Gemtek unveils Wi-Fi 8 strategy for AI-driven networks
At MWC 2026, technology firm Gemtek unveiled its next-generation broadband strategy centered on Wi-Fi 8. The company is positioning the new standard as a foundational technology for creating intelligent, AI-driven, and service-oriented networks.
- The primary focus of Wi-Fi 8, also known as IEEE 802.11bn "Ultra High Reliability," is not to increase the theoretical peak data rate beyond Wi-Fi 7's 46 Gbps, but to enhance real-world performance by improving throughput by 25% at a given signal-to-interference ratio and reducing latency. - For AI applications, the standard's emphasis on reliability is critical; as Qualcomm's head of wireless R&D, Ronald de Vegt, noted, "If the connectivity experience is bad, the whole AI experience is bad," highlighting the need for stable connections for agentic workflows and edge devices. - The multi-access point (Multi-AP) coordination features in Wi-Fi 8, which allow access points to collaborate on scheduling and beamforming, are designed to deliver more predictable performance in dense environments like offices, factories, and public venues. - For technology leaders, the shift to AI-ready infrastructure represents a new operating model, not an extension of traditional IT; Sven Oehme, CTO of DataDirect Networks, states that the CTO's mandate is no longer just to "build it fast, but make it repeatable, scalable, and economically sustainable." - This technology push aligns with market trends in London, which is Europe's top hub for AI investment, having attracted a record $3.5 billion in VC funding for AI startups in 2024. - In Formula 1 pre-season news, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time during the final day of testing in Bahrain, while debates continue among drivers and teams about the impact of the new engine and car regulations for the 2026 season.
