Solution trials demonstrated how their Artificial Intelligence-driven wireless networks can optimize the Wi-Fi experience
Japanese AI-driven networks provider, Juniper Networks and California-based network services provider, NEC Corporation recently announced that they have been selected by Powerco, New Zealand’s second-largest gas and electricity distributor, to design and deploy an innovative new Wi-Fi network across its sites nationwide. The collaborators have successfully demonstrated their AI-driven wireless networks through solution trials.
The official statement pointed out that after experiencing several issues with its legacy Wi-Fi network, Powerco began looking into replacing its incumbent wireless vendor, which would allow it to embark on a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade as part of a larger technology refresh.
Long-term Partners
It must be noted that the power company has a long-term global partnership with both the network leaders. As per the company, Juniper has been Powerco’s networking backbone provider. NEC’s partnership with Powerco includes the provision of skilled consultancy and design for multi-domain networks.
Juniper Networks’ Country Manager for New Zealand Ken Lord stated, “Powerco’s mission-critical services are essential to its customers across New Zealand, and Juniper is delighted to be able to continue our long-standing partnership with them by delivering experience-first networking to its entire Wi-Fi network nationwide alongside NEC, a key global alliance partner with a well-established history in New Zealand. Our technology has been built to fundamentally leverage the operational and user benefits of the cloud and AI, and we look forward to providing Powerco with superior user experiences based on network assurance, insights and visibility into the future.”
Notably, Powerco delivers electricity and gas to over 1.1 million customers, linked up to its grid via 28,441km of electricity lines and cables, as well as over 6,100km of gas pipes.
Complete Replacement
Interestingly, Powerco decided on the complete replacement of the incumbent solution with Juniper’s Wireless Access Points and its Mist Wi-Fi Assurance. The official note said that alongside the consultancy and implementation services provided by NEC, the new platform now provides automated and real-time insights into user experiences for Powerco across its network.
“The essential services Powerco provides are pivotal across much of New Zealand, and NEC is honoured to contribute as a key business partner to the ongoing digital transformation of their network alongside Juniper. Delivering state-of-the-art solutions that provide significant customer-centric value is a goal we share with Juniper, and we look forward to helping Powerco further uplift and transform its networking operations to better serve New Zealand for a long time to come,” commented Nelson Gomes, Head of Networks, NEC New Zealand.
It is learnt that Powerco is exploring further upgrades across its wider networking infrastructure alongside Juniper and NEC. This would allow it to potentially deliver even more AI-driven insights into the overall performance and health of its network while streamlining efficiencies and minimizing operational burdens.
US-based Juniper Networks is a 1996-born company aimed at simplifying network operations and providing solutions to deliver industry-leading insight, automation, security and AI.
Minato, Tokyo-headquartered NEC Corporation is an over-a-century-old company which has established itself as a leading player in the integration of IT and network technologies. It aims to enable businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes.
