The IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standard aims to deliver significantly faster speeds and increased capacity compared to its predecessor, 802.11ax. Wi-Fi 7 will continue to support the 6 GHz band introduced in 802.11ax and expand the channel width up to 320 MHz. Additionally, it will utilize 4096-QAM modulation and support up to 16 spatial streams. With data throughput exceeding 30 Gbps and low latency, Wi-Fi 7 is expected to be a key enabler for emerging applications and services such as ultra-high-definition video streaming beyond 4K, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).
Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, is the latest iteration of Wi-Fi technology, succeeding Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. It aims to offer significantly higher speeds, improved efficiency, reduced latency, and enhanced capacity to accommodate the growing number of devices. To achieve extremely high data throughput, the IEEE 802.11b standard supports up to 4096-QAM and a maximum channel bandwidth of 320 MHz. This requires devices supporting the standard to achieve higher modulation accuracy (EVM) and to maintain an even power distribution across the entire 320 MHz bandwidth.
Here’s a summary of its key features and requirements:
1. Higher Speeds and Bandwidth in Wi-Fi – 7
- Theoretical Maximum Speed: Up to 46 Gbps, compared to Wi-Fi 6’s maximum of 9.6 Gbps.
- Wider Channel Bandwidth: Wi-Fi 7 can support channel widths up to 320 MHz (compared to 160 MHz in Wi-Fi 6), which allows for higher data throughput.
2. Support for the 6 GHz Band
- Wi-Fi 7 can operate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. The inclusion of the 6 GHz band allows for less interference and greater available spectrum.
3. Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
- One of the key features of Wi-Fi 7 is MLO, which allows devices to send and receive data across multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This boosts throughput, improves reliability, and reduces latency by aggregating channels from different bands.
4. 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
- Wi-Fi 7 introduces 4K-QAM, which improves the modulation scheme over the 1024-QAM of Wi-Fi 6. This enhancement leads to a potential 20% increase in throughput.
5. Improved MU-MIMO and Beamforming
- Wi-Fi 7 enhances MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output), allowing more simultaneous connections with better signal quality and efficiency.
- Beamforming capabilities have also been improved to ensure that signals are more focused and reach intended devices more reliably.
6. Enhanced OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access)
- Wi-Fi 7 enhances the OFDMA used in Wi-Fi 6 to allow for better division of channels for multiple users, reducing latency and improving efficiency in high-density environments.
7. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
- This feature aims to provide reliable and low-latency communications, which is essential for real-time applications like gaming, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and industrial automation.
8. Target Wake Time (TWT)
- Although first introduced in Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 further optimizes TWT, helping devices to manage sleep and wake times efficiently, reducing battery consumption.
Minimum Requirements for Wi-Fi 7 Devices
- Chipset Compatibility: Devices must include Wi-Fi 7-compatible chipsets to leverage the new features like 320 MHz channels, MLO, and 4K-QAM.
- Firmware and Driver Support: Operating systems and device drivers must be updated to support Wi-Fi 7 features.
- Access Points/Routers: Must be upgraded to Wi-Fi 7-compatible models to utilize all the features.
- Client Device Compatibility: Laptops, smartphones, IoT devices, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices must have Wi-Fi 7 hardware and firmware support.
Benefits of Wi-Fi 7
- Massive Speed Improvements: Useful for applications like 8K video streaming, AR/VR, cloud gaming, and future smart home needs.
- Reduced Latency: Critical for real-time applications.
- Higher Capacity and Reliability: Essential for crowded environments like smart cities, stadiums, and large enterprise networks.
While it’s difficult to predict exactly what Wi-Fi 8 will bring, we can expect new or enhanced features and improved QAM, leading to higher theoretical data rates. Additionally, Wi-Fi products are likely to become increasingly expensive for both consumer and enterprise markets. In business WLAN systems, Silicon Valley will likely continue innovating with licensing models to satisfy shareholders. Another likely trend is the continued emphasis on cloud management strategies and advanced performance monitoring dashboards, both of which will be heavily licensed to capitalize on the new performance capabilities. For More details please contact iCertifi.