Consumer Perspective on Unlocking 6 GHz Wi-Fi® Highlights

Wi-Fi Alliance® commends European Communications Authorities on the decision to maximize public benefits of the upper 6 GHz band

Dublin, Ireland – October 2, 2023 – In preparation for the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) adopts a position to preserve existing operations while expanding connectivity capabilities in the 6.425-7.125 GHz frequency band (“upper 6 GHz”). 

Wi-Fi Alliance® welcomes the decision by European administrations not to support the identification of the upper 6 GHz band for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) at the upcoming WRC-23 conference[1]. The CEPT[2] has adopted a European Common Proposal (ECP) not to support an IMT identification of the band. The ECP recognizes the importance of the existing communications in the upper 6 GHz frequency band and that this spectrum is needed to support growing demand for licence-exempt connectivity technologies, such as Wi-Fi®. Also, the ECP establishes regulatory constraints necessary for IMT coexistence with incumbent services in the upper 6 GHz band. 

Following extensive technical studies and deliberations, the ECP represents a key step towards realising the connectivity objectives identified in the European Union’s Digital Decade programme.  Importantly, access to the upper 6 GHz frequency band is needed to support major advances in Wi-Fi technology, such as increased data throughput rates, ultra-low and deterministic latencies, better mobility, and high densities of users/devices.  The case for allowing Wi-Fi access to the entire 6 GHz band (i.e., 5.925 to 7.125 GHz) is clear and compelling. 6 GHz Wi-Fi is already delivering significant socioeconomic benefits in many countries. With a diverse and growing 6 GHz product ecosystem, Wi-Fi fits perfectly with market needs and customer preferences for broadband wireless connectivity without disrupting 6 GHz incumbent users. Wi-Fi operations in the 6 GHz band quickly and significantly enhance the value of the band when such Wi-Fi operation is allowed.

Conversely, the immaturity of the 6 GHz IMT equipment ecosystem, along with regulatory decisions already adopted in several countries, suggests that IMT deployments in the 6 GHz band are not feasible in the short-to-medium term. The value and benefits of 6 GHz spectrum would be curbed by an IMT designation, which will result in a connectivity divide between regions where Wi-Fi has access to only part of the band and regions where it will operate in the full 6 GHz band. 

Commercial viability of IMT networks under the regulatory constraints specified in the ECP is questionable. Recognizing that IMT operations in the upper 6 GHz band are unlikely  to materialize, while delaying needed spectrum capacity for Wi-Fi undermines the benefits this technology is ready to deliver to the European consumers and businesses.

Wi-Fi Alliance looks forward to supporting the CEPT efforts at WRC-23.


About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day. 

 

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[1] Agenda Item 1.2 of the World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai in November and December 2023 will consider whether to identify 6425-7125 MHz for IMT in ITU Region 1 (EMEA)

[2] The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations

Press Release
6 GHz Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6
Blog September 25, 2023

Wi-Fi 6E: Driving Enterprise Connectivity Forward

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, 6 GHz, Enterprise Networks
by

This article originally appeared in Spiceworks on September 20, 2023. 

Wi-Fi® – particularly Wi-Fi 6E – plays a critical role in transforming enterprise connectivity. As the first choice for wireless indoor connectivity for a growing number of users and increasingly complex business applications, Wi-Fi is also a complementary technology that supports the performance of 5G applications. The convergence of the two technologies allows for seamless connectivity as users move from place to place throughout the day, providing coverage from the conference room to the parking lot and everywhere in between.  

Wi-Fi 6E in enterprise settings 

Wi-Fi is responsible for carrying most internet traffic generated by both businesses and consumers, according to a 2021 report from Analysis Mason. As the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6E unlocks the unlicensed 6 GHz spectrum band to deliver the capabilities needed to support the high-bandwidth applications enterprises around the world depend on every day, including cloud computing, telepresence, and the sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors that power daily operations like factory and inventory monitoring. With the lower latency and higher throughput the 6 GHz band provides, Wi-Fi 6E is poised to keep up with the rate of information exchange and virtual collaboration of today’s workplace – and innovation is only expected to accelerate. According to IDC’s latest enterprise WLAN market report, Wi-Fi 6E revenue increased by 14.1% from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023, constituting 10.4% of dependent access point revenues in the enterprise market. Currently, there are more than 980 devices certified for Wi-Fi 6E, and an estimated 473 million Wi-Fi 6E devices are expected to ship in 2023.  

