the number of unique triggers available in the RF control system and accommodates increasingly complex radio architectures

With the enhanced triggering functions, MIPI RFFE v3.0 improves throughput efficiencies and reduces packet latency, while also improving the precision in trigger placement. For back-to-back triggering operations, for example, the specification delivers a 20x improvement in timing precision.

Because MIPI RFFE v3.0 is backward compatible with prior generations of the specification, original equipment manufacturers and device vendors can migrate to 5G systems more quickly and easily, without changes to the physical layer of the control interface. The RFFE specification was initially released in 2010 and has seen numerous revisions since that time. Each release has provided additional functionality for developers to aid in the demand for newer RF front-end features.

MIPI has scheduled a webinar, “A New MIPI RFFE for the Emerging 5G Era,” on June 2, 2020, at 11 am EDT, 8 am PDT, to further explore the features and benefits of MIPI RFFE v3.0 and provide an update on the RFFE ecosystem. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3ckJggl. Also, a variety of resources on the specification are available.

Wireless Broadband Alliance gives thumbs up to new 6GHz Wi-Fi band

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The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), the body leading development of next-generation Wi-Fi services, today supports the decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to open up the 6GHz frequency band for use by Wi-Fi 6 technology. It declared the release of the spectrum would bring radical change for the Wi-Fi industry in terms of service speed, hyper low latency, and more importantly, network capacity.

“Extending Wi-Fi into the 6GHz spectrum band can provide more Wi-Fi capacity than all the other bands put together,” WBA CEO Tiago Rodrigues explained. “What’s more, using Wi-Fi 6 technology in the extended band (also known as Wi-Fi 6E) will deliver higher speeds, low latency and service levels that are equivalent to 5G networks and be able to support the widespread, low-cost, use of advanced business, industrial and consumer applications.

“In terms of the capability and capacity of networks, Wi-Fi 6E, will rewrite the rules of what is possible,” Rodrigues added.

The WBA confirmed that its early trials of Wi-Fi 6E achieved speeds of 2Gbps as well as consistent two-millisecond low latency connections, and a major step-up from current Wi-Fi technology. Carried out in San Jose, California, by WBA member companies Broadcom and Intel Corp, the trials demonstrated that Wi-Fi 6E can meet the needs of industrial and consumer applications of virtual and augmented reality technology.

The WBA has been leading a series of successful Wi-Fi 6 trials across different verticals including Industry 4.0, residential, education, transportation hubs, sports stadiums etc. and these are now extending to Wi-Fi 6E and additional verticals. WBA member and partner companies taking part in the trials include Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, Boingo Networks, Broadcom, Cable Labs, Cisco, Comcast, GlobalReach Technology, Intel Corp and SK Telecom..

“Wi-Fi 6E technology is designed to deliver performance in highly congested places,” said Rodrigues, “and the next phase of our trials will prove that performance in real world locations. These trials will demonstrate the application and the benefits of the technology in live environments and through this accelerate the adoption and creation of new business opportunities enabled by the opening of the 6GHz spectrum to be used for Wi-Fi services.”

Companies and organisations interested in the trials and potentially becoming involved should visit the WBA’s Wi-Fi 6E website.

 

 

Sequans and Avnet execute global distribution deal

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Sequans Communications S.A. and Avnet today announced a distribution agreement whereby Avnet will promote and sell Sequans’ IoT chips and modules and will exclusively promote and sell Monarch Go, an LTE-M/NB-IoT modem component designed for and certified by Verizon.  Monarch Go enables new IoT devices to launch on Verizon with no additional testing required, significantly reducing time to market.

The objective of the Sequans and Avnet agreement is to serve target markets by leveraging the industry-leading wireless components of Sequans and the extensive engineering expertise and distribution power of Avnet. In addition to Monarch Go, Avnet will resell and promote Sequans’ other IoT module solutions, including solutions for IoT/ M2M, broadband/CBRS, and all of their associated evaluation and development kits.

Monarch Go, announced yesterday by Verizon and Sequans is based on Sequans’ Monarch LTE-M Monarch technology and was designed and built for Verizon in order to offer device makers the lowest total cost of ownership and shortest possible route to market for new IoT devices launching on Verizon. Monarch Go comes certified by Verizon as an end device, with no further certification required in the USA, drastically reducing the time to market to a matter of days. Monarch Go comes with a Verizon data plan and a pre-installed ThingSpace IoT SIM.

In addition to Monarch Go, Sequans’ products available through Avnet include the industry-leading Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT chip platform, and Monarch modules GM01Q (dual-mode LTE-M/NB-IoT) and NB01Q (single mode NB-IoT). Also included are Sequans Calliope LTE Cat 1 products, Colibri LTE Cat 4 products, and Cassiopeia LTE Cat 6 products.