Juniper Networks has released two new 6 GHz access points that use Mist AI to boost Wi-Fi performance and capacity while also making IT administration easier. Juniper is also introducing a new IoT Assurance solution that automates and scales IoT devices on boarding and security without the use of Network Access Control (NAC).
Juniper’s wireless access portfolio enhancements support the company’s experience-first networking goal, allowing IT administrators to give their end-users with the best network experiences possible.
“While it is relatively easy to support new standards like Wi-Fi 6E in hardware and to onboard a small number of IoT devices using pre-shared keys, Juniper has again put customers first by applying the proven benefits of Mist AI and the modern microservices cloud to these environments to deliver unparalleled performance, agility, ease and scale,” said Jeff Aaron, VP Enterprise Marketing.
He added, “From Day Zero installation through ongoing monitoring, management and troubleshooting of the network, Juniper continues to stand out for an experience-first approach to networking that delivers the best experiences for operators and end-users from the client to the cloud.”
Wi-Fi 6E is a new wireless standard that increases network capacity by releasing more RF spectrum in the 6GHz band, in addition to the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. Juniper is launching two new tri-band access points (APs) that will be operated using the same Juniper Mist cloud and AI engine as the rest of the Juniper Mist portfolio to take full advantage of Wi-Fi 6E. These are some of them:
The new access points are a complement to Juniper Mist’s existing 2.4- and 5-GHz APs, which handle both 802.11ac and 802.11ax protocols. In addition to Wi-Fi, all APs have Juniper’s unique virtualized Bluetooth LE or omnidirectional BLE antenna, allowing for a wide range of location-based services to be provided in a scalable and cost-effective manner.
Unlike rival Wi-Fi 6E systems, Juniper Mist uses extensive client insights and AIOps to provide optimised configurations, maximum performance, and improved packet scheduling for increased capacity. For optimal investment protection, none of this is accomplished at the expense of performance for older 2.4- and 5-GHz clients.
Juniper’s new Mist IoT Assurance cloud solution provides enterprise customers with a one-stop shop for IoT operations, including policy assignment, segmentation, traffic engineering, and key lifecycle management. Because many IoT devices (including cameras, smart locks, HVAC systems, wearables, sensors, MRI/CT/ultrasound equipment, bed monitors, and digital displays) don’t support 802.1x, they can’t be onboarded with typical NAC solutions. Juniper solves this problem by allowing them to be onboarded at cloud scale using private pre-shared keys (PPSK), which are simple to set up and manage using a self-serve programmable cloud portal. Juniper has addressed a frequent barrier to deliver an amazing IoT experience to existing and future customers by eliminating expensive third-party hardware and overlay software and enabling straightforward IoT onboarding via an intuitive cloud service.
“Organizations are embracing hybrid work, forcing IT to rethink connectivity options across campus environments. In addition to supporting increased use of audio and video collaboration solutions, IoT devices are also in greater demand to ensure workplace safety and security. As a result, complexity is growing rapidly. Juniper Networks’ new AI-enabled Wi-Fi 6E access points and IoT Assurance Service enable organizations to overcome those challenges and drive higher levels of operational efficiency,” says Bob Laliberte, Practice Director & Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group