Part of Wi-Fi’s success is attributed to its affordable and sustainable nature. Wi-Fi connectivity requires minimal external infrastructure, making Wi-Fi implementation cost-effective and less invasive to the surrounding environment compared to the installation and maintenance of cellular towers. As a low-power technology, Wi-Fi does not require the heightened power levels of 5G and other cellular solutions in order to penetrate heavy, insulated exterior walls. Still, some emerging enterprise applications require the support of both cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to deliver seamless broadband coverage.  

Utilizing Wi-Fi with private 5G  

Beginning with a strong foundation of Wi-Fi connectivity supports enterprises’ continuously evolving digital needs, many of which occur indoors. While 5G is often implemented to facilitate outdoor connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E and 5G may be paired together in enterprise settings to ensure seamless, cost-effective coverage for critical applications such as chemical leak detection and factory management.   

Implementing Wi-Fi and 5G together enables optimized connectivity even when users are transitioning between indoor and outdoor locations, which is especially useful in large industrial campuses. In an interview for The Signal, Kelly Burroughs, Solutions Director for Enterprise at iBwave, shared that network designers should utilize data to better understand their connectivity needs and determine where private 5G might best support various use cases, “turning the technology into more of a roadmap.”   

Layering 5G into existing Wi-Fi networks is a key component to building highly efficient networks that support smart cities, allowing for increased reliability in outdoor applications. Smart city devices like water level monitors used to prevent flooding, traffic monitoring hardware, and smart street lighting rely on a private 5G network or carrier-grade Wi-Fi to report data back to city planners. Meanwhile, smartphone users and low-power IoT devices are best suited to remain on a reliable Wi-Fi network.   

The future of enterprise connectivity 

Internet connectivity is an essential socioeconomic function, and the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6E through the 6 GHz band offer increased capacity, faster speeds, and decreased latency. As enterprises and the technologies that empower them continue to advance, it is up to IT and network leaders to design and implement networks that provide reliable, secure, and efficient connectivity for users. With the ​​standard for enterprise connectivity rapidly evolving, it is vital for businesses to prepare future-forward networks that will further equip their companies for rapid growth and expansion, and this starts with a collaboration between Wi-Fi 6E and 5G.  

The statements and opinions by each Wi-Fi Alliance member and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member in posting to or commenting on this blog. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.

Podcast August 22, 2023

Episode 45: Wi-Fi 6E elevates guest experiences with Daran Hermans of Cambium Networks

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, 6 GHz

In this episode, we're joined by Daran Hermans, Director of Product Management at Cambium Networks, to discuss their recent deployment of Wi-Fi 6E in the hospitality space. Daran shares his insight into this large-scale deployment near London Heathrow, including the challenges that were faced and how the upgrade has improved guest experiences. We also discuss how 6 GHz spectrum will impact the future of hospitality and MDUs. Listen to this episode to learn more about Wi-Fi 6E in hospitality and Daran's advice for venues that may be considering an extensive Wi-Fi upgrade.

Cambium Networks delivers 131% year-on-year (1Q2023) enterprise Wi-Fi growth – with focus on hospitality & MDUs: https://wifinowglobal.com/news-and-blog/cambium-networks-delivers-131-year-on-year-1q2023-enterprise-wi-fi-growth-with-focus-on-hospitality-mdus/?mc_cid=ab21827f61&mc_eid=e55cbbfa18

For Wi-Fi Alliance: www.wi-fi.org

For Membership Info: https://www.wi-fi.org/membership

General Contact: https://www.wi-fi.org/contact-us

 

The statements and opinions by Wi-Fi Alliance members or other thought leaders appearing as guests on the podcast are providing comments that are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member while recording this podcast. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.

