How to Evaluate Wi-Fi 7 Tri-band Access Points for Optimal Performance

A Wi-Fi 7 tri-band access point (AP) incorporates the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology (802.11be), building upon the foundations of previous Wi-Fi standards while adding significant enhancements to improve performance, efficiency, and capacity. To learn more about Wi-Fi 7’s key features, see the blog in the references.

What is a Tri-band AP

Traditionally, we have used dual-band access points (APs) operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Now, in many countries, the unlicensed 6 GHz spectrum is also available for Wi-Fi use (Refer to: Wi-Fi Regulations Enabling 6 GHz Wi-Fi).As a result, we now have APs or Home Routers supporting all the 3 bands. This adds a layer of complexity and hence would need some understanding of how to test.?

Wi-Fi 7 Frequency Bands Characteristics

Testing Consideration

Testing a Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Access Point (AP) involves evaluating several critical aspects to ensure optimal performance, reliability, security, interoperability, and many other categories. In this blog, we focus on 3 main areas which are described below.

• Maximum Connection: Determine the AP’s ability to handle a large number of concurrent connections.

• Throughput Tests: Determine the AP’s capacity for large throughput.

• Load Tests: Measure the stability and performance of the AP under varying load conditions over extended periods.

Test Environment

APs and the DUT should be in individual chambers preferably in a completely conductive environment. Ensure that a sniffer is included in the setup to debug any issues that arise during the tests. Some of the tests below will require metrics from either the message timestamps of the sniffer or client internal logs.

1. Maximum Connections Test

Sample report from WiCheck with connection metrics

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2. Throughput Tests

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Sample report from WiCheck with throughput metrics

3. Stability Under Load

Sample report from WiCheck with some load test KPI

In our future blog, we would cover Multi-Link Operation tests as part of our Wi-Fi 7 test series.

Comprehensive Wi-Fi 7 Testing with WiCheck

WiCheck, the flagship product from Alethea Communications, is designed to address the complexities and enhanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, providing the required testing environment, tools, reports, and analysis.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a demo. Visit www.aletheatech.com for more information.

Reference

• https://aletheatech.com/blog-wi-fi-7-latency-mlo/
• https://aletheatech.com/dfs-puncturing-wi-fi-7/
• https://aletheatech.com/mlo-testing/
• https://aletheatech.com/throughput-in-wi-fi-7-4096-qam/
• https://aletheatech.com/wi-fi-7-mlo-link-switching/