The Wi-Fi Alliance and its technology companies have enabled home and business Internet service innovations for two decades. During this period, the speed and reliability of the Wi-Fi network have grown into a de-facto switching technology. In discussions on wireless networks, it is often forgotten that half of the world’s Internet traffic is already consumed on Wi-Fi networks. It is a tough achievement for the so-called free and open (unlicensed) frequency band technology.
Wi-Fi 6E is the biggest news and reform in the network world
Wi-Fi frequencies were last expanded nearly 15 years ago. With the increase in equipment numbers and traffic, we are now at a turning point where the frequency bands used are limiting development. The most important and hottest novelty in the network world in 2020 is considered by many to be Wi-Fi6E (6 GHz). The new frequency band offers almost 10Gbps speed, lower latency, and higher device density than its predecessor standards. The U.S. and Korea have already allocated a 1,200 MHz slice to Wi-Fi 6E, which will triple the frequency capacity used for Wi-Fi networks.
In Europe, negotiations are currently underway to allocate a 500 MHz slice to Wi-Fi 6E. It is expected to strengthen during November 2020. This, if realized, will double the available Wi-Fi frequency capacity in Europe. The Wi-Fi6E standard is well suited for “low latency” applications such as mobile AR / VR, gaming, and 4k / 8k video streaming. To achieve indoor coverage, Wi-Fi 6E is a superior cost-effective, and flexible solution that is a sure choice for the future with new frequencies and channels.
Wi-Fi 6E support for SmartPhone and PC as a requirement
Wi-Fi 6E terminals and base stations are expected to hit the market in spring 2021. If the company makes extensive use of Wi-Fi technology, it is worthy considering Wi-Fi 6E support in addition to 5G support on mobile terminals. The enterprise market is dominated by the Wi-Fi 5 standard and Wi-Fi 6E is a natural path to network modernization.
The next major step is Wi-Fi 7, but it is not expected to be completed until 2025 at the earliest. Personally, I end up saying that I want my next Smartphone and the personal computer to support both 5G and Wi-Fi6E networks. So far, I have remained equipment rhythm of approximately 3.5 years, and it fits the schedule here. In companies, the choice and schedule is a more complex.
Low power, long-range Wi-Fi for IoT
Another less noticed standard is Wi-Fi HaLow ™. It complements the Wi-Fi network by operating below one gigahertz (GHz), offering a range of 1 mile and lower power consumption. The standard meets the requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT) well in the industry, agriculture, smart buildings, and smart city environments.
As part of the whole, Wi-Fi HaLow is an open standard that means lower investment and operating costs for businesses without the need for separate controllers, hubs, or gateways. The new standard can be easily implemented with existing Wi-Fi networks without interference. TCP/IP support and WPA3 encryption also make it an interesting and seamless part of the modern cloud-based IoT application architecture. Unfortunately, Europe is challenging to match the required frequencies. It is close to GSM (900Mhz) as well as rail and military frequencies. In order for Europe to have access to this new enabler of innovation, all actors in the region need to squeeze in their spectrum allocation. Work is underway, but there are interests in many directions. Meanwhile, the US is going to spend it again. New wireless innovations will continue to come from there.
Unlicensed frequencies are part of democracy
Frequency bands are a limited natural resource. For the sake of consumer choice and the competitiveness of companies, it is very important that we have a choice of both licensed and unlicensed frequency-based wireless solutions. Licensed (3G, 4G, 5G) frequencies have monopoly-like features. Unfortunately, monopolies rarely promote innovation and work for the benefit of the consumer. On the contrary, they mainly seek to preserve old structures that need to be forced to reform through regulation. There is a need to open another eye to spectrum allocation in Europe to ensure its competitiveness.
Hannu Rokka. Senior Advisor
5Feet Networks Oy