Podcast August 9, 2023

Episode 44: 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi® is enabling the factory of the future with Irvind Ghai of Silicon Labs

6 GHz

In today's episode, we welcome back Irvind Ghai, Vice President at Silicon Labs. Irvind gives us an overview of Matter's impact on IoT and smart home devices, and how Wi-Fi Alliance and Connectivity Standards Alliance are driving IoT technologies forward. Irvind also shares more about how Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 utilize the additional spectrum of 6 GHz to empower enterprise and Industrial IoT applications. Listen to this episode to learn more and discover how 6 GHz facilitates emerging AI use cases.

Works With 2023 will be held August 22-23 and will feature two days of technical sessions, keynotes, and expert-led panels covering the latest trends, tools, and design techniques for developers. This free, all-virtual event features more than 40 technical sessions specifically designed to bring together leading ecosystem partners, thought leaders, and Silicon Labs experts to dive deep into the technologies driving IoT: https://workswith.silabs.com/agenda?filters=404493&utm_source=Partner-Customer&utm_term=Wi-Fi-Alliance

For Wi-Fi Alliance: www.wi-fi.org

For Membership Info: https://www.wi-fi.org/membership

General Contact: https://www.wi-fi.org/contact-us

 

The statements and opinions by Wi-Fi Alliance members or other thought leaders appearing as guests on the podcast are providing comments that are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member while recording this podcast. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.

Wi-Fi 6E Insights – July 2023

Consent to Transfer of Data to USA

In order to manage your company’s membership in Wi-Fi Alliance and participate in Wi-Fi Alliance’s activities, we will need your basic business contact information, such as your name, title, company, business e-mail address and business telephone number. Under EEA and Swiss laws, that information constitutes personal data that is protected by privacy laws, including the GDPR in the EEA. If you are located in the EEA or Switzerland, please click here for our GDPR Privacy Notice, which explains how we process your personal information.

We request your consent to transfer to the USA the information that you provide to us. Wi-Fi Alliance is based in the USA and that’s where we process the personal information of Member Representatives. The USA does not have an adequacy decision from the European Commission, which means that the Commission has not determined that the laws of the USA provide adequate protection for personal information. Although the laws of the USA do not provide legal protection that is equivalent to EU data protection laws, we nonetheless treat the personal information of Member Representatives in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We use appropriate security measures to protection personal information. We also enter into contracts with our data processors that require them to treat personal information in a manner that is consistent with this Notice.

Please fill out this form to download your file. If you work for a Wi-Fi Alliance member company you may request members-only access.

Blog July 28, 2023

Special Feature: The Road to WRC-23: Regional Bodies Debate the Future of the Upper 6 GHz Band

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, 6 GHz
by

This Special Feature appeared in the July 2023 edition (Issue 9) of the Wi-Fi Alliance®  Wi-Fi 6E Insights newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please sign up here. 

The Road to WRC-23: Regional Bodies Debate the Future of the Upper 6 GHz Band 

Across EMEA, governments are concerned about the implications of identifying the 6425-7025 MHz band for IMT. 

The outcome of a major international conference later this year will help determine whether the world can fully harness the potential of Wi-Fi 6E to enhance the connectivity available to consumers and companies. At the World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 (WRC-23), national administrations will decide whether to identify the 6425-7025 MHz band for IMT in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Region 1 – Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) – and the 7025-7125 MHz band worldwide. Such an identification would mean that this spectrum may not become available to unlicensed technologies, such as Wi-Fi, in parts of EMEA, even though it is license-exempt in most of the Americas, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. 

Although there are only a few months until WRC-23 gets under way in Dubai this November, regional groups in EMEA have yet to finalize their position on whether this spectrum should be identified for IMT. A major concern among many governments is the impact IMT would have on incumbent services, such as fixed satellite services (FSS) and fixed services – the microwave links that are used for a wide range of important services, such as public safety systems, management of electricity grids, and IMT backhaul. For more on the implications for the satellite industry, please see the interview with Paul Deedman of Viasat. 

In its final conference preparatory meeting report, the ITU outlines the various regulatory methods that could be used to address the various agenda items. The Wi-Fi industry is working hard to get administrations to support Method 4A for 6425-7025 MHz in Region 1 and Method 5A for 7025-7125 MHz globally, which would equate to No Change to the existing Radio Regulations. 

At its WRC-23 preparatory meeting at the end of May, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) didn’t reach a consensus on whether the 6425-7025 MHz band should be identified for IMT. Approximately half of the SADC member states support No Change, amid concerns about the likely impact of IMT on incumbent services in the band. Similarly, no consensus was reached with regard to an IMT identification of the 7025-7125 MHz band. Similar concerns means the East African Communications Organization (EACO) has also been unable to agree a common position, while members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have decided to make their support for IMT in the upper 6 GHz band conditional on adequate protections for existing services.  At a working group meeting of the African Telecommunications Union in late July, some members expressed support for an IMT identification, while others were in favor of No Change. 

In Europe, there are two parallel decision-making tracks. At the EU level, the European Commission has drafted (confidential) text that is due to be considered by the Council of Ministers. That text is reported to be deliberately ambiguous, as many EU nations are looking to maintain as much flexibility as possible – many administrations want to retain the option to deploy Wi-Fi and other license-free technologies in the band.  

In March, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) started to conduct studies on the feasibility of whether the 6425-7125 MHz band can be shared by IMT and wireless access services/radio local area networks (WAS/RLAN). In its draft common position, CEPT says: “Europe will consider, by 2024 or later, the best usage of the frequency band 6425-7125 MHz for wireless broadband in the future: either IMT or WAS/RLAN or a shared framework between IMT and WAS/RLAN, noting that an IMT identification does not preclude the use of this frequency band by any application of the services to which it is allocated and does not establish priority in the Radio Regulations.”  

However, many experts are skeptical about whether commercial IMT services, which employ high levels of power, can share spectrum with other services without harmful interference. Low power Wi-Fi, by contrast, is successfully sharing the 6 GHz band with incumbent services, such as fixed satellite and fixed wireless links. CEPT’s draft common position, which will be submitted for adoption at a meeting in Dublin in September, says it neither proposes nor supports an IMT identification of 6425-7215 MHz, but could accept one if five conditions are fulfilled. If these conditions are not fulfilled, CEPT will support No Change (underlined). 

These conditions include the protection of existing services in the band and that there are no limitations on their future development. Another condition is that the IMT Resolution should clearly outline opportunities for other broadband applications in mobile services, such as WAS/RLAN, as well as sufficient flexibility regarding future wireless broadband usage, by IMT, WAS/RLAN or under a shared framework between IMT and WAS/RLAN.  CEPT’s acceptance is also dependent on WRC-23 not approving an agenda item for WRC-27 studying additional IMT identifications in frequency bands between 7 GHz and 30 GHz. 

Meanwhile, the administrations in the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) have yet to reach a consensus. Some Arab governments believe the entire 6 GHz band should be made available for Wi-Fi and other license-exempt technologies, while others are concerned about the potential impact of commercial IMT services on existing satellite and fixed wireless services, which play a key role in delivering connectivity across this diverse region. While the ASMG will try to reach a consensus at its meeting in Bahrain this September, it may leave it to individual member countries to vote in their own interests at WRC-23 on the future of the 6 GHz band. 

The widespread reluctance among EMEA administrations to support an IMT identification in the upper 6 GHz band reflects both a desire to protect incumbent services from interference and a growing awareness that such a move would not help to achieve 5G coverage targets or bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas. At the same time, administrations are increasingly recognizing the urgent need to increase the spectrum available for Wi-Fi, given the pivotal role the technology plays in enabling the vast majority of internet access, which takes place indoors. 

The statements and opinions by each Wi-Fi Alliance member and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member in posting to or commenting on this blog. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.

