Yesterday, I wrote an article about MLO, the bright and shining feature of WiFi7, but while I was writing it, I decided to write another article about the dark side of MLO. For more about MLO, please read here: https://shorturl.at/HNW5l
Understanding Wi-Fi 7 MLO
Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) enables devices to simultaneously operate over multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). This multi-band functionality allows for better spectrum utilization, higher data rates, and reduced latency, which is crucial for supporting bandwidth-intensive applications such as 4K/8K streaming, VR/AR, and real-time gaming. By aggregating channels across different bands, Wi-Fi 7 can offer a more robust and versatile network experience than its predecessors.
Negative Impacts on Single-Band Devices
- Network Interference and Congestion
- Single-band devices operating on a congested band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) may experience increased interference due to Wi-Fi 7 devices' concurrent multi-band usage. As Wi-Fi 7 devices dynamically switch between bands to optimize performance, they could inadvertently contribute to congestion on a band used by single-band devices, leading to degraded performance and slower connection speeds for the latter.
- Deprioritization and Bandwidth Allocation
- Wi-Fi networks using MLO can prioritize multi-band traffic over single-band traffic, effectively relegating single-band devices to a lower priority status. This deprioritization can result in uneven bandwidth allocation, with single-band devices receiving less optimal access to network resources, further exacerbating performance issues, particularly in environments with mixed-device usage.
- Compatibility and Coexistence Issues
- As Wi-Fi 7 incorporates advanced features and operates across newer frequency bands (e.g., 6 GHz), single-band devices may face compatibility and coexistence challenges. Single-band devices, particularly those operating on older standards, may not effectively communicate with newer Wi-Fi 7 routers, leading to suboptimal performance or the need for frequent network reconfigurations to maintain connectivity.
- Obsolescence and Reduced Lifespan
- The rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 7 and its emphasis on multi-band operations can accelerate the obsolescence of single-band devices. As network environments increasingly favor multi-band capabilities, single-band devices may struggle to keep up with evolving performance expectations, leading to a shorter lifespan and a greater push for consumers to upgrade prematurely.
- Increased Power Consumption and Latency for MLO Devices
- Single-band devices, lacking the ability to leverage multiple channels for data transmission, may experience increased latency and power consumption as they compete for limited bandwidth. This can be particularly problematic for battery-operated devices (e.g., IoT gadgets, smartphones) that rely on efficient power usage for extended operation.
- Economic and Accessibility Concerns
- The shift towards multi-band devices may create economic barriers for consumers who cannot afford frequent upgrades. This could widen the digital divide, with single-band device users left with inferior connectivity options and reduced access to the benefits of the latest wireless technologies.
- Enhanced Compatibility Features
- Manufacturers can develop enhanced compatibility features to ensure that single-band devices coexist more effectively with multi-band Wi-Fi 7 devices. Implementing backward-compatible protocols and improving network management systems can help mitigate some of the performance issues single-band devices face.
- User Education and Support
- Educating consumers about the potential challenges of single-band devices in Wi-Fi 7 environments and providing support for upgrading or optimizing existing devices can help mitigate the negative impacts. Offering trade-in programs or affordable upgrade options can also ease users' transition.
- Improved Network Management Tools
- Advanced network management tools that allow for better resource allocation and dynamic bandwidth adjustment to accommodate both single-band and multi-band devices can improve the overall network experience. Such tools can ensure a more balanced distribution of network resources, minimizing the impact on single-band devices.
While Wi-Fi 7’s Multi-Link Operation (MLO) promises to revolutionize wireless communication with enhanced speed, capacity, and efficiency, it also presents significant challenges for single-band devices. Increased interference, deprioritization, compatibility issues, and economic concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of this technology's broader implications. As the industry moves towards a multi-band future, addressing the negative impacts on single-band devices will be crucial to ensuring a more inclusive and equitable technological landscape.
Chief Knowledge Officer at NanoCell Networks Pvt. Ltd., Wi-Fi NOW Academy
8 个月Toufic Kourbeh thanks for sharing your insights. My initial reaction is that single-band devices, i.e., all legacy and some Wi-Fi 7 need not suffer because MLO is used in a network. However, this is not going to happen without due consideration to legacy and SLO devices. For instance, when there is an MLO association and there are SL devices slightly loaded in a particular link, a good scheduler at the AP should take fairness for all devices into account when using MLO. It could use the quieter link for most of the MLO traffic, for instance. This is true for the DL traffic. On the UL, most clients will try to get the best for themselves, and we might see some interesting things happening. I am hopeful, that atleast on the DL we should see MLO benefitting all clients instead of just the highly capable ones. We should have some lab-results soon to share with Alethea Communications Technologies PVT LTD
Wireless Technologist & Product Development | Fractional Architect
8 个月Thanks for your insight. Most Wi-Fi STAs support multiple bands but operate on single band( single radio silicon). Take a look at the comprehensive client list. https://sites.google.com/a/mikealbano.com/clients/ Wi-Fi7 Enhanced Multi Link Single Radio (eMLSR) MLO mode is made for such STAs. It is the most common Wi-Fi7 Multi-Link operation mode as most Wi-Fi STAs are single radio, 2x2:2 or 3x3:3 operating in 2.4, 5 or 6 GHz band. It enables the Wi-Fi STA to simultaneously listen on separate Wi-Fi channels per MLO link and then dynamically reconfigure the MIMO chains to receive the data packet on a best available MLO link. There is definitely an impact of STR/NSTR MLO based Wi-fi7 mesh systems on single band STA performance.