Qualcomm Technologies announced the launch of its AI-native Wi-Fi 8 portfolio, unveiling a range of connectivity and networking platforms designed to support the next generation of artificial intelligence-driven devices and networks. The announcement was made at MWC Barcelona and includes the Qualcomm FastConnect 8800 Mobile Connectivity System along with five new Qualcomm Dragonwing networking infrastructure platforms.
The portfolio is designed to serve a wide array of devices and network infrastructure, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, routers, enterprise access points and broadband gateways. Qualcomm said the platforms are engineered to deliver faster speeds, greater reliability, and longer range while supporting AI-native networking capabilities across consumer and enterprise environments.
The FastConnect 8800 system introduces what Qualcomm describes as the world’s first mobile connectivity platform featuring a 4×4 Wi-Fi radio configuration capable of delivering peak speeds beyond 10 Gbps. The system also integrates Wi-Fi 8, Bluetooth 7.0, Ultra Wideband 802.15.4ab and Thread 1.5 into a single chip solution designed for mobile and computing devices.
According to Qualcomm, the new platform delivers up to twice the performance of its previous Wi-Fi 7 generation and can extend gigabit wireless range up to three times farther. The system also includes Bluetooth High Data Throughput technology, increasing Bluetooth speeds from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps.
The company also introduced five Dragonwing networking platforms designed for routers, gateways, and enterprise networking systems. These platforms incorporate on-device AI compute capabilities, high-performance processing, and integrated connectivity designed to support next-generation networking infrastructure.
Among the offerings is the Dragonwing NPro A8 Elite platform, which Qualcomm said increases throughput by up to 40% at typical distances and reduces latency by 2.5 times during peak usage, while using up to 30% less daily energy than the previous generation. The platform includes a next-generation penta-core CPU and an integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU to enable AI processing at the network edge.
Other platforms in the lineup include the Dragonwing FiberPro A8 Elite, which integrates Wi-Fi 8 performance with 10G fiber access for operator and gateway deployments, and the Dragonwing FWA Gen 5 Elite platform, which pairs Wi-Fi 8 capabilities with the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF System for fixed wireless access deployments. Qualcomm also introduced the Dragonwing N8 and F8 platforms aimed at high-volume consumer segments such as mesh networking systems and home routers.
Qualcomm said the full Wi-Fi 8 portfolio is currently sampling to customers, with commercial products expected to launch in late 2026.
KEY QUOTE:
“Today’s network traffic profile is fundamentally changing as AI-fueled demand requires a re-thinking of the core architecture. Qualcomm Technologies is redefining that architecture to enable AI everywhere. Next-gen networks and devices not only need to be AI-native, but they need a new breed of intelligent, high performance connectivity. Qualcomm Technologies’ Wi-Fi 8 generation of products is the whole package: faster speeds, higher reliability, longer range, and powerful AI.”
Gautam Sheoran, Senior Vice President And General Manager, Connectivity, Broadband And Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
