Trial achieved up to 10x faster connection set-up and up to 30 percent improvement in network efficiency; available on Qualcomm Technologies’ mobile and networking platforms
BARCELONA, SPAIN – February 21, 2018 – At Mobile World Congress 2018 today, Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), through its subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS company (NASDAQ: ARRS), announced the successful completion of the industry’s first announced trial of Carrier Wi-Fi enhancements based on the Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Vantage™ program, with Vantage 2 features. Conducted on KDDI’s public Wi-Fi network at the Shibuya train station in Tokyo, Japan, and using test devices based on Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 845 Mobile Platform and Ruckus’ R610 and R710 access points (APs) powered by IPQ806x and QCA99xx networking chipset, the trial demonstrated substantial improvements in the performance and user experience of Wi-Fi on a congested carrier network. Prior to the field trials, extensive lab trials were also conducted in Qualcomm Technologies, Ruckus and KDDI with support from HTC and SHARP, to help ensure the robust performance.
The Vantage 2 features validated in the trial were developed to deliver higher network efficiency, as well as easy set-up and quality Wi-Fi connections, even in congested carrier environments, such as those found in airports, train stations, stadiums, campuses and community Wi-Fi networks. The trial showed up to 10x faster connection set-up and 30 percent more efficient use of network capacity, resulting in quick connection when users enter carrier networks, as well as more reliable voice and data performance, virtually consistent speeds and seamless roaming when moving around in the network coverage area. Qualcomm Technologies, the first technology provider to make these Vantage 2 features commercially available on its platforms, was instrumental in achieving these results by providing end-to-end support on both smartphone devices and APs. HTC and SHARP also contributed test devices towards interoperability testing.
“Wi-Fi and cellular networks complement each other in bringing remarkable user experiences. Qualcomm Technologies is a leader innovating in both areas, and we are pleased to work with our partners to increase the network and medium utilization efficiency and move the industry forward in delivering consistently high-quality experiences in such high-capacity demanding networks,” said Rahul Patel, senior vice president and general manager, connectivity and networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “As consumer expectations for better Wi-Fi experiences inside and outside their homes, work and public venues increase, we are committed to continuing to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions that benefit operators and consumers alike.”
“At Ruckus, we develop technology that delivers seamless connectivity and great user experiences no matter how challenging the environment is,” said Dan Rabinovitsj, president of Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS company. “Our trials with KDDI showcase how we can significantly improve the Wi-Fi performance in dense and busy environments, such as train stations, to help carriers answer consumer demands for consistently great wireless experiences.”
“Quality in user Wi-Fi experiences continues to be important in our wireless service offerings,” said Yoshiaki Uchida, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Executive Director, Technology Sector of KDDI Corporation. “KDDI has led the evolution of Wi-Fi technology and has made significant contributions to the standardization efforts since 2014. We are pleased with the improved performance the trials with Qualcomm Technologies and Ruckus brought about, and know the trial learnings will lead to a better Wi-Fi experience for KDDI customers, even in extremely congested locations, like Tokyo train stations. We are looking forward to bringing these features to our customers in the near future.”
“Innovation is in HTC’s DNA, enabling us to provide state of the art products to our customers,” said Adrian Tung, senior vice president, HTC. “This trial of Carrier Wi-Fi enhancements using our product with the Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform brings customers excellent user experience possible in broadband applications. In fact, it also increases up to 30 percent more efficient use of network capacity that benefits both operators and consumers. HTC is committed to continuing to deliver the most innovative products to customers.”
“As a leading manufacturer of mobile phones, it is essential to provide a premium Wi-Fi experience to our users,” said Yoshiroh Nakano, Business Unit Senior Vice President, Mobile Communications Business Unit for SHARP. “We are thrilled to have succeeded in demonstrating the effectiveness of carrier Wi-Fi enhancements with Qualcomm Technologies, allowing us to provide our customers with better user Wi-Fi experience through our phones.”
“Wi-Fi Vantage brings improvements in mobility, manageability, and performance to managed networks, and provides a better user experience with Wi-Fi devices in rapidly changing environments. Dynamic environments such as the Shibuya train station as well as venues, airports and other dense carrier networks all stand to benefit from Wi-Fi Vantage capabilities which improve device performance,” said Edgar Figueroa, president and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. “Wi-Fi Vantage enhances Wi-Fi’s capabilities to service high-density environments at high performance levels, as has been demonstrated in the Qualcomm Technologies and Ruckus carrier Wi-Fi trials in Tokyo.”
The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Vantage is a new certification program from the Wi-Fi Alliance that supports features that deliver a superior user experience in managed Wi-Fi networks. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Optimized Connectivity improves mobility and user experience in dense environments, by leveraging technologies that improve roaming and transmissions.
For more information on Qualcomm Technologies’ offerings, please visit the Qualcomm MWC booth located in Hall 3 of the Fira Gran Via at Booth #E310. For more information, visit www.qualcomm.com.
Qualcomm Contacts
Pete Lancia, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: [email protected]
John Sinnott, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: [email protected]
Ruckus Networks Contacts
Laurie Timms, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-408-724-0741
Bob Puccini, ARRIS Investor Relations
Phone: 1-720-895-7787
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm invents breakthrough technologies that transform how the world connects and communicates. When we connected the phone to the Internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our inventions are the foundation for life-changing products, experiences, and industries. As we lead the world to 5G, we envision this next big change in cellular technology spurring a new era of intelligent, connected devices and enabling new opportunities in connected cars, remote delivery of health care services, and the IoT — including smart cities, smart homes, and wearables. Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, all of our engineering, research and development functions, and all of our products and services businesses, including, the QCT semiconductor business. For more information, visit Qualcomm’s website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.
About Ruckus Networks
Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS company, delivers simply better connections, so you can deliver awesome customer experiences. Ruckus’ high-performance network infrastructure provides secure, reliable access to applications and services no matter how tough the environment. Ruckus innovates across wireless and wired technology to meet industry-specific needs. When connectivity really matters, organizations turn to Ruckus. #simplybetterconnections
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Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.