News
TP-Link Unveils New Router Range Featuring Wi-Fi 7
The company’s latest generation of routers include the $700 Archer BE900 quad-band router and an upcoming gaming model known as the GE800.
Despite most of us not having purchased our first Wi-Fi 6-enabled device, TP-Link has jumped the gun and released a range of Wi-Fi 7 routers based on the upcoming IEEE specification. The company is currently revamping its entire product line, including its flagship Archer router models, the Deco home mesh network devices, and its business-focused offerings.
Wi-Fi 7 offers faster speeds and reduced latency compared to previous iterations and allows devices to connect to two spectrums simultaneously (5Ghz and 6Ghz) using Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Like past generations, Wi-Fi 7 devices will be able to connect to older versions of the technology, but to enjoy the fastest speeds, you’ll need the same Wi-Fi 7 spec at each end.
Archer BE900
The first of the new TP-Link devices is the quad-band Archer BE900, which features a touchscreen that can show the time, weather, wireless stats, and emojis. OpenVPN is supported and a private IoT network for smart devices, with speeds of up to 24Gbps achievable — double that of the outgoing models.
As for connectivity, the BE900 offers an SFP+Fiber WAN option and an additional 10Gb WAN port, as well as four 2.5G ethernet ports. TP-Link says the BE900 “will be available for preorder starting December 31st and will ship in the first quarter of 2023, priced at $699.”
BE800 & BE550
Moving down the range, we find the new tri-band BE800 model, which can achieve 19Gbps wireless speeds and supports 10Gb internet services. The model retains the Archer BE900’s LED lights but ditches the touchscreen. Below that model sits the BE550, which features speeds of 9.3Gbps with 2.5Gbps ethernet ports. According to TP-Link, “Both these models are EasyMesh-capable and ready to create a wider-reaching home network.”
GE800
Gamers will likely be most interested in the tri-band Archer GE800 Gaming router, which features an app-powered Game Panel that can prioritize gaming traffic above other network data, and a dual-tower antenna design. The model supports 19Gbps Wi-Fi 7 speeds, with two 10Gb ethernet ports, two 2.5Gb ports, plus four gigabit ports. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but the router is expected to land in either Q1 or Q2 2023.
Deco BE95, BE85 & BE65
The new Deco range of home mesh routers has also been announced by TP-Link, with speeds ranging from 33Gbps to 11Gbps, and prices climbing all the way to $1,199.99 for the top model. The devices will be released sometime in Q1 or Q2 of 2023, with the company claiming that they will enable enthusiasts to create “the industry’s fastest mesh system.”
TP-Link has pulled out all the stops with this upcoming Wi-Fi 7 line of devices, even updating the tech in its new enterprise-based Omada access points and cellular 5G routers. If you’re an enthusiastic early adopter, you’ll only need to wait until early 2023 to experience a taste of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds out there.
News
Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia
The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.
Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.
Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.
Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis
D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.
What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.
The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
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