Qualcomm's new Wi-Fi 7 system brings edge AI to home networks

In brief: Imagine a smart home environment where even legacy devices can be infused with AI, and companies are able to easily build new products for this environment. That is the vision behind Qualcomm's new networking system, already endorsed by several companies, that brings edge AI to home devices.

Qualcomm has unveiled a new networking system with edge AI integration that the company says will reimagine how users experience their connected devices in the home.

Called the Networking Pro A7 Elite platform, the system integrates AI capabilities directly into Wi-Fi routers and other networking devices, including mesh systems, broadband gateways, and access points.

The heart of this new platform is an AI co-processor that boasts 40 TOPS of neural processing power and uses the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, supporting speeds up to 33 Gbps. Qualcomm says the combination can turn a Wi-Fi router into an AI hub and enhance the capabilities of connected devices, from cameras to vacuum cleaners. The platform's AI capabilities can support legacy devices as well.

The product bridges the gap between cloud AI and on-device AI, said Phil Solis, research director at IDC, allowing for new innovation in smart home technologies. Networking Pro A7 will also lead to new business models for service providers, he said.

One notable advantage of the system is its ability to process sensitive information locally, which means improved privacy for users, as personal data doesn't need to leave the home network to be analyzed. Like all things AI, the system learns from its environment, enabling contextual understanding for more personalized user experiences.

Other advantages include AI processing at the edge, which reduces dependency on cloud-based processing and decreases overall network latency. Also, the platform's RF frontend helps eliminate interference, enhancing the stability of wireless connections.

The technology can support a wide range of applications. For instance, home security cameras could be equipped with advanced image recognition capabilities, while smart energy systems would react quickly to changing conditions.

Qualcomm's vision for this product extends beyond existing devices. The company sees this platform as a gateway to a new era of AI-powered services ranging from enhanced security and surveillance systems to sophisticated energy management and automation tools.

Companies that wish to develop on the platform have pre-optimized AI models, or they can build and optimize their own apps and services using Qualcomm's AI hub. Several firms have already signaled their support for the platform, including Cisco, Netgear, Nokia, T-Mobile, EE, and Charter.

"Being able to provide high-speed resilient connectivity throughout the home that can respond and adapt to how it is being used will allow us to enhance existing services, create entirely new ones, and deliver a much more relevant and personal service to every household," said Matt Hughes, Home Product Director at EE.

The Qualcomm Networking Pro A7 Series is currently sampling and being featured at Network X in Paris.