日本語
Wi-Fi 7 is transforming wireless connectivity with enhanced performance and a next-level broadband experience. Features like 4K QAM and multi-link operations promise ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and next-level quality of service, setting a new benchmark for wireless networks.
Based on the IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT) amendment, Wi-Fi 7 is on the verge of mass market debut, with its technical foundation already solidified. The earliest devices supporting the technology have been on the market for over a year, with widespread adoption anticipated by early 2025. Now, testing becomes critical to ensure these advancements meet user demands.
Testing has long played an important role in ensuring each Wi-Fi generation’s readiness and Wi-Fi 7 presents the most complex testing requirements to date. This is prompting questions from stakeholders, many of which have similar concerns. We shared the top five questions we are receiving during our participation in the RCR Wireless News “State of Wi-Fi” webinar.
Let’s dive into what we are being asked and top takeaways for stakeholders.
Q1: What parts of Wi-Fi 7 are working now?
Most Wi-Fi 7 features are available and being tested. That includes 320 MHz channels, 4096 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), puncturing, and Multi RU (multiple resource units). Part of the multi-link operation (MLO) feature is working and part of it is yet to debut.
Q2: How do you test 4K QAM?
The dense 4K QAM modulation scheme requires a high signal to noise ratio, which presents challenges to traditional testing systems that use over-the-air connections. We have designed systems with low path loss and high throughput scaling to successfully test 4K QAM.
Q3: How do I know if MLO is working?
Multi-link operation is an important Wi-Fi 7 feature for performance and QoS that combines two or more physical channels into a single logical channel.
The STR (simultaneous transmit and receive) mode manages multiple Wi-Fi connections across different channels or frequencies at the same time, so the total throughput of the combined radios should exceed that of the individual radios. Meanwhile, the eMLSR (enhanced multi-link single-radio) mode quickly switches between channels to avoid interference. This ensures continuous throughput, with the best available radio automatically selected.
STR and eMLSR present unique testing challenges that can be effectively addressed with advanced tools and methodologies. A multi-channel sniffer is required for a detailed analysis so that advanced troubleshooting and analysis of channel transitions is possble. Comprehensive statistics and key performance indicators provide insights into how the links are utilized over time.
Current testing indicates that STR is performing well, while eMLSR is still in the process of maturing.
Q4: How does puncturing work and how do you test for it?
Puncturing enables the radio to avoid using slices of a wide channel that has interference. In fixed mode, the access point learns of the puncture need from a third party. In dynamic mode, the access point changes the puncture dynamically, based on existing interference and congestion.
The test system needs to emulate and characterize scenarios to induce puncturing and then determine whether it is behaving properly. The system should also provide event-based statistics and key performance indicators on puncture usage.
Q5: How do I measure the impact of Wi-Fi 7 on mesh systems?
While Wi-Fi 6 set the stage for improved performance, it still falls short of delivering whole-home gigabit connectivity due to significant speed reductions as distance increases from the access point.
Wi-Fi 7, with features like MLO STR, introduces the ability to establish a high-capacity connection between the root node and home extenders. This innovation enables gigabit connectivity throughout the entire home, creating new possibilities for the consumer mesh market.
Testing is critical to ensure seamless performance. Devices must always connect to the optimal node: close to the root for maximum speed, or to the appropriate extender when farther away. Effective testing verifies that devices connect to the correct node at the right time and under varying conditions.
Optimizing Connectivity Performance
As Wi-Fi 7 capabilities expand in the market, rigorous testing ensures performance metrics—like high-speed connectivity, low latency, and service quality—consistently meet expectations.
For more details, listen to the RCR Wireless State of Wi-Fi – Testing implications of Wi-Fi 7 webinar or visit Spirent’s Wi-Fi 7 test solutions.
