WI-FI 7

Article by Abhijeet Kumar

Introduction to Wi-Fi 7

With the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), also called Extremely High Throughput (EHT), marks a significant leap in speed, capacity, and efficiency. As users increasingly rely on bandwidth-intensive applications such as AR/VR, 8K video streaming, and cloud gaming, the need for faster, more reliable wireless networks has grown. Wi-Fi 7 is designed to meet these demands by offering speeds up to 23 Gbps and improving the overall performance of wireless networks.

Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6: What’s New?

Wi-Fi 7 builds upon the foundations laid by Wi-Fi 6, with several enhancements aimed at improving performance in various key areas:

• Spectrum Utilization: Wi-Fi 7 continues to leverage the 6 GHz band introduced with Wi-Fi 6E but offers 320 MHz channels, double the width of Wi-Fi 6, enabling faster speeds and improved capacity.
• Modulation Improvements: Wi-Fi 7 introduces 4096-QAM (compared to 1024-QAM in Wi-Fi 6), allowing devices to send more data per transmission, resulting in a 20% increase in data throughput.
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): One of the most anticipated features of Wi-Fi 7 is MLO, which allows devices to transmit data over multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously, leading to enhanced throughput, reliability, and reduced latency.
• Multiple Resource Unit (MRU) Allocation: Wi-Fi 7 introduces MRU-based resource allocation, allowing more efficient spectrum use and reducing latency, particularly in high-density environments.

Key Technologies in Wi-Fi 7

1. 6 GHz Frequency Band:
2. 320 MHz Channel Bandwidth:
3. 4096-QAM Modulation:
4. Multi-Link Operation (MLO):
5. MRU-Based Resource Allocation:
6. Enhanced Target Wake Time (R-TWT)

6 GHz Frequency Band:

The 6 GHz spectrum is one of the main pillars of Wi-Fi 7, offering contiguous blocks of spectrum with less interference compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This enables higher data rates and better performance for bandwidth-hungry applications like AR/VR and industrial IoT.

320 MHz Channel Bandwidth:

By doubling the channel width to 320 MHz, Wi-Fi 7 significantly increases the amount of data that can be transmitted, supporting speeds beyond 10 Gbps, crucial for real-time applications.

4096-QAM Modulation:

Wi-Fi 7 enhances data transmission with 4096-QAM, packing more data into each symbol transmitted. This high-order modulation is ideal for short-range, high-speed connections, providing faster data transfer in optimal signal conditions.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

MLO enables devices to operate over multiple bands at once. This allows for improved load balancing and redundancy, making Wi-Fi 7 networks more reliable, especially in environments where one band may face interference or congestion.

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is one of the key features of Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), enabling devices to simultaneously transmit and receive data across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). Here’s how MLO works and why it enhances reliability, load balancing, and overall performance in Wi-Fi 7 networks:

How MLO Works

1. Multiple Simultaneous Connections: In traditional Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi 6), devices can only establish a connection on one band at a time. MLO changes this by allowing multi-band connections simultaneously. This means that a Wi-Fi 7 device can use all available frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) at the same time, combining them into one logical link.
2. Load Balancing Across Bands: Wi-Fi 7 access points (APs) and client devices can intelligently distribute data traffic across multiple frequency bands, based on.

Benefits of MLO in Wi-Fi 7

1. Improved Reliability
2. Higher Performance Through Aggregation
3. Better Spectrum Utilization
4. Enhanced User Experience

MRU-Based Resource Allocation:

Wi-Fi 7 introduces Multiple Resource Units (MRU), which allocate spectrum dynamically, minimizing resource waste and reducing service latency by up to 25%.

In Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Multi-Resource Unit (MRU) assignment allows for more efficient use of spectrum by enabling devices to use non-contiguous frequency channels or RUs (Resource Units) in the same transmission, which increases flexibility and efficiency, especially in dense environments. MRU assignment can happen in the following ways:

Key Concepts of MRU Assignment:

1. Resource Unit (RU): An RU is a portion of the channel bandwidth that can be allocated to a single user. In Wi-Fi 7, various RU sizes are available, and an access point can divide a wideband channel (such as 320 MHz) into smaller RUs.
2. Multi-RU (MRU): MRU allows a user or device to be allocated multiple non-contiguous RUs. This is helpful when some parts of the spectrum may be busy or suffering from interference. The device uses the available RUs efficiently by combining different subcarriers or channels into one larger data unit.
3. OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access): OFDMA is used to divide the channel into multiple subchannels (RUs), and multiple devices can be assigned RUs for simultaneous data transmission. Wi-Fi 7 expands upon this by using MRU to further enhance bandwidth utilization.
4. Channel Bandwidths: MRUs can be assigned across different bandwidths, including 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and up to 320 MHz in Wi-Fi 7

Enhanced Target Wake Time (R-TWT):

Wi-Fi 7 introduces Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT), further refining power-saving mechanisms by coordinating communication times more efficiently. This is especially beneficial for IoT devices with low latency requirements.

Target Markets for Wi-Fi 7: Meeting the Demands of High-Performance Applications

Wi-Fi 7, with its advanced capabilities in peak throughput, network efficiency, reliability, and low latency, is poised to revolutionize a wide range of industries and market segments. The technology’s key enhancements—such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4096-QAM, and 320 MHz channels—are designed to address the growing need for high-performance wireless connectivity in both commercial and consumer markets. Below are the primary target markets and use cases where Wi-Fi 7 will have the most profound impact:

1. Streaming Ultra-High Definition Video

As video content continues to evolve into 4K, 8K, and beyond, Wi-Fi 7 provides the bandwidth and efficiency necessary to support ultra-high-definition streaming without buffering or quality degradation. With support for up to 23 Gbps data rates, users can seamlessly stream high-resolution video on multiple devices simultaneously, making it ideal for homes, businesses, and media centers.

2. Multi-User AR/VR/XR

The emergence of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR) technologies demands extremely low latency and high data throughput to deliver smooth, immersive experiences. Wi-Fi 7's ability to reduce latency and improve link reliability ensures that multiple users can interact with AR/VR/XR applications simultaneously, whether for gaming, education, or collaboration in virtual spaces.

3. Automotive

The automotive industry, especially with the rise of connected and autonomous vehicles, requires reliable, high-bandwidth, and low-latency wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 enables in-car entertainment systems, real-time communication between vehicles (V2V), and advanced navigation services, contributing to a safer, more immersive driving experience. Its ability to handle multiple high-speed connections ensures seamless communication across a fleet of vehicles.

4. Hybrid Work and Rich Telepresence

The hybrid work model has become a standard, making rich telepresence systems essential for seamless remote collaboration. Wi-Fi 7 supports high-quality video conferencing, low-latency interactions, and cloud-based applications with ease. Its ability to provide consistent performance across multiple devices ensures that employees can participate in real-time, high-quality meetings from any location.

5. Immersive Gaming and Entertainment

Wi-Fi 7 is set to transform immersive gaming by delivering high-speed, low-latency connections crucial for real-time gameplay. Gamers will benefit from smoother experiences in high-definition gaming, particularly in multiplayer or cloud-based gaming environments. With its high bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7 ensures uninterrupted streaming for entertainment platforms, providing a richer and more engaging user experience.

6. Emergency Preparedness Communication Services

In emergency situations, reliable and fast communication is paramount. Wi-Fi 7’s enhanced reliability and multi-band support allow emergency services to maintain seamless communication, even in congested or difficult-to-reach environments. Its ability to handle high-density user loads ensures that emergency responders can stay connected, coordinate efforts, and provide timely information during critical situations.

7. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The Industrial IoT (IIoT) market, which connects machinery, sensors, and control systems in real-time, demands robust wireless networks with low latency and high reliability. Wi-Fi 7 supports real-time control, sensor data transmission, and machine-to-machine communication, making it ideal for smart factories and industrial automation. It allows industries to implement predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and optimize operations more efficiently.

8. Immersive 3D Training

As training becomes more interactive and immersive, Wi-Fi 7’s high-speed, low-latency capabilities support 3D training environments across a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and defense. Whether used for virtual surgery practice, equipment handling, or employee onboarding, Wi-Fi 7 ensures that interactive training modules run smoothly, without interruptions, and provide a realistic experience for trainees.