Next week, the legal showdown between Arm Holdings and Qualcomm is set to reach a pivotal moment as the two companies meet in court. This high-stakes case, sparked by Arm’s decision to end a major chip design license, could have serious ripple effects for industries counting on stable chipset supplies, especially Wi-Fi 7 gateways and devices.

This kind of industry turmoil is a reminder of how important it is to have proactive measures in place to mitigate disruptions. Here are five key strategies to help service providers safeguard their networks, stay ahead of supply chain disturbances and maintain robust service delivery.

1. Embrace open platforms for innovation and resilience

Open platforms like OpenWrt and OpenSync play a pivotal role in Wi-Fi router development, offering compatibility across various chipsets. With decades of development behind it, OpenWrt provides a stable base with thousands of devices already deployed worldwide. This approach offers several benefits:

• Performance and stability: Platforms optimized for diverse hardware ensure enhanced performance and incorporate advanced algorithms developed by network experts.
• Flexibility and security: Open platforms foster innovative features and greater security, supported by an extensive community.
• Future-proofing: A vendor-agnostic approach ensures that your infrastructure evolves seamlessly with advancements in Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7, keeping your network resilient despite industry shifts.

2. Standardize with a common software base

Deploying a consistent software foundation across your portfolio can simplify operations significantly. Systems built on open platforms facilitate unified functions, enabling any router to serve as either a gateway or a mesh router. Key advantages include:

• Simplified deployments: Technicians can mix and match routers for faster, more flexible field installations.
• Streamlined firmware management: Maintaining a single firmware load across models enhances operational efficiency.
• Inventory flexibility: A common base allows easy repurposing of available inventory, minimizing disruptions due to patent issues or supply chain delays.

3. Leverage containerized applications for innovation

Containerized applications, which run independently on a host OS, are transforming the way service providers offer value-added services. These lightweight, virtualized apps provide:

• Accelerated development: Quick creation and deployment of new services that enhance ARPU.
• Portability: Consistent application performance across various Wi-Fi generations and models.

Enhanced security: Isolation from router software ensures that containerized applications maintain strong security protocols.

During times of uncertainty, partnering with a company that prioritizes innovation and customer needs is essential.

Every service provider has unique business needs, which is why flexible cloud management is essential. Real-time data and actionable insights from such systems are critical to delivering an exceptional subscriber experience. Benefits include:

• Customization: Systems can be adapted to fit specific business processes, reducing onboarding time and training costs.
• Agility: When new technologies emerge or competitors present new challenges, flexible systems enable rapid adaptation to maintain competitive advantage.

5. Choose the right partner

During times of uncertainty, partnering with a company that prioritizes innovation and customer needs is essential. Adtran’s commitment to open platforms and a customer-first approach ensures service providers receive reliable, future-proof solutions. Our portfolio of open mesh Wi-Fi gateways includes our SDG 8700 Series of carrier-class 10Gbit/s Wi-Fi 7 gateways built for the extremely high throughput (EHT) era. These devices, along with our managed services like Intellifi® and Mosaic One, equip service providers to deliver exceptional connectivity and remain ahead in the industry.

Navigating the uncertainties of the semiconductor industry requires a proactive approach. Implementing these strategies can help service providers mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions and maintain exceptional service. In a landscape where sudden shifts are inevitable, being prepared is key to sustaining resilience and staying ahead of industry changes. By focusing on open platforms, standardization, containerized applications, flexible cloud management, and strong partnerships, service providers can better weather the challenges and continue delivering reliable connectivity.

Get in touch to discover how our solutions can help you adapt and thrive amidst change, ensuring your network remains resilient and ready for future challenges.