Certification Guidance for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Devices
Wi-Fi devices have traditionally operated within the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, in line with the IEEE 802.11 standards. Devices built on the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax standards are commonly known as Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6, respectively. Each new iteration of these standards has introduced improvements in bandwidth, data transfer options, and overall capabilities.
Since 2022, newer generations of Wi-Fi technology, known as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, have been introduced. Wi-Fi 6E, which is still based on the IEEE 802.11ax standard, and Wi-Fi 7, based on the newer IEEE 802.11be standard, are designed to operate not only in the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands but also in the broader 6 GHz band, which spans 5.925 – 7.125 GHz. This expansion into the 6 GHz band allows for higher data throughput and reduced congestion, offering significant performance improvements.
The adoption and use of the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices vary by region. In the United States and Canada, regulators have made the entire 6 GHz band available for these technologies. This wide allocation supports enhanced network performance, providing greater bandwidth and minimizing interference.
In contrast, the European Union has taken a more cautious approach. It has currently only allocated the lower portion of the 6 GHz band (5.925–6.425 GHz) for unlicensed use, with ongoing discussions about whether to extend this allocation further in the future.
Other countries, including Brazil, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, have also opened up the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. However, in regions like Asia and the Middle East, there is still debate over how much of the 6 GHz spectrum should be allocated for Wi-Fi versus licensed mobile services. In some cases, decisions on this matter may not be finalized until after 2026
Eleos continue to follow developments closely so please do get in touch if you have any questions.