Why AI-enabled cyber-security is the next step toward protecting WiFi networks
Attracted by benefits such as improved coverage and reduced latency, home WiFi customers are increasingly relying on mesh WiFi. According to research firm Global Market Insights, the industry was worth around $2 billion in 2019. The group forecasts that this number will continue to expand at a compound annual growth rate of more than 15% through 2026.
At the same time, the number of access points (APs) consumers rely on to power their smart home ecosystems is growing at an equally impressive clip. Plume data found that the average number of connected devices per Plume household is around 14 today. That number is expected to jump to 32 devices by 2025.
While both solutions can help CSPs improve their WiFi layer management, OpenSync has several clear advantages. Our recent whitepaper explores the overlap between EasyMesh and OpenSync, as well as where the open-source solution outperforms.
Advantages of OpenSync
OpenSync, on the other hand, spans multiple layers between in-home devices' hardware and the cloud. It functions as a middle layer in a cloud services architecture, with the WiFi chipset at the bottom and CSPs controlling the cloud at the top. And a wide range of features—including intelligent cybersecurity functionalities—means more robust and customizable controls for both CSPs and their customers.
Learn more about OpenSync and its versatile use cases in the full whitepaper.
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Open source vs. open standards:
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The average smart home powered by Plume has more than 14 connected devices.
This presents quite a juggling act for Communications Service Providers (CSPs), who must adapt their home network offerings in order to supply seamless, robust, and comprehensive service to customers who have increasingly high expectations. CSPs seeking new technologies to manage mesh networks and juggle multiple APs have a couple of different avenues they can explore.
The first is EasyMesh, a standards-based approach designed to improve WiFi network interoperability for mesh devices. Another option is an open-source solution, such as OpenSync. This cloud-based software helps CSPs deliver and manage home network services via intelligent WiFi optimization, control, machine learning, and data collection.
Both EasyMesh and OpenSync help CSPs navigate the increased complexity—and congestion—of today's home WiFi networks. They mitigate issues like vendor lock-in and ensure interoperability. Both support WiFi 6, which means they allow for higher network capacity. They also enable an easy, seamless setup to configure connections among multiple APs.
But ultimately, EasyMesh, which creates a multi-AP network with a local controller, has a fairly narrow use case. It only applies to the WiFi mesh software layer, which means it has limited capabilities.
The advantages of OpenSync over EasyMesh for Communications Service Providers
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requirements to support a cloud managed WiFi system
The average smart home powered by Plume has more than 14 connected devices.
A few of the primary benefits of OpenSync include:
When it comes to selecting a technology to support the ongoing evolution of today's home WiFi networks and mesh devices, there's a clear choice for CSPs.
Improved network management via cloud-connected statistics and controls, as well as rapid network optimization reconfiguration.
Better device management, including cloud-controlled software agent upgrades.
Support for mixed public and private networks via a captive portal, as well as application and domain monitoring, and unique passwords per each client device.
In addition, OpenSync provides peace of mind for CSPs in the form of more compute power, increased storage, and centralized control and visibility.
When it comes to selecting a technology to support the ongoing evolution of today's home WiFi networks and mesh devices, there's a clear choice for CSPs.
Download the whitepaper
Download the whitepaper
Download the whitepaper