Next generation Wi Fi 8 standard exposed: no longer pursuing speed, focusing more on improving connection reliability
The next generation of Wi Fi 8- based on the IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Performance (UHR) specification - will focus on improving connectivity reliability and user experience, rather than increasing physical data transfer rates above 23Gbps provided by Wi Fi 7.
Traditionally, new versions of Wi Fi (as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard) focus on maximizing data transmission rates by increasing channel bandwidth and number of channels, as well as introducing new modulation methods. In Wi Fi 7, the maximum PHY speed is 23Gbps, although no one expected such a high speed. In addition, there is still a lot of room for improvement in the reliability of high-speed Wi Fi connections. The MediaTek white paper shows that the next generation Wi Fi 8 will not increase theoretical speed, but will introduce new features aimed at improving practical performance and enhancing connectivity reliability.
At a high level, Wi Fi 8 (802.11bn) is similar to Wi Fi 7 (802.11be): it uses the 2GHz, 4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands, the same modulation (4096 QAM), eight spatial streams, MU-MIMO, multiple OFDMA, and a maximum channel bandwidth of 320MHz.
According to the MediaTek white paper, the new specification introduces several key features aimed at improving practical performance and connection speed: Coordinated Spatial Multiplexing (Co SR), Coordinated Beamforming (Co BF), Dynamic Subchannel Operations (DSO), and Enhanced Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS). Some features may be mandatory, while others may be optional.
The Coordinated Space Reuse (Co SR) function solves the problem of uneven signal strength between nearby devices and distant access points in high-density office scenarios. This feature enables APs to dynamically adjust and coordinate their power levels based on the distance between the device and other APs to maintain appropriate signal strength. According to preliminary testing by MediaTek, this can increase overall system efficiency by 15% to 25%.
Similarly, Wi Fi 8's Coordinated Beamforming (Co BF) improves previous beamforming techniques by coordinating signal directions between multiple access points. This technology allows the system to avoid sending signals to unwanted areas and devices, reduce interference, and concentrate signals on active devices. In MediaTek's testing, coordinated beamforming increased throughput by 20% to 50% in grid network settings involving public spaces and partial home sharing.
The Dynamic Subchannel Operation (DSO) feature enables the network to allocate sub channels based on device requirements and capabilities, thereby improving efficiency and increasing throughput by up to 80% (for advanced devices), while potentially avoiding bottlenecks.
At a high level, Wi Fi 8 (802.11bn) is similar to Wi Fi 7 (802.11be): it uses the 2GHz, 4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands, the same modulation (4096 QAM), eight spatial streams, MU-MIMO, multiple OFDMA, and a maximum channel bandwidth of 320MHz.
According to the MediaTek white paper, the new specification introduces several key features aimed at improving practical performance and connection speed: Coordinated Spatial Multiplexing (Co SR), Coordinated Beamforming (Co BF), Dynamic Subchannel Operations (DSO), and Enhanced Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS). Some features may be mandatory, while others may be optional.
The Coordinated Space Reuse (Co SR) function solves the problem of uneven signal strength between nearby devices and distant access points in high-density office scenarios. This feature enables APs to dynamically adjust and coordinate their power levels based on the distance between the device and other APs to maintain appropriate signal strength. According to preliminary testing by MediaTek, this can increase overall system efficiency by 15% to 25%.
Similarly, Wi Fi 8's Coordinated Beamforming (Co BF) improves previous beamforming techniques by coordinating signal directions between multiple access points. This technology allows the system to avoid sending signals to unwanted areas and devices, reduce interference, and concentrate signals on active devices. In MediaTek's testing, coordinated beamforming increased throughput by 20% to 50% in grid network settings involving public spaces and partial home sharing.
The Dynamic Subchannel Operation (DSO) feature enables the network to allocate sub channels based on device requirements and capabilities, thereby improving efficiency and increasing throughput by up to 80% (for advanced devices), while potentially avoiding bottlenecks.