Blog May 15, 2023

Wi-Fi® by the numbers: Technology momentum in 2023

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, 6 GHz
by

Wi-Fi® is holding strong as the preferred choice for wireless connectivity, and its upward momentum continues. According to a new report released by IDC Research, 3.8 billion Wi-Fi devices are forecast to ship in 2023 alone, contributing to 42 billion cumulative Wi-Fi shipments over the technology’s lifetime. This year will also see 19.5 billion Wi-Fi devices in use, including access points, smartphones, laptops, security cameras, and smart plugs. An increasing number of devices support the latest Wi-Fi generations and provide users, service providers, and network administrators with the ability to support increasingly complex use cases.[1]

As more countries release 6 GHz unlicensed spectrum for Wi-Fi, users around the world are benefitting from the performance enhancements of Wi-Fi 6E operations in the band. With high gigabit speeds, extremely low latency, and increased capacity, the 6 GHz band offers numerous socioeconomic benefits, as well as the ability to support emerging applications, including 3D immersive medical training and telepresence, security monitoring, and fueling innovation in service provider networks that enable multi-gigabit speeds for customers. IDC predicts continued momentum for Wi-Fi 6E with 473 million Wi-Fi 6E devices expected to ship in 2023.  

Some additional data includes:

  • More than 18% of all Wi-Fi 6 device shipments are predicted to be Wi-Fi 6E in 2023, growing to 32% in 2025
  • Two-thirds of shipments in 2023 will be Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, and these will continue to expand into more IoT devices as more Wi-Fi 6 chipsets targeting IoT devices enter the market
  • 94.6 million Wi-Fi 6E AP devices will ship in 2023

According to a recent IDC press release, "There is all growth going forward layered with trends of more Wi-Fi 6 and 6E devices coming into play, Wi-Fi 7 chips ramping up in higher-end devices and access points, and more discrete Wi-Fi solutions in primary client devices and other product types,” said Phil Solis, Research Director, Connectivity and Smartphone Semiconductors at IDC.

Wi-Fi 7 momentum begins to build as we look toward the end of 2023 and approach Wi-Fi Alliance® certification availability. While only accounting for .4% of Wi-Fi device shipments this year, Wi-Fi 7 will begin seeing broader technology adoption aligned with Wi-Fi Alliance certification availability, which typically serves as an inflection point in the industry. Wi-Fi 7 delivers advanced experiences using 2.4 and 5 GHz spectrum that is globally available today, and countries opening the full 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi will benefit from the maximum potential of Wi-Fi 7.

Wi-Fi and IoT momentum

The heightened user demand for IoT devices supports Wi-Fi's predicted upward momentum this year, according to IDC, and the availability of more Wi-Fi 6 chipsets created for IoT devices will enter the market to aid this growing demand. IDC reports that Wi-Fi IoT device shipments totaled 37% in 2022 and are predicted to exceed 40% by 2027.

The upward trajectory of IoT is further evidenced by those devices surpassing smartphone shipments in 2021, and IoT is also expected to outpace primary client device shipments in 2027. The release of additional unlicensed spectrum in 6 GHz spectrum around the world is crucial to support the steady uptake of Wi-Fi 6E devices expected in 2023 and the introduction of Wi-Fi 7. “As older protocols fade away and the Wi-Fi industry firmly embraces Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and beyond, the 6 GHz band will be critical for supporting the future of Wi-Fi,” said Phil Solis, Research Director at IDC “The 6 GHz band allows for performance, capacity, and reliability that 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz cannot provide.” Not only will 6 GHz provide the foundation for the high-performance connectivity users expect, it will also enable continued innovation for today’s Wi-Fi and future generations to come.

[1] IDC Research, Jan 2023

The statements and opinions by each Wi-Fi Alliance member and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member in posting to or commenting on this blog. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.

Blog July 17, 2023

Wi-Fi® XR technology demonstrated in Mexico City

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, 6 GHz, Extended Reality (AR/VR/XR)
by

The Wi-Fi Alliance® Mexico City member meeting featured a demonstration of emerging XR technology. With numerous augmented, virtual, and extended reality (AR/VR/XR) applications on the horizon, Meta’s presentation of their Wi-Fi® XR technology showcased early stages of Wi-Fi’s impact on virtual experiences.

