In-depth overview of Wi-Fi 8

Download our white paper for comprehensive insights into IEEE 802.11bn.

Download

Wireless communications testing

Setting new performance standards with IEEE 802.11bn

Authors: Lisa Ward, Jörg Köpp

Wi-Fi, based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, has become essential to modern connectivity. From video conferencing and AR/VR experiences to IoT devices, content sharing, web browsing, and high-definition streaming, Wi-Fi now carries the majority of mobile internet traffic across homes, workplaces, and public venues.

IEEE 802.11bn, the foundation of Wi-Fi 8, moves beyond the throughput focus of earlier Wi-Fi generations to deliver a better overall user experience. It provides ultra-high reliability (UHR), stable performance, reduced latency, seamless connectivity, spectrum and power efficiency, and smart coexistence, while maintaining the core physical-layer parameters introduced in Wi-Fi 7.

This white paper highlights the new PHY and MAC features of IEEE 802.11bn, including distributed resource units (DRU), enhanced long-range (ELR) capabilities, unequal modulation (UEQM), multi-AP coordination, improved roaming, non-primary channel access (NPCA), and dynamic subband operation (DSO).

As homes, enterprises, and public spaces demand faster, more predictable, and energy-efficient connectivity, Wi-Fi 8 lays the groundwork for next-generation Wi-Fi experiences.

In this white paper you will learn about:

Wi-Fi 8 for ultra-high reliability
Tackling real-world Wi-Fi challenges
PHY features
MAC essentials
Advanced MAC features
IEEE 802.11bn physical layer testing
Smart testing for ultra-high reliability

Learn how Wi-Fi 8 will transform connectivity and network efficiency in our whitepaper.

Download now

PHY Features

IEEE 802.11bn introduces three key physical-layer enhancements. Distributed Resource Units (DRU) and Enhanced Long Range (ELR) PPDUs improve uplink transmission power, reliability, and range, with ELR enabling better long-range communications. Modulation and coding enhancements add new MCS levels to close SNR gaps, improve link adaptation, and boost throughput, while unequal modulation (UEQM) optimizes beamforming by adjusting modulation per spatial stream based on channel quality. Together, these improvements enhance uplink performance, range, reliability, and overall Wi-Fi efficiency.

MAC Essentials

IEEE 802.11bn provides essential new MAC layer features to improve spectrum efficiency, coexistence, low-latency traffic, and power management. Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) and Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) allow STAs to transmit on available portions of the BSS bandwidth even when the primary 20 MHz channel is busy. In-device coexistence mechanisms, including Dynamic Unavailability Operation (DUO) and Periodic Unavailability Operation (PUO), help Wi-Fi coexist with other radios like Bluetooth® by communicating STA availability to the AP. Priority channel access optimizes low-latency traffic, while Dynamic Power Save (DPS) reduces energy use by letting devices switch between low- and high-capability modes as needed.

Advanced MAC features

IEEE 802.11bn introduces advanced MAC features to improve coordination and mobility in dense networks. Multi-AP Coordination (MAPC) enables APs sharing the same primary channel to coordