We’re happy to have Ali join us on the show today for Wi-Fi Origins. He’s been an active member of the Clear To Send community.



In this episode, he tells us a little bit about himself. Going back in time, Ali talks about getting into IT and his first exposure to Wi-Fi.



There were many mentors along the way. Ali made sure to mention that.



Along the way, Ali grew his Wi-Fi skillset and describes how that was for him and what impact the community and conferences made.



Be sure to tune into this episode!



Resources




* Ali Blog: https://artofrf.com/



* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mali77/

In this episode, we sit down with Adrian Granados and Josh Schmelzle to talk about the WLAN Pi Go, a portable Wi-Fi diagnostic and packet capture tool that’s reshaping how engineers troubleshoot networks in the field. We discuss why they built it, how it fits into modern Wi-Fi workflows, and what’s coming next.



Why Create the WLAN Pi Go?




* The origin story: how the team identified the need for a portable, reliable Wi-Fi 7–ready diagnostic tool.



* Bridging the gap between software and hardware — bringing tools like WiFi Explorer and Airtool into a unified field device.




How People Use It in the Field




* Real-world use cases:

* Wi-Fi Scanning & Packet Capture



* Onsite troubleshooting and validation



* Classroom demos and training sessions





* Integrations and interfaces:

* Web Interface: Provides essential device information and configuration



* WLAN Pi App: Manage and monitor the WLAN Pi Go (available for iOS and Android)



* Profiler: Assess wireless environment characteristics



* WiFi Explorer Pi: iPhone-based Wi-Fi scanning and analysis



* Airtool Pi: iPhone-based packet capture and export for analysis






Resources




* Info on the WLAN Pi → https://www.wlanpi.com/#godetails



* Buy it → https://www.wlanpi.com/purchase



* User Guide → https://www.wlanpi.com/user-guide

This episode is sponsored by Juniper Networks, now part of HPE.



Wes Purvis and Rowell Dionicio join together in-person with François joined in virtually, on the road.



Wi-Fi 7 is the theme for 2025 and Juniper Networks is rounding out their portfolio of Wi-Fi 7 access points. Wes gives us insight into the adoption rate of 6 GHz as we head into Wi-Fi 7.



On this episode, Wes Purvis showcases new access points and the new features that will be useful for high density deployments.



Not just Wi-Fi 7 only features but what looks like a software-defined antenna. An access point that has an integrated directional antenna but can be configured with different beamwidths.



Check out this unique episode and let us know if you’re upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 in the comments below!



Resources




* Mist AP66



* Mist AP37



* Mist AP36

Thank you to our sponsor:



Meter: Visit meter.com/cleartosend to book a demo!






The wireless networking industry is experiencing a significant shift toward cloud-managed architectures. This transition is driven by vendors seeking to deliver advanced capabilities like AI-powered analytics and comprehensive APIs that traditional controllers struggle to support. Additionally, the subscription model provides vendors with predictable recurring revenue compared to one-time hardware sales.



However, this evolution brings several challenges. Many organizations face regulatory compliance requirements that restrict cloud connectivity, while others must navigate significant infrastructure redesigns. Technical considerations include gateway functionality for services like OpenRoaming and ensuring network survivability during internet outages.



Financial implications are substantial as organizations shift from capital expenditures to operational costs. This budget restructuring often raises concerns about long-term expenses and vendor lock-in—what happens to network functionality if subscriptions lapse?



In response, hybrid solutions are emerging. Products like Mist Edge, Meraki MG, and Aruba EdgeConnect provide local processing capabilities while maintaining cloud management benefits, addressing reliability and compliance requirements.



Perhaps most significant is the cultural transformation required of network professionals. Engineers accustomed to command-line interfaces must adapt to API-driven management, developing programming skills and embracing automation. This represents a fundamental shift in how wireless networks are designed, deployed, and managed.

https://youtu.be/XdBZvIp175o




Thank you to Meter for supporting the podcast. We greatly appreciate it!






In an introduction of our new series, Wi-Fi Origin Stories, we have a special guest, Ian Stout.



Ian is CWNE #333. He has a lot of experience dealing with networks in the education space.



In this episode, Ian goes into his IT beginnings. From when he knew he would go into IT, from first getting exposed to Wi-Fi and realizing how much he knew about Wi-Fi. Then into his first experiences with Wi-Fi projects.



He lays out how his career path was, the opportunities he took and the advice he would give to newcomers going into Wi-Fi. Advice that would be great for any newcomer to IT.



Watch or listen to this episode to glean some insights into his career and see how you can leverage his learnings for your own.

https://youtu.be/Q1EmncuXXfE




Thank you to Meter for supporting the podcast. We greatly appreciate it!






Take a look at what goes through my mind when designing Wi-Fi for an office space.



In this episode, I will use Hamina to build a predictive Wi-Fi design.



You’ll learn what type of questions I ask the end users or clients. What type of applications they use, how I place access points on the floor plan and what we end up showing the end users.



Be sure to check out the YouTube video and let us know what you also consider in a Wi-Fi design or give us your questions about the process.

Designing Wi-Fi networks for high-density lecture halls has unique challenges due to the concentration of devices in a confined space. Designs must account for both capacity and coverage, implementing access point placement strategies that minimize co-channel interference while maximizing signal quality.



Beyond the technical aspects, successful lecture hall Wi-Fi implementations must consider actual usage patterns and building requirements.



Continuous performance monitoring through heat maps, client connection statistics, and application performance metrics should be considered. It's essential to design with future growth in mind, planning for increased device density as students bring multiple connected devices to class.



The ultimate goal is creating a seamless wireless experience that supports interactive learning technologies while remaining invisible to users, allowing educators and students to focus on the learning experience rather than connectivity issues.

Thank you to Meter for supporting the podcast. We greatly appreciate it!






In this episode, we talk about the latest news around the Wireless industry.



An article from RCR Wireless by James Blackman indicates that T-Mobile is pulling back on CBRS support for neutral-host 5G. That leaves only AT&T in the same stance it has had and Verizon Wireless maintaining their viewpoint. T-Mobile will continue to offer selective support for CBRS deployments. How does this impact neutral host for vendor partners? It limits the use cases of private 5G to equipment that can take advantage of the lower frequencies and network slicing.



Cisco has announced they are bringing back the dedicated Wireless track certifications. In 2026, you will not see any wireless concepts in ENCOR. Instead, there will be new CCNP wireless certification exams: Implementing and Operating Cisco Wireless Core Technologies (350-101 WLCOR) with two concentration exams — Designing Cisco Wireless Networks (300-110 WLSD) and Implementing Cisco Wireless Advanced Solutions (WLSI 300-120)



Looking to add a tool to your wireless kit? Check out the WLAN Pi Go. It’s a portable Wi-Fi analysis tool you can take everywhere with you. Connects to your mobile phone or your laptop. It has an Intel BE200 Wi-Fi adapter supporting Wi-Fi 7 and the 6 GHz band. We’ll get a better look at it at WLPC Prague.



Speaking of, Rowell will be attending WLPC Prague and presenting. Find Rowell at the conference and ask for a sticker and a pin!



Ubiquiti shared their latest 2025 Q4 earnings report and the revenue is staggering! How is Ubiquiti not in the Gartner Magic Quadrant? We gave our thoughts and opinions of the direction Ubiquiti is taking.



HPE finally closes the acquisition of Juniper Networks. But we won’t see any big changes just yet. We predict those big changes will arrive in the coming years. How long will that honeymoon period last and what kind of changes will we expect from here on out?

In this episode, we dive into Arista Networks’ bold moves in the campus networking space, where they’re seeing a wave of customers migrating from legacy vendors due to lack of visibility, complex management, and poor support. Arista’s differentiators—like a tri-band multifunction radio, client simulation for network assurance, integrated WIPS, and hitless AP upgrades—are resonating with enterprises looking for more simplicity and intelligence in their networks. The team also showcased their latest on Wi-Fi 7, including live demos of enhanced MLO performance and “digital twin” style experience monitoring enabled by a multifunction radio that can simulate clients in real time.



We also break down Arista’s architectural innovations in large-scale Layer 2 mobility with VESPA (Virtual ES with Path Aliasing) and MRO (MAC Rewrite Offload). These technologies eliminate legacy challenges like unknown destination flooding and ARP storms by combining standards-based EVPN with smarter AP behavior—making it possible to scale Layer 2 mobility across massive campus environments without disrupting applications. For security-conscious organizations, Arista now offers CV AGNI on-prem, a high-scale, containerized NAC solution that keeps data 100% on-site. With innovations in user segmentation using UPSK and a future-focused view on simplified mobility, Arista is positioning itself as a serious challenger in the enterprise campus space.



