Luxul launches the Apex XAP-1610-- a dual-band wireless access point (AP) featuring advanced 4x4 MIMO (802.11ac Wave 2) technology to allow for resilient wireless performance.

Designed for residential or light commercial applications, the Apex XAP-1610 produces higher throughput when experiencing medium to weak signals within the effective range. It also also provides a more stable connection with usable throughput. The result, Luxul says, is a strong wifi experience across the entire home or facility, enabling internet connectivity, AV streaming and home automation system control.

The AP supports up to 128 wireless devices, with Wave 2 technology delivering data rates up to 3167Mbps. PoE allows for simple installation, and Roam Assist technology provides seamless roaming when used with Luxul wireless controllers.

The Wifi Alliance announces the next generation wifi security standard-- Wifi Certified WPA3, a set of security protocols adding on the feature set of WPA2 with capabilities aimed at both personal and enterprise networks.

WPA3 promises to simplify wifi security while enabling more robust authentication, deliver increased cryptographic strength and maintain resiliency of mission critical networks. It remains interoperable with WPA2, even as it disallows outdated legacy protocols and demands use of Protected Management Frames (PMF). While optional at launch, WPA3 certification should become required in the future.

The standard comes in two flavours-- WPA3-Personal and WPA-3 Enterprise. The Personal variant is aimed at consumers, and replaces the Pre-shared Key (PSK) of WPA2-Personal with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), a technology resistant to offline dictionary attacks. As a result, users can choose natural, easy to remember passwords and data traffic remains protected even if the password is compromised.

Cisco acquires July Systems, maker of a location services platform able to keep track of customers inside large indoor spaces, such as malls or airport, via wifi. Financial details of the deal are not available.

Founded in July 2001, July Systems sells a cloud-based service offering data-driven behavioural insights, contextual rules engine and API. It counts a number of big name investors, including Intel, Motorola and Sequoia Capital. The startup already has experience with Cisco, having been an OEM for Cisco Connected Mobile Experience (CMX). It also offered similar capabilities for Meraki customers.

The Wifi Alliance has a proposal to deliver a "broad footprint of uniform wifi service"-- EasyMesh, a standard bringing together the mesh networking technologies employed by different vendors.

As the organisation puts it, EasyMesh will provide customers and service providers with a selection of interoperable devices across difference brands to ensure wide and reliable wifi coverage. The technology coordinates multiple access points into a "unified and intelligent" wifi network able to autonomously aid all areas of the home for complete coverage.