CommScope has recently unveiled its latest innovations in AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 technology, tailored specifically for the hospitality industry. With the introduction of RUCKUS Networks solutions, hotels ranging from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options can expect enhanced, personalized Wi-Fi experiences. This development aims to meet the diverse connectivity needs across various hotel tiers, ensuring seamless and efficient internet access for guests while simultaneously reducing operational costs.
Bart Giordano, Senior Vice President and President of CommScope’s Network Infrastructure Solutions (NICS), emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to transforming wireless connectivity in hotels. He stated, "RUCKUS has worked with leading hotels around the world to elevate the standards for wireless connectivity and guest experiences. Our innovative solutions reflect our dedication to helping hospitality customers and partners scale their networks, reduce operational costs, and enhance performance and reliability with AI-driven network assurance systems. We provide purpose-driven solutions across the hospitality spectrum, ensuring every guest, device, and application receives the connection it deserves."
AI-Driven Connectivity Solutions
The newly expanded RUCKUS Networks portfolio builds on the RUCKUS One platform, a cloud-native system that leverages AI to deliver network assurance, service delivery, and business intelligence via a unified dashboard. This platform allows LAN service providers to offer customized solutions, complete with pre-configured packages tailored to the unique requirements of the hospitality sector.
Full-Service Hotels:
For premium and full-service properties, the RUCKUS H670 access point is a standout solution. This tri-radio, wall-mounted Wi-Fi 7 access point features dual concurrent IoT radios and dual multi-gigabit Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. It seamlessly integrates various IoT devices, ranging from smart locks to environmental sensors, aimed at accommodating high device density. This design ensures reliable, uninterrupted connectivity conducive to activities like streaming and video conferencing, as well as management of smart room controls.
Mid-Scale Hotels:
Mid-scale hotels can benefit from the RUCKUS R370 access point, a dual-band AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 solution that provides robust and manageable wireless coverage for both guest rooms and communal areas. Its data rates are double that of entry-level Wi-Fi 6 access points, enabling seamless streaming, video calls, and IoT device integration without necessitating extensive infrastructure upgrades.
Limited-Service Hotels:
For budget-conscious limited-service hotels, CommScope has rolled out a bundle that offers an affordable and easy-to-deploy networking solution. This package includes cloud-managed services through the RUCKUS Unleashed platform, along with an integrated guest Wi-Fi portal and the RUCKUS R350e access point. Together, these elements deliver enterprise-grade networking at a price point suitable for cost-sensitive organizations.
Advanced Features for Enhanced Guest Experience
The introduction of RUCKUS One Hospitality Edition significantly extends the capabilities of the new offerings. This edition features automated onboarding and dynamic network access based on guest identity, providing advanced functionality such as AI-powered dashboard customization. Additionally, patented DPSK3 technology ensures secure, large-scale Wi-Fi 7 access, while role-based access control allows for secure delegation of network roles. A configuration template engine also simplifies deployment and minimizes errors.
The revamped Brand 360 Dashboard gives hotel operators a comprehensive view of property performance, compliance tracking, and connectivity quality assessments. An AI onboarding assistant has been included to enhance productivity in configuration and policy management, further bolstered with improved single sign-on and multi-factor authentication for heightened administrative security.
Jillian Kenney, Property Internet Services Manager at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, praised the RUCKUS One system for its intuitive management capabilities. "I’ve been thoroughly impressed! It makes managing the entire network effortless for any hotel in Sonesta’s portfolio, regardless of the service provider. The visibility it provides allows me to identify issues down to the AP level before they escalate, ensuring smooth and secure operations every day."
Expanding the Portfolio with New Access Points
CommScope continues to enhance its offerings with the addition of new wireless access points. The RUCKUS H670 stands out as the first tri-band, wall-mounted Wi-Fi 7 access point featuring dual concurrent IoT radios, designed to improve in-room connectivity and facilitate IoT integration. Meanwhile, the RUCKUS R370 serves as an economical dual-band, entry-level Wi-Fi 7 access point, delivering multi-gigabit performance tailored for low to medium density environments.
These advanced solutions aim to provide faster speeds, low latency, and increased capacity under challenging radio frequency conditions, ensuring optimal performance across all segments of the hospitality market. RUCKUS Networks solutions are already being deployed in esteemed hotels worldwide, including Passalacqua on Lake Como, Le Royal Monceau in Paris, and across Sonesta Hotels in the United States.
Conclusion
CommScope’s introduction of AI-powered Wi-Fi 7 solutions represents a significant leap forward in providing tailored connectivity for the hospitality sector. By acknowledging the varying needs of luxury, mid-scale, and budget-conscious hotels, the company aims to elevate the guest experience and streamline operations. With AI-driven network assurance and innovative access points, RUCKUS Networks is poised to redefine connectivity standards, enabling hotels to meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy travelers. Whether for high-end resorts or budget lodgings, CommScope’s commitment to enhancing Wi-Fi experiences ensures all guests receive the connection and attention they deserve.
