Wireless Technology
critical opportunities and gaps are identified, including the applicability of the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s Matter protocol as potentially a key element
New technologies and making the transition
The report examines how next-generation technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, 6 GHz spectrum, WPA3 and emerging IoT frameworks are unlocking significant new performance and service opportunities for MDUs, while also introducing real-world deployment and operational challenges at scale. It explores the need for unified, scalable connectivity to support connected living, the critical role of open standards in enabling interoperability and avoiding vendor lock-in and the importance of fully managed Wi-Fi, underpinned by wired backhaul, to deliver predictable performance and strong tenant isolation in high-density residential environments. The paper also addresses real-world transition challenges, including WPA3 migration risks in large-scale residential deployments and the operational impact of device compatibility. It also highlights the growing importance of Property Management System (PMS) integration as a force multiplier for onboarding, access control and lifecycle management.
Tiago Rodrigues, president and CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, said: “Connected living at scale represents a strategic opportunity for the MDU and residential sector, but only if connectivity infrastructure is centralised orchestrated rather than an afterthought. For residents, this means reliable, seamless digital experiences across their homes and shared spaces. For owners and operators, it means predictable performance, operational efficiency, investment optimisation and the ability to introduce new, differentiated services with long-term value.” George Hechtman, project leader and principal at Hechtman Venture Development, added: “We conceived of this working group as a result of seeing the proliferation of IoT wireless devices, their various stakeholders and use cases in MDU buildings. This can result in a complex mishmash of technologies at odds with each other. We felt that a comprehensive review of these technologies was a necessary first step towards resolving these issues, while providing property owners, service providers and software/hardware vendors with a valuable reference document. We look forward to leveraging the various learnings into our 2026 technical program.”
Wael Guibene, project co-leader, chief editor, and platform architect at Silicon Labs, said: “Multi- dwelling environments represent one of the most demanding proving grounds for IoT connectivity today. This WBA whitepaper demonstrates that the path forward lies in the convergence of Wi-Fi and Thread through Matter; enabling a
unified, interoperable ecosystem where devices seamlessly coexist across protocols. At Silicon Labs, we believe that standards-based connectivity is the foundation of scalable smart living, and this work provides critical guidance for deploying truly operator-managed IoT at scale.” Saurabh Mathur, vice president – product management at RUCKUS Networks, concluded: “MDU residents no longer judge their building’s connectivity by whether they can get online – they expect multi-gigabit, always-on experiences for work, entertainment and smart home automation in every corner of the property. And they increasingly expect intelligent, AI-driven networks that anticipate congestion, personalise access and automatically troubleshoot issues so every guest and resident enjoys a seamless, secure connection.”
Looking ahead to phase two
Building on its findings, WBA has invited operators, property owners, managed service providers and technology vendors to participate in the next phase which commenced in Q1 2026. This phase will focus on developing the MDU Smart Living Technical Blueprint, delivering industry-aligned architectures, validated deployment models and practical guidance to accelerate commercial adoption.
Download the report:
https://wballiance.com/connectivity- strategies-for-smart-mdus
*ABI Research: Wi-Fi Access Point Shipments to the MDU Vertical World Markets, Forecast: 2024 to 2030
ewnews.co.uk
May 2026 electrical wholesaler | 21
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