Astronics Introduces the First Wi-Fi 6E Enabled Cabin Wireless Access Point

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The Industry’s first technology integration creates a more compelling onboard connected wireless experience

EAST AURORA, NY, June 13, 2022 – Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, today announced the introduction of CabinAXe, the industry’s first Wi-Fi 6E enabled Cabin Wireless Access Point (CWAP). CabinAXe introduces unparalleled Wi-Fi performance, marking the first time a CWAP will utilize the recently adopted Wi-Fi 6E standard. Astronics has shipped over 16,000 previous generation CWAPs, and CabinAXe continues the evolution of Astronics' CWAP firsts by offering the industry's first tri-radio CWAP integrating Wi-Fi 6E.

Wi-Fi 6E makes use of up to 1.2GHz of unlicensed spectrum in the 6GHz band. This new authorization provides less congestion and larger channel widths for greater connectivity throughput.

CabinAXe continues Astronics' rich CWAP history bringing Wi-Fi 6E to the cabin for the first time

Wi-Fi 6E benefits include:

  • Supports new additions for future IoT applications: Includes future classes of personal electronic devices. Separately, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Zigbee radios provide low-powered sensing device hosting and support remote sensors and beacons.
  • Backwards compatibility: Supports all previously released Wi-Fi bands and standards, compatible with ARINC 628 CWAP installations, certified for retrofit applications and ready for line fit applications. Also, it is compatible with other Summit Line components.
  • Passenger experience improvements: Provides multi-gigabit Wi-Fi speeds and dynamically steers traffic for improved user experience. Provides higher capacity with support for up to 513 associated client devices per radio.

"CabinAXe is truly an innovative building block for the advanced Summit Line IFEC system," said Mike Kuehn, President of Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification. "Delivering blazing-fast Wi-Fi performance and increased throughput for added reliability, CabinAXe is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to passenger experience. Added sensing capabilities for IoT applications and integration with Summit Line components demonstrates our attention to existing IFEC systems with a strong look to the future in the cabin."

About Astronics Corporation

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit Astronics.com.

Company Contact:
Astronics CSC
Alan Manns
Alan.Manns@Astronics.com
847.244.4500 x400

Released June 13, 2022