The new platform and reference design build on Qualcomm's Wi-Fi Self-Organizing (SON) technology that powers many of the current generation of multi-node Wi-Fi systems.
The new platform is based upon Qualcomm's IPQ40x8/9 SoC, which is used in "nearly every mesh networking product available today", according to the announcement. In addition to Wi-Fi SON, the Mesh Platform includes APIs and services to make the platform more attractive to carriers. Multiple forms of microphone arrays are supported as well as speakers to support integrated voice recognition and connection to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other cloud-based agents.
There are more backhaul options in addition to the Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi-Fi currently supported. The new platform can integrate backhaul bandwidth from 60 GHz 802.11ad and upcoming 802.11ax wireless radios as well has powerline. There's also support for IoT device connection via Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Thread.
Qualcomm's announcement didn't say anything about availability. But the reference design is likely sitting in the usual suspects' labs right now or will be shortly.
