Extreme Wi-Fi 7 sees rising global adoption in key sectors
Extreme Networks has reported increased adoption of its Wi-Fi 7 solutions by global customers in sectors including education, healthcare, sports, and entertainment.
The company noted that organisations such as Baylor University, Barnsley College, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Henry Ford Health, Six Flags amusement parks and multiple National Football League teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, have deployed Extreme's Wi-Fi 7 access points to improve network reliability and performance.
Product features
Extreme's Wi-Fi 7 suite includes features designed to enhance connectivity, such as access points equipped with dual IoT radios to support multiple protocols. The technology also provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) failover, ensuring network devices remain powered, and incorporates always-on encryption for improved security. The company's Wi-Fi 7 range - which includes models such as AP4020, AP4060, and the enterprise-focused AP5020 - is targeted at deployments requiring both high-density network support and advanced management using AI-driven operations.
The company's wireless solutions for the 6 GHz spectrum feature WBA OpenRoaming, a federated access system that aims to eliminate the need for manual logins and addresses network security concerns by providing continuous authentication. According to Extreme, these features are intended to reduce operational complexity for IT teams and to lower power consumption, which the company says can decrease operational costs.
Sector applications
In the education sector, Baylor University adopted the technology to support the increasing use of advanced classroom technologies and accommodate a growing student body. According to Extreme, the installation covers facilities such as the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, supporting digital learning and community events.
James Stewart, Head of ICT at Barker College in Sydney, commented on the implementation of Extreme's Wi-Fi 7 at the school:
"Barker College selected Extreme's Wi‐Fi 7 to replace an aging Wi-Fi 5 solution to deliver seamless, always‐on, high‐capacity connectivity across our K-12 learning environments. It has met and exceeded the requirements to support a very large student body and advanced classroom technologies like immersive learning, AI, interactive lessons, and smart classrooms. With the Extreme Wi-Fi 7 solution the school has gained the speed, reliability, and capacity to power next‐generation learning and digital innovation for every learner and support the complex operations that support this."
Healthcare organisations, including University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Henry Ford Health, are using Wi-Fi 7 to maintain bedside device connectivity, facilitate real-time data transfer, and enable new medical applications such as real-time imaging and secure mobile communications for clinicians. Extreme emphasises that the enhanced speed and reliability of the technology are intended to support critical healthcare operations.
In the leisure and entertainment sector, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Six Flags amusement parks have implemented Wi-Fi 7 to manage visitor experiences, including interactive exhibits and augmented reality displays, as well as supporting mobile ticketing.
Industry perspective
David Coleman, Director of Wireless Networking in the Office of the CTO at Extreme Networks, said:
"Wi-Fi 7 is a major leap forward for wireless connectivity, unlocking new levels of speed, responsiveness, and efficiency. At Extreme, we've spent decades designing and deploying networks in the most demanding environments, and this next generation of Wi-Fi takes performance and reliability to a new level. Enterprises can fully harness the power of 6 GHz and Wi-Fi 7 to enable real-time collaboration, power data-intensive applications, support high-density and smart building deployments, and ensure fast, reliable connectivity for every user and device."
Previous developments
The company referenced its track record of deploying enterprise-grade wireless technology, having previously introduced Wi-Fi 6E access points and receiving permission for standard power outdoor 6 GHz sites using automated frequency coordination.
All of Extreme's 6 GHz wireless access points support the WBA OpenRoaming feature, which aims to improve security and simplify user access across different networks.
