Plume is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company that provides self-optimizing WiFi services, visibility, and network control for Communications Service Providers (CSPs) and their subscribers, such as personal households and small businesses.
Plume was founded in 2015 by Fahri Diner.[3] The company began offering its cloud-delivered services in June 2016.[4]
In 2017, Plume raised $63 million in funding.[5] In 2018, the company changed to a subscription model beginning with its Adaptive Wi-Fi service[2][6] and new SuperPods.[2] The SuperPods are slightly larger than the first generation pods, capable of faster speeds, and contain two integrated Ethernet ports.[2]
In February 2019, TalkTalk, a UK-based telecommunications company, signed a deal with Plume to bring Plume Wi-Fi to TalkTalk’s broadband customers.[7] After a month, Plume's services became available to all UK households.[7][8] In November, the company expanded into Asia when it announced a deal with J:COM, Japan's largest cable-TV operator.[9]
In November 2020, Plume acquired British Columbia-based network intelligence and security software firm Walleye.[10] Plume also started working with POST Luxembourg.[10]
In October 2021, it was announced that Plume raised $300 million in a Series F round, bringing Plume's valuation up to $2.6 billion.[15][16]
Services
Plume provides an adaptive WiFi platform with cloud management services that works automatically to self-optimize network connections.[17][18][19] It provides interoperability for homes and businesses that may be using smart devices from different manufacturers.[20] Plume’s products are open, allowing them to work with any CSP.[20][21]
Using its cloud management, Plume can identify and measure network traffic and then make changes to provide better performance.[22] For example, if the bedrooms in a home are empty because everyone is in the living room streaming a movie in HD, Plume’s network will route more bandwidth to the streaming device in the living room.[4] The company provides WiFi through its tri-band pods, which plug into wall outlets, or through an OpenSync integration into a CSP’s existing Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).[23][24]
Plume’s services include:
Adaptive WiFi:[25] Plume adjusts bandwidth as load demand shifts throughout the day.[26]
Control:[27] allows users to set up profiles and manage devices and usage, set individual WiFi passwords for guests, and restrict guest access to certain devices
Motion sensing:[28] uses WiFi radio waves to detect motion in areas of a house. The functionality uses OpenSync nodes or, Plume’s SuperPods, and connected IoT devices to provide the sensing information.[28]