Resources




* LinkedIn Article from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wpa3-private-network-standard-needed-solving-wi-fi-françois-vergès-39f2e/



* MFD Playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLinuRwpnsHacvm_NA6qqs7RVHUXu9wNmP



* Blog post by Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/scaling-wi-fi-with-evpn/

In this episode, we explore how Celona is redefining enterprise cellular with its mission to deliver a full-stack, turnkey Private 5G solution.



From access points and EdgeOS to their orchestration platform, Celona is targeting the emerging wireless demands of the physical AI era—where coverage, mobility, and reliability are non-negotiable.



We dive into their global expansion, support for neutral host deployments with AT&T and T-Mobile, and how they’re solving enterprise cellular coverage challenges tied to workforce efficiency, public safety (E911), and customer experience.



Celona is also pushing ahead with “edgeless Private 5G,” eliminating on-prem EdgeOS friction by moving services into the cloud—making them the only vendor doing so today.



Resources




* LinkedIn Article from François: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/deploying-5g-neutral-host-infrastructure-getting-easier-vergès-cfrtc/



* MFD Playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLinuRwpnsHacvm_NA6qqs7RVHUXu9wNmP



* Blog post by Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/5g-neutral-host-solving-enterprise-cellular-coverage-gaps/



* Blog post by Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/edgeless-private-5g-smart-architecture-but-will-enterprises-actually-deploy-it/

In this episode, we unpack the latest from Cisco’s wireless portfolio as they move toward a unified platform—no longer “Cisco vs. Meraki,” but a single product line with common licensing and support. Cisco’s Wi-Fi 7 access points (CW9172, CW9176I/D1, CW9178) offer future-ready performance while supporting legacy 2.4 and 5 GHz devices. We cover client readiness, advanced Wi-Fi 7 features like multi-link operation (MLO), and new security standards (GCMP-256, WPA3-SAE). But while the controller offers unmatched configuration flexibility, it demands deep operator expertise. Design complexity increases as organizations juggle cipher compatibility, roaming reliability, and client capability gaps.



We also discuss the new Campus Gateway solution designed to give Meraki customers seamless roaming across large campuses without redesigning their WLAN architecture. While technically impressive—leveraging QUIC for the control plane, VXLAN for tunneling, and active-active high availability—our take is that the solution arrives too late to reclaim customers who’ve already moved on. Finally, Cisco brings assurance intelligence enhancements, offering deeper user experience insights and more actionable troubleshooting tools—though many of these features feel like Cisco playing catch-up. Tune in for real-world perspectives on what’s exciting, what’s complex, and what’s still missing in Cisco’s wireless evolution.



Resources




* MFD Playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLinuRwpnsHacvm_NA6qqs7RVHUXu9wNmP



* Blog post by Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/cisco-unveils-meraki-campus-gateway-a-cloud-managed-overlay-for-complex-networks/



* Blog post by Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/network-assurance-doesnt-stop-at-visibility/

Juniper Networks kicked off Mobility Field Day 13. In this episode, we dive into the latest announcements from Juniper Networks, including innovations in AIOps, Wi-Fi 7, client-to-cloud visibility, and distributed application performance modeling.



Featuring updates from Sujai Hajela, Bob Friday, Sudheer Matta, Wes Purvis, and Slava Dementyev, we unpack how Juniper Mist is pushing forward with AI-native networking and large-scale user experience modeling—all without the need for sensors or agents.



Resources




* LinkedIn Article from François: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/we-getting-closer-self-driving-networks-i-love-françois-vergès-r1yqc/



* LinkedIn Article from François: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-junipers-generalized-ai-model-glimpse-what-future-vergès-gx0bc/



* Blog from Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/marvis-minis-and-the-rise-of-distributed-observability/



* Blog from Rowell: https://rowelldionicio.com/from-aiops-to-autonomous-networking/

Marvis Minis and Marvis Actions have come a long way since when they were first announced. Mist has stayed true to their progression of AI and the integration with the network.



Today, Marvis Minis are continuing to provide value by testing the network continuously and now testing in regional PoPs to determine if application issues are caused by other things.



And then we have Marvis Actions which traditionally has provided recommendations to network engineers. And soon, it will now be able to make immediate changes to issues it sees. It will start with easy issues like missing VLANs but it will get so much better.



Tune in to this episode to hear more about what other new features will be coming to networks near you!



Resources




* https://youtu.be/NN-Rs4WU39Q?si=aYvMYfSwDNNEppFJ



* https://rowelldionicio.com/marvis-minis-and-the-rise-of-distributed-observability/



* https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-junipers-generalized-ai-model-glimpse-what-future-verg%25C3%25A8s-gx0bc/

With most people working on Wi-Fi, every type of issue gets rolled into a Wi-Fi problem.