Extended reality (XR) technologies create an immersive environment that enhances or simulates real-life scenarios. XR applications, which range from gaming to 3D surgical training and education, require a high level of responsiveness and are extremely latency sensitive. Wi-Fi in 6 GHz delivers the stringent performance XR technologies demand. By utilizing the less congested 6 GHz band, Wi-Fi 6E’s contiguous spectrum blocks can support XR’s high-capacity needs.

Wi-Fi and XR capabilities demonstrated

The demonstration included three scenarios featuring the Meta Quest Pro head-mounted display (HMD). Attendees observed as Meta showcased an increasingly common use case, offloading a high-capacity VR gaming application over Wi-Fi from a computer to the Quest Pro using a Wi-Fi 6E access point. Attendees were also able to feel the power of immersive environments first-hand as they were “transported” to Antarctica where they utilized the Quest Pro to “kayak” pristine waters and “climb” icy cliffs. Meta also exhibited their mixed reality (MR) experience and color pass-through technology which allows users to see real-world objects in color within the virtual display, rather than the black and white renderings of previous MR technologies, furthering their engagement in the virtual world.

The devices showcased in this demo included                                                                                     

Beyond gaming: the future of XR technology

XR technology is already being utilized in an expanding number of applications beyond gaming. Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine employs virtual reality to train medical students on orthopedic surgical procedures[1], allowing for in-depth practice in an immersive setting. The United States Air Force utilizes virtual reality for aircraft simulations, allowing students to complete the training up to 46% faster[2]. In the field of mental health, XR technology is used to aid in the treatment of patients with PTSD by recreating stressful scenarios in a controlled environment.[3]

Wi-Fi will serve as the foundation of connectivity for a wide variety of AR/VR/XR applications as they continue to emerge. Due to the extremely low latency and high bandwidth demands of these applications, it is vital that 6 GHz spectrum is made available for Wi-Fi. These high-capacity needs are fulfilled by the superwide, uncongested channels that 6 GHz provides, and Wi-Fi 6E and forthcoming Wi-Fi 7 will continue to fuel endless possibilities for XR innovation.

 

[1] https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2022/12/ar-vr-medical-training-2023-perfcon

[2] https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2706835/tech-training-transformation-modernizes-tech-training-with-virtual-reality/

[3] https://www.xrtoday.com/virtual-reality/the-impact-on-xr-in-mental-health/

The statements and opinions by each Wi-Fi Alliance member and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Wi-Fi Alliance or any other member. Wi-Fi Alliance is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information provided by any member in posting to or commenting on this blog. Concerns should be directed to info@wi-fi.org.

Wi-Fi Alliance® advances testing of 6 GHz standard power devices controlled by the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system

Austin, TX and Washington, D.C. – May 24, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® hosted member companies Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks, LitePoint, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and RUCKUS Networks/CommScope for an AFC Device Under Test (DUT) Test Harness event. The goal of the event was to validate test harness implementation and to assess standard power device readiness to operate in conformance with requirements established by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The event successfully demonstrated compliance of all devices with the Wi-Fi Alliance System to Device Interface (SDI) specification and their readiness to effectively operate under the control of an AFC system.

The AFC DUT Test Harness simulates the behavior of an AFC system and is used to automate procedures described in the AFC DUT Compliance Test Plan for 6 GHz standard power devices. The successful outcome of this event underscores the Wi-Fi® industry's readiness towards enabling 6 GHz standard power device operation. Significant accomplishments of this event included:

  • Successful validation using the AFC DUT Test Harness of all test cases of standard power devices according to the latest AFC DUT Compliance Test Plan and the AFC DUT Compliance Test Vectors specifications.
  • A diverse mix of AFC DUT implementations – including standalone devices and non-standalone devices with local and cloud proxy implementations – demonstrating all combinations of the AFC DUT Compliance Test Vectors, including both Channel and Frequency Available Spectrum Inquiry Request messages.
  • Confirmation that the AFC DUT Test Harness supports both automated and manual radio frequency measurements using RF test equipment.  

