Mist Systems today introduced a pair of new solutions aimed at enabling companies to build more efficient wireless networks, a launch that marks its first product release since being acquired by Juniper Networks Inc. earlier this year.

Headlining the announcement is Mist Edge. It’s an appliance version of the Juniper subsidiary’s cloud-based network administration platform, which lets enterprises centrally manage the Wi-Fi infrastructure at their offices and other corporate locations. The platform is built around an artificial intelligence engine that automates tasks such as optimizing Wi-Fi signal strength.

With Mist Edge, companies can now deliver these automation features on-premises. Setting up a Mist Edge appliance in the same physical location as the Wi-Fi network reduces transmission delays, which allows network operations and changes to be carried out faster.

One of the tasks the system promises to streamline is wireless roaming. In large corporate sites such as a company’s headquarters, Wi-Fi connectivity is usually provided by multiple routers that each cover a different area. Ensuring steady internet access for users requires switching their mobile devices among routers as they roam the building, a task that can be done with less latency when the management appliance that coordinates operations is nearby.

Mist also sees Mist Edge lending itself to other use cases, such as supporting connected-device fleets. The Juniper subsidiary is releasing the appliance in several configurations to accommodate different kinds of environments.

In the longer run, Mist also plans to make its AI-powered management platform available as a standalone software installation. And it will work with partners to provide hosted instances delivered from the cloud.

All versions of Mist’s management platform are designed to work with its homegrown line of wireless access points, which was also updated today. Mist pulled back the curtains on a new model dubbed the Mist AP43 based on the latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard. The specification, which started rolling out this year, promises to provide up to 30% faster internet speeds than current Wi-Fi technology as well as lower latency and better range.

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