Nokia along with Tata launches the first WiFi 6-ready broadband network

In collaboration with Nokia, Tata Play Fibre has unveiled India's first broadband network that is compatible with Wi-Fi 6. The partnership was made public by Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia. Tata Play Fibre would be able to extend its broadband network across India with the help of this deal. Anand N. Sahai, CEO of Tata Play Fibre, stated that the choice will allow them to offer a network that is Wi-Fi 6 ready.

Tata Play Fiber CEO Anand N Sahai mentioned that their collaboration with Nokia enables them to offer a WiFi6-ready network, a first in its category while explaining that this advanced optical networking solution will improve the speed and coverage for various smart devices in homes and businesses that rely on technology.

Nokia says that the increasing broadband usage in both residential and enterprise areas has led to significant demand for new and high-capacity broadband connections. To meet this demand, broadband networks need future-proof fibre and in-home solutions that can scale in line with evolving end-customer needs.

Nokia will supply Tata Play Fiber with a range of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and Wi-Fi gear to enable Wi-Fi 6 services, which it claims is necessary for increased data capacity and seamless coverage to residential homes with large and/or multi-floor spaces as well as for SOHO enterprise customers. 

The Wi-Fi 6 network uses two spectrum bands to deliver data services, instead of a single 5 GHz band used by WiFi 5. The new network will allow Tata Play Fiber to offer differentiated services and deliver a rich indoor user experience, Nokia says. 

The company will provide its Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT) with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi mesh Beacons. The new deployment is said to provide an intelligent mesh Wi-Fi 6 solution, allowing users to enjoy high-speed internet in every corner of the home. 

Nokia says the network will support low-latency applications such as gaming and can deliver gigabit speeds to multiple devices on the Wi-Fi network. The company will provide its Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT) with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi mesh Beacons. The network is said to enhance security with support for the WPA3 standard. Nokia claims that its solution uses AI/ML software to identify traffic patterns, faults, and potential outages in the GPON network, which will optimise the end-user experience.