What Does It Take to Build Enterprise Wi-Fi APs from Concept to Connectivity?

In this insightful session, Rosalie Bibona, Product Management Director for Wireless Hardware, will explore the intricate process of designing and building enterprise Wi-Fi access points, where every component choice impacts both performance and cost. She’ll begin by discussing the Cost of Goods (COGs) and how they drive decisions around core components, such as bandpass filters, radio chipsets, and antennas. The selection of antenna types—internal, integrated, or external—can significantly impact the access point's performance and versatility, especially as network demands continue to evolve across different enterprise environments. Beyond component selection, Rosalie will address the challenges of designing robust mounting solutions that accommodate diverse installation needs, ensuring optimal signal coverage and durability. She’ll share insights on the collaboration required between hardware and software engineering teams to harmonize design choices, ensuring that each hardware component works seamlessly with advanced software features to optimize network performance. Additionally, she’ll delve into the complexities of meeting international spectrum regulations, which have become particularly demanding with the introduction of the 6 GHz band in recent years. This session will provide a deep understanding of the trade-offs, regulatory hurdles, and technical decisions involved in creating high-performance, adaptable Wi-Fi access points for the modern enterprise.