Wi-Fi 7: upgrading performance
Wi-Fi® delivers more than half of all Internet traffic[1], and the demand for faster, more efficient Wi-Fi performance is only expected to grow as high throughput, low latency applications like AR/VR/XR become mainstays in homes and businesses. With several new features, including 320 MHz superwide channels, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and 4K QAM, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7™ delivers advanced capabilities in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands and will provide the heightened throughputs and low latencies required to support the deterministic behavior that will be vital to emerging use cases. As the Wi-Fi industry’s focus shifts from delivering heightened data rates to providing impeccable performance, Wi-Fi industry leaders should use Wi-Fi performance indicators and device evaluation tools to deliver the seamless connectivity and superior quality of service users expect.
Key performance indicators
Consistency
Wi-Fi Device Metrics allow for the streamlined evaluation of Wi-Fi access points (APs) and client devices, delivering a consistent methodology and framework that gives operators, vendors, and network architects the opportunity to identify high-performance devices to support specific applications or services. Maintaining a thorough understanding of connected devices will be crucial to the developers who release new products and the service providers who deploy the networks to enable services.
Performance
Proactive monitoring is key to delivering a seamless connectivity experience. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Data Elements™ introduced enhanced Wi-Fi analytics for advanced Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E networks, gathering the Wi-Fi metrics that help service providers manage complex multi-generational networks. By using an established, standardized set of the most relevant Wi-Fi health performance indicators, including the modulation coding scheme (MCS), channel utilization, Wi-Fi generation, and signal strength, Wi-Fi Data Elements™ provides support for single access points and multiple AP networks. Wi-Fi Data Elements periodically collects Wi-Fi network data and delivers this information to service providers for analysis and diagnostics, allowing support teams to troubleshoot quickly. Optimized for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh® self-organizing multi-AP networks and leveraging mechanisms from Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Agile Multiband™, Wi-Fi Data Elements allows operators to have a more holistic understanding of Wi-Fi network performance.
Quality
The need for reliable, low-latency connectivity is intensifying as complex applications gain prevalence in home and enterprise. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED QoS Management™ allows devices, applications, and network managers to prioritize traffic flows for a consistent, end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) treatment in Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi QoS Management™ also ensures consistent traffic management and QoS across Wi-Fi, wired, and cellular networks. This is especially pertinent to real-time applications that demand deterministic latency in indoor and outdoor environments, such as patient monitoring devices, automotive safety features, and immersive flight simulations.
Optimizing the next generation of connectivity
The Wi-Fi industry’s focus on optimized performance requires a deepened understanding of Wi-Fi networks. The use of standardized Wi-Fi performance indicators and device evaluation tools will support Wi-Fi industry leaders in providing the consistent experience users expect, ensuring that Wi-Fi maintains its position as the primary choice for delivering affordable, sustainable connectivity to users around the world.
[1] Cisco VNI IP Traffic Forecast, 2017-2022
The statements and opinions by each Wi-Fi Alliance member and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member in posting to or commenting on this blog. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.
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