Startup aims to revolutionise connectivity in remote areas

The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN), a joint initiative led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney, has announced the launch of WANFi Technology Pty Ltd, a cutting-edge startup specialising in integrated wide-beam antennas and high-capacity Wi-Fi solutions.

CIN was established by NSW Telco Authority to bring together the research community, industry and government agencies to solve connectivity challenges and deliver improved services. The founders and co-directors of WANFi Technology are Professor Yonghui Li from the University of Sydney and Associate Professor Peiyuan Qin from UTS.

WANFi Technology's origins trace back to the Rapidly Deployable Large Area WiFi (LAWiFi) project, a CIN-backed initiative aimed at providing high-speed wireless connectivity for large geographical areas during natural disasters. The LAWiFi system was designed to enhance communication and coordination in remote and emergency prone locations.

The LAWiFi project gained momentum thanks to the expertise of UTS researchers, who played a key role in advancing wireless network systems and antenna design. UTS Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, Technical Director of CIN, highlighted the collaborative effort that brought the initiative to life.

“The launch of WANFi Technology is an exciting milestone for the CIN,” said Professor Guo. "It is the result of a collaborative relationship that was formed through one of our first pilot projects, which necessitated true innovation and ingenuity to achieve the ambitious outcomes set by the CIN. It is an excellent example of the real-world impact of our collaborative approach to solving connectivity challenges.”

WANFi Technology’s flagship system offers support for up to 100 users within a 1.5-kilometer range at speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The system is equipped with satellite connectivity options such as Starlink or Ethernet and addresses critical connectivity gaps in underserved regions. 

As an independent company, WANFi Technology builds on the foundation of academic research, demonstrating how university-led initiatives can evolve into tangible benefits for the community. Its launch reflects UTS’s broader commitment to fostering innovation that addresses critical global challenges.