In this scenario, whole floors of users were having connectivity issues which impacted sales and support calls. It really created a bind of the company.



Rowell discusses how he was troubleshooting a Wi-Fi issue which led him to creating a network diagram and found some glaring problems causing the issues over Wi-Fi.

With most people working on Wi-Fi, every type of issue gets rolled into a Wi-Fi problem.



In this scenario, whole floors of users were having connectivity issues which impacted sales and support calls. It really created a bind of the company.



Rowell discusses how he was troubleshooting a Wi-Fi issue which led him to creating a network diagram and found some glaring problems causing the issues over Wi-Fi.

Amin Sedighfar joins us on the podcast to talk about how he came across a Wi-Fi issue in a warehouse.



After performing a Wi-Fi validation survey, Amin was able to analyze the results to pinpoint an issue that was occurring throughout the warehouse.



With the right training and knowledge, Amin was able to identify the root cause and bring this up with the customer to solve their issues.

Rowell recently deployed new Mist AP45 access points in a car manufacturing facility.



The IT team had successfully performed testing prior to the installation but we ran into multiple issues after mounting over 70 access points.



The Mist dashboard exposed a number of issues:




* DHCP Timed Out



* DHCP Inform Timed Out



* Association issues



* Missing VLANs




Additionally, users who joined to Wi-Fi stated they did not have Internet.



The issues led to a network audit which exposed the Wi-Fi issues.

François returns from WLPC Phoenix 2025 to share his experience and some of the memorable presentations from the conference.



There were a lot of new faces and an improvement in the quality of presentations. Lots to learn from so be sure to check out the videos on YouTube.



The deep dives were plenty to pick from and contained a lot of useful learning.



A few highlights were the broadcasting of OpenRoaming with a few AP vendors. Additionally, this seemed to be the largest event for WLPC Phoenix with more than 400 attendees.



Some of the memorable presentations included:




* Jerry Olla on roaming



* David Coleman on spectrum analysis



* Charles Clare on designing Wi-Fi for exams



* Firas Shaari on a real world example of HaLow Wi-Fi



* Wes Purvis on the differences in access points



* Jake Snyder on MBSSID



* Mike Atkins on deploying 6 GHz outdoor



* Jim Florwick on conference Wi-Fi



* Rosalie Bibona on Building an Enterprise AP



* Lee Badman about Leading



* Connor Burke & Dennis Burell




Resources




* Link to all presentations → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXJsNZqZEF9YI_whgRZsCdER90QbKgaWx



* Wi-Fi Awards Winners → https://thewifiawards.com/2025-award-winners

https://youtu.be/JZKWQKZ3_Zo




This episode on the EX4000 is sponsored by Juniper Networks.



Rowell, François, and Abhi discuss the release of the EX4000 switch from Juniper Networks. Abhi, a product manager at Juniper, shared that the switch will be available on February 12th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The switch will come in various models, including 8, 12, 24, and 48 ports.



Also discussed is the importance of switching in network infrastructure and the need for upgrades to support new access points like the AP47s.



What’s new with the EX4000 is how quick the boot time is. 2 minutes for the EX4000 to get up and running.



Another great benefit of the EX4000 is it is much quieter from the other EX switch line. This switch would go well in open office environments. It’s also perfect for higher education or retail environments.



Out of the box the EX4000 will support CloudX and have additional telemetry. To work natively with the Mist cloud.



It still operates on the same Junos and will be easily managed in the Mist dashboard.



Resources




* Detailed data sheet – https://www.juniper.net/us/en/products/switches/ex-series/ex4000-line-of-ethernet-switches-datasheet.html

Austin, from Nile Secure, joins us on the show to talk about how Nile is disrupting the networking industry. We talk about the complexity and challenges people face in managing and scaling their networks.



What we were interested in learning about is how Nile Secure differentiates themselves in the industry. Especially, when it comes to network automation.



We know that it can be difficult to find engineers who are good at both automation and network engineering.



Where some companies fail is on their network automation initiatives. Many have the goal of automating more than half of the manual tasks. But how easily can this be achieved?



Austin describes how Nile Secure has built a cloud-native network operating system that runs on their own hardware to deliver predictable outcomes. Where automation tasks start from day 0.



Where Nile Secure places a strong focus is on network security. Implementing Zero Trust while eliminating the complex configurations that come with it.



Take a listen to this episode and let us know what you think down in the comments!



Resources




* https://nilesecure.com/