Qualcomm is pushing the boundaries of wireless technology with a unified client-and-network platform, promising speeds exceeding 10 Gbps on mobile devices and enhanced, AI-powered access points. The advancements aim to deliver a more seamless and responsive wireless experience as data demands continue to grow.
Wi‑Fi 8 on the Client Side: FastConnect 8800, 4×4 and Bluetooth 7.0
The FastConnect 8800 mobile system is the first 4×4 Wi-Fi solution for smartphones, achieving speeds beyond 10 Gbps. Qualcomm states the latest system delivers up to 2x the performance of its previous Wi-Fi 7 generation and up to 3x the gigabit range.
The solution integrates Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7.0, Ultra Wideband 802.15.4ab, and Thread 1.5 onto a single chip. Bluetooth speeds are increased from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps through the use of HDT. For location services, Proximity AI combines UWB, Bluetooth Channel Sounding, and Wi-Fi Ranging to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. Qualcomm is targeting smartphones, tablets, laptops, robotics, and more.
Wi‑Fi 8 on the Network Side: Dragonwing, NPU Hexagon and 5×5 Radio
Dragonwing platforms are designed to transform routers, gateways, and access points into “AI-native” systems. The flagship Dragonwing NPro A8 Elite features a 5×5 Wi-Fi 8 radio, offering up to +40% increased throughput at typical range, a 2.5x reduction in peak latency, and up to 30% daily power savings compared to the previous generation.
Designed for high-performance enterprise access points and premium routers, the A8 Elite includes a penta-core CPU, a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for on-device AI processing, and dedicated network acceleration capabilities. The Dragonwing FiberPro A8 Elite adds 10G fiber (PON) access for unified gateways. The Dragonwing FWA Gen 5 Elite, built on the 5G X85 modem-RF, leverages the advanced FWA architecture and incorporates all the Wi-Fi 8 capabilities of the A8 Elite.
For broader market reach, Dragonwing N8 (Ethernet) and Dragonwing F8 (fiber) extend the Wi-Fi 8 experience to mainstream, mesh, and home router segments. All solutions are currently available for sampling, with commercial products expected to arrive by the end of 2026. Demonstrations will be held at MWC Barcelona, Qualcomm booth 3E10, Hall 3, Fira Gran Via.
The combination of a mobile solution exceeding 10 Gbps with 4×4 capabilities, a 5×5 network-side solution, and an integrated NPU establishes a common foundation for real-time and contextual local experiences. If adoption follows the projected timeline, operators and OEMs will be able to streamline their product lines across FWA, fiber, and mesh while preparing AI-powered radio optimization and security functions at the edge.
Source: TechPowerUp
