Askey & pureLiFi unveil all-in-one 5G broadband link

Askey has partnered with pureLiFi to develop an integrated through-window fixed wireless access system that combines a 5G modem and a LiFi-based bridge in a single unit.

The companies are targeting a long-standing fixed wireless access problem: indoor reception can fall sharply when building materials weaken outdoor 5G signals. Their approach places customer premises equipment outdoors and uses a through-window link to carry the connection inside without drilling, cabling or professional installation.

Askey plans to demonstrate an all-in-one unit rather than relying on a separate bridging accessory. The design integrates pureLiFi's through-window technology into Askey's customer premises equipment, aiming to give telecoms operators a self-installable product for home broadband users.

The arrangement is intended to address the so-called last-metre problem in fixed wireless access. For operators, this can make it harder to connect customers quickly when indoor signal quality is poor and site visits are required to complete an installation.

According to the companies, integrating the bridge directly into the unit could increase network capacity by up to six times compared with existing approaches. Removing technician visits would also cut installation costs and reduce transport-related carbon emissions.

Installation model

The system uses LiFi technology and wireless power to send data through a window between the outdoor and indoor sides of the connection. This could help broadband providers serve customers in urban, suburban and rural settings where modern construction materials interfere with 5G reception.

Askey, a Taiwan-based networking equipment maker and Asus subsidiary, supplies communications hardware to telecoms operators. Edinburgh-based pureLiFi develops wireless communications technology using light and has focused on LiFi systems and optical components since its founding in 2012.

The collaboration combines Askey's position in customer premises equipment with pureLiFi's work on optical wireless links. Units are expected to be available for demonstration and testing with telecommunications carriers globally in the first half of 2026.

Industry interest in fixed wireless access has grown as operators look for ways to expand home broadband without laying new fixed-line infrastructure. But the model's economics can be affected by installation complexity, particularly when outdoor equipment is needed to achieve stronger signal quality.

A key point of difference in this project is its focus on self-installation. Operators have increasingly sought consumer broadband products that can be deployed without booking an engineer, both to shorten waiting times for customers and lower connection costs.

Robert Lin outlined Askey's view of the project. "Askey is committed to staying at the cutting edge of connectivity by working with global innovators like pureLiFi. We've been working for 5 years to solve the problem of bringing outdoor FWA signals indoors. pureLiFi's LiFi bridge is the answer. Our combined system will enable carriers to get users connected cost-effectively and quickly while improving the overall 5G experience. By being the first to demonstrate 'all-in-one' FWA CPE with an integrated LiFi bridge, we will disrupt the FWA business model," said Lin, chief executive of Askey.

Market focus

Fixed wireless access has become a key part of many operators' broadband plans, especially in areas where fibre roll-out is slower or more expensive. In dense urban districts, suburban housing and remote communities alike, indoor reception can still be a limiting factor even when an outdoor 5G signal is strong enough to support fast data speeds.

The integrated design is intended to support gigabit-class throughput. The companies argue that combining the modem and bridge in one unit simplifies the product for users and may make indoor service more consistent when exterior placement of equipment provides a stronger connection.

Ron Schaeffer said the partnership was aimed at improving indoor use of 5G fixed wireless access. "This partnership builds on pureLiFi's pioneering position as innovators in the LiFi space and Askey's excellence in 5G consumer premises equipment. Our proprietary wireless bridging technology is the key to unlocking the full potential of 5G FWA indoors. Together, we are providing a solution that is secure, unjammable, reliable, and incredibly simple for the end-user to install. We are proud to work with Askey to make better broadband connectivity a reality through the 5G spectrum with help from LiFi," said Schaeffer.