Wi-Fi 7 TRIUMPHS WITH SEVEN FEATURES - LATEST WLAN STANDARD IEEE 802.11BE FOR REAL-TIME APPLICATIONS

Following the release of the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E standards, the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced the latest IEEE 802.11be standard, also known as Wi-Fi 7, earlier this year. Wi-Fi 7 offers even higher data transmission rates and extremely low latency times. This standard thus meets the requirements for applications like augmented, virtual, and extended reality.

While many users continue to use Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E have now also gained a strong foothold in the market. Some suppliers already offer Wi-Fi 7-compatible products. The Wi-Fi Alliance projects that by 2028, there will be 2.1 billion Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices available on the market. Routers, smartphones, PCs, and tablets are among the first devices to support the new standard [1], but Rutronik also already provides solutions for the industrial sector, as detailed in our Wi-Fi 7 catalogue. Table 1 shows the development and differences of the Wi-Fi standards from Wi-Fi 5 to the latest standard Wi-Fi 7.

Table 1: Development and differences of the Wi-Fi standards from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 7

The Wi-Fi Alliance identifies key applications for Wi-Fi Certified [ 1] 7 as multi-user AR/VR/XR, 3D training, gaming, ultra-high-resolution video streaming, hybrid working, Industrial IoT (IIoT), and automotive [1]. However, thanks to the high reliability and speed of data transmission, ultra-precise applications like telediagnostics and telesurgery are also feasible. The necessary increase in performance results from the following seven features [1]: 

1. 320 MHz channels: Available in countries that release the 6 GHz frequency band for Wi-Fi. Ultra-wideband channels double the currently widest channel size of 160 MHz for Wi-Fi 6/6E to 320 MHz, also effectively doubling the data transmission rates for individual devices.
2. Multilink operation (MLO): With the previous WLAN standards, routers select a single frequency band for data transmission and switch frequency bands only under specific conditions. With Wi-Fi 7, MLO allows devices to simultaneously send and receive data across multiple frequency bands, such as 5 GHz and 6 GHz. This results in higher data throughput, lower delay times, and improved reliability.
3. 4K QAM: Wi-Fi 7 enables a higher data transmission rate. This data transmission rate is specified by the modulation technique called quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Compared to 1,024 QAM with Wi-Fi 6/6E and only 256 QAM with Wi-Fi 5, 4,096 QAM (or 4K QAM) are possible with Wi-Fi 7. 4K QAM now enables up to 20 percent higher data rates (12 bits instead of 10 bits).
4. 512 compressed block acknowledgment: With Wi-Fi 7, up to 512 data packets (MPDUs – MAC protocol data units) can be sent simultaneously, compared to 256 data packets with Wi-Fi 6. This reduces overheads, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
5. Multiple resource units (RU) to a single station (STA): Improves flexibility in planning spectrum resources to increase spectrum efficiency. This is achieved because Wi-Fi 7 divides the channel into multiple sub-channels, known as resource units (RUs). This procedure is similar to the OFDMA procedure of Wi-Fi 6. By dividing the channels, interference signals affect only a portion of the WLAN channel rather than the entire channel, as was the case with previous Wi-Fi standards. The remaining part can, therefore, still be used for data transmission.
6. Triggered uplink access: Optimizes the uplink access as defined by Wi-Fi 6 to better handle latency-sensitive streams and meet quality of service (QoS) requirements. The stream classification service (SCS) function prioritizes sensitive data such as games, voice, and video over bulk traffic by “classifying” data.
7. Emergency preparedness communication services (EPCS): Offer users a seamless NSEP (national security and emergency preparedness) service experience while maintaining priority and quality of service (QoS) on Wi-Fi access networks. EPCS enables access points (APs) to communicate with authorized non-AP stations with higher priority.

Applications with real-time requirements benefit from the significantly improved latency. To achieve the theoretical maximum data transmission rate of 46 Gbps, WLAN stations with 16 data streams (spatial streams), i.e. also 16 antennas, are required. In practice, this is not practical for small devices like cell phones. For typical home use, routers with fewer antennas are generally sufficient. However, it definitely makes sense for large companies, smart cities, airports, hotels, etc. with numerous end users.

First products available

To fully leverage the performance and efficiency of the new standard, products that support Wi-Fi 7 must meet certain requirements. The devices must be equipped with Wi-Fi 7-compatible chipsets that support the new functions and higher speeds. Moreover, the products must also be able to use several frequency bands at the same time to enhance network performance. In addition, support for 4,096 QAM is required for higher data density and efficiency. Rutronik already offers Wi-Fi 7-capable routers, mainboards, expansion cards, industrial modules, and laptops. 

Intel’s BE200 and BE202 modules fully support the benefits of the new wireless standard, above all low latency times, high reliability, and high speeds: BE202 enables 2.4 Gbps with 2 x 2 TX/RX streams, BE200 even 5.8 Gbps. Both solutions also support the Bluetooth 5.4 standard. Additionally, these modules are pre-certified globally, resulting in significant cost savings for customers. However, VPRO support is currently only possible for BE200. Versions for the industrial temperature range or embedded applications are also not yet available. Both cards can be obtained in the M.2 2230 and M.2 1216 form factors.

Silex has also announced a Wi-Fi 7 platform with SX-PCEBE. Like Intel’s products, the SX-PCEBE plug-in card will also be on offer in two form factors, as an M.2 2230 plug-in board and as an SMD M.2 LGA type 1620. In addition to Wi-Fi 7, the module also supports Bluetooth 5.3, is based on the Qualcomm QCC2076 chipset and features an operating temperature range of –40 °C to +85 °C. The first samples of this module are expected by the end of 2024, with series production planned for the first quarter of 2025. 

Besides the plug-in card solutions mentioned, Rutronik already offers complete Wi-Fi 7 routers and mainboards from Asus, as well as special avionics routers from Advantech. Wi-Fi 7 chips from Mediatek are now available for expert developers and high-volume projects. Suitable Wi-Fi 7 antennas from 2J and Kyocera AVX can also be obtained from Rutronik.

Summary

Like Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 supports the 6 GHz frequency band – an advantage, as the 2.4 GHz frequency band is also used by other technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Thread. However, keep in mind that higher frequencies also result in shorter ranges. To ensure comprehensive WLAN availability, it may therefore be necessary to increase the number of access points.

Despite the backward compatibility of Wi-Fi 7 with previous standards, not only the routers but also the end devices must support Wi-Fi 7 to fully leverage the benefits of Wi-Fi 7.

QR code to WI-FI catalogue

Scan the QR code for more information about Wi-Fi 7 and the product solutions in the Wi-Fi 7 catalogue from Rutronik: 

link: https://www.rutronik.com/fileadmin/Rutronik/Downloads/printmedia/products/06_wireless/Wi-Fi_7_-_Product_Overview.pdf

Reference:

[1] Wi-Fi Alliance® introduces Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7™ | Wi-Fi Alliance

For more information and a direct ordering option, please visit our e-commerce platform at www.rutronik24.com.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.