Recent forecasts indicate that standard power 6 GHz devices will drive a 50+% increase in overall Wi-Fi access point shipments by 2028.[1] Wi-Fi Alliance looks forward to enabling this growing ecosystem and is working with regulatory authorities to enable standard power Wi-Fi operations around the world.

For more information on 6 GHz AFC resources, please visit https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/6-ghz-afc-resources.

Industry support for this milestone:

“Standard power Wi-Fi 7 will be a game changer, not only for outdoor networks, but to provide a significant boost to indoor wireless broadband. The Wi-Fi Alliance test harness will provide a pathway for industry to certify that standard power access points operating under the control of an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) System comply with regulatory requirements. Broadcom was delighted to collaborate with industry partners to validate standard power 6 GHz Wi-Fi market readiness.” – Christopher Szymanski, Director of Product Marketing, Wireless Communications and Connectivity Division, Broadcom

“Thanks to Wi-Fi Alliance, industry partners, and our team for this successful event. Cisco is fully committed to continued contribution and collaboration towards the success of the AFC program and 6 GHz standard power market availability.” – Bahador Amiri, Senior Director of Wireless Engineering, Cisco Systems

“RUCKUS Networks is excited to have participated successfully in the Wi-Fi Alliance AFC DUT Test Harness testing event with R560, one of our Wi-Fi 6E APs, and AFC proxy. This demonstrates a significant milestone in the development of AFC and takes the industry much closer to realizing the benefits of full, standard power in the 6 GHz band. RUCKUS’s AFC Proxy will enable a fully scalable, enterprise-grade support for deployment of our 6 GHz Access Points, taking advantage of this once-in-a-generation increase in Wi-Fi capacity, extending Wi-Fi performance into reliable multi-gigabit speeds,” – Bart Giordano, SVP & President, Networking, Intelligent Cellular & Security Solutions (NICS), CommScope

“Extreme continues to drive the Wi-Fi industry forward and the most recent milestone is the validation of our standard power access points in accordance with AFC DUT Compliance – which is a significant step in the broader industry’s adoption and transition to embracing standard power 6 GHz Wi-Fi. This accomplishment is a testament to our commitment to securing FCC certification for standard power devices, a crucial step toward implementing Automated Frequency Coordination. We look forward to the completion of FCC certification requirements as it pertains to Wi-Fi 6E as it will drive a significant wave of innovation, performance, and experiences like we have never seen before.” – Dan DeBacker, Senior Vice President of Product Management, Extreme Networks

"As a leader in wireless test solutions, LitePoint is pleased about the continued collaboration with Wi-Fi Alliance to enhance the adoption of the 6 GHz band. With the success of the forthcoming AFC certification, standard power access points will facilitate high density deployments and offer uninterrupted connectivity at both scale and speed. LitePoint’s test equipment will continue to assist product makers in their AFC certification journey and ensure that the Wi-Fi products they ship consistently meet and exceed the highest industry standards.” – Adam Smith, Director of Product Marketing, LitePoint

"Our leadership in Wi-Fi technology would not be complete without ensuring our customers have easy access to AFC solutions. We are delighted to have successfully participated in the Wi-Fi Alliance AFC DUT Test event alongside our industry partners. Our Filogic Wi-Fi 7 and 6E chips commit to support standard power operation in 6 GHz spectrum for companies who produce Wi-Fi devices." – Alan Hsu, Corporate Vice President of Intelligent Connectivity Business Unit, MediaTek

“We applaud Wi-Fi Alliance’s progress towards advancing the certification of AFC. We have been an active participant in enabling the industry with AFC DUT Compliance testing framework as it is a vital step towards enabling improved access to this important spectrum. Qualcomm Technologies turnkey AFC Solution's agent meets the requirements of the AFC DUT Compliance Test Plan, an important milestone towards commercial enablement.” – Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Infrastructure and Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

 

[1] ABI Research, April 2023

 

About Wi-Fi Alliance® |  www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

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Press Release
6 GHz Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6
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