Wi-Fi® and AI: Empowering the future of intelligence

We live in an ultra-connected world – a world that is increasingly dependent on wireless technologies for convenience and mobility. Today’s Wi-Fi® has evolved far beyond providing fast speeds or stable signals – it has become the bedrock of our daily digital lives and is so ubiquitous that it's often taken for granted. 

Users will become ever more reliant on Wi-Fi thanks to emerging technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has made an explosive entry into our lives since the advent of language models like ChatGPT. AI’s vast potential has become an increasingly hot topic, and it’s crucial to remember that robust edge broadband and Wi-Fi are key ingredients to realizing its transformative capabilities. Given that Internet usage is predominantly mobile today and Wi-Fi serves as the primary method of wireless connectivity, AI’s impact on consumers would be far less transformative if users were tethered to desks instead of enjoying the freedom of wireless access.

The backbone of modern connectivity: From 2000 to now

Wi-Fi has come a long way. Two decades ago, downtime was an inconvenience; today, it can halt everything from daily errands to remote work. Today, the industry’s focus has moved beyond faster speeds and onto reliability, ultra-low latency, and the network’s ability to support advanced applications like gaming, AI, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).

With every iteration, Wi-Fi has adapted to new demands, supporting each major technological shift along the way. The current focus, and that of Wi-Fi 7 and upcoming standards like Wi-Fi 8, is on reducing latency and boosting network capacity to meet the stringent requirements of immersive tech.

The critical role of edge connectivity in AI

AI thrives on data. From training machine learning models to making real-time decisions, vast amounts of data are constantly being generated and processed. Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in providing seamless connectivity and edge computing. While Edge AI and edge computing are essential, connectivity at the edge is just as important – if not more so. To deliver truly responsive AI-powered services, edge broadband connectivity must handle queries with minimal latency and optimal efficiency. This connectivity must also minimize battery drain, which is crucial for IoT sensors, smart appliances, and other edge devices.

As we move deeper into a world powered by AI, edge devices will continue to evolve to support these new developments. What’s more, the form factor itself may undergo changes. The Meta Orion project is a good peek into our intelligent future, where compute functions may need to be disaggregated from the primary user interface. This, in turn, requires very robust, very low latency, reliable connectivity between the compute and input/output (I/O) devices. 

Advances in Wi-Fi are staying ahead of the market needs, thanks to a set of like-minded companies in the IEEE and Wi-Fi Alliance®. A unified approach to the AI edge treats it as a seamless continuum of wireless broadband innovation – ensuring edge-to-core connections are seamless and effective, powering AI-driven decisions and processes wherever they’re needed. 

Internet of Things (IoT) and AI: a match made in tech heaven

The proliferation of Io-Fi (Internet of Things + Wi-Fi) devices has created a fertile ground for AI applications. Wi-Fi-connected devices in smart homes, like thermostats, lights, and security systems collect data that AI analyzes to optimize energy usage and enhance security. 

Healthcare is also prime for disruption. Wearable devices monitor patient vitals in real time, transmitting data via Wi-Fi to AI systems that can anticipate potential health issues and could even be used in tandem with AI nursing assistants to provide safe and timely patient care. 

Industrial Automation is yet another example, as factories equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled sensors and machines can utilize AI to streamline operations, predict maintenance needs, and reduce downtime. 

Low latency and high capacity: goals for Wi-Fi 7 and beyond

Modern applications such as AI and AR/VR demand not only high speeds but also minimal latency, higher network capacity, and ultra-reliable connections at the edge. IoT requires that these wireless networks handle a variety of devices, at different corners of our homes and offices with varying data needs. This necessitates a higher network capacity while also ensuring low latency for critical applications. These factors are shaping the next generation of wireless standards. 

Techniques such as Multi-link Optimization (MLO) and AP-Based Scheduling optimize data flow and reduce delays, making AI and AR/VR applications faster and smoother. With AI handling more sensitive data, robust Wi-Fi security protocols will be paramount to protect against cyber threats. More broadly, Wi-Fi 7 and future generations like Wi-Fi 8 focus on delivering the low-latency, high-capacity connectivity required for AI and AR/VR applications, ensuring they can operate at the performance level we’ve come to expect.

Innovating on Edge AI platforms

Edge AI platforms are undergoing a transformation, leveraging broadband systems as edge compute devices with integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs). This combination enables the delivery of true AI-enabled services directly at the edge, offering:

• Better video experiences: Real-time processing at the edge can improve video streaming quality, adapt to network conditions, and deliver ultra-responsive video performance.
• Enhanced connectivity experiences: AI-driven edge devices can dynamically manage network traffic, optimize bandwidth, and deliver seamless connectivity in smart homes and enterprise environments.

These advancements are paving the way for an AI-powered connected future, with edge computing driving smarter, more efficient services for homes and businesses alike. 

A future driven by Wi-Fi innovation

The relationship between Wi-Fi and AI highlights the interdependence of modern technological advancements. With each new generation of wireless technology, we’re moving closer to a world where AI can truly thrive. Wi-Fi 8, already in development, will push these capabilities even further, offering low-latency, high-reliability connectivity that supports the most advanced AI and immersive experiences.

This paves the way for next-generation smart homes and cities, revolutionized healthcare, and enhanced immersive technologies that redefine how we interact with the world.

The interplay between Wi-Fi and AI isn’t just about advancing technology – it’s about transforming how we live, work, and connect. Wi-Fi provides the necessary infrastructure for AI to operate efficiently, while AI enhances the capabilities and intelligence of Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Today, our photos utilize an app-driven model, but in the near future, AI agents will become more pervasive and usable. Our primary edge devices – like smartphones – will morph into a task-driven model, meaning the user will only need to indicate what needs to be done, and the device will handle the how.

The journey of Wi-Fi and AI is just the beginning. As we enter an era where connectivity drives every major innovation, the possibilities are boundless. From powering autonomous vehicles and enhancing remote education to revolutionizing entertainment, Wi-Fi and AI are paving the way for innovations that will transform industries, improve lives, and perhaps even make our toasters a bit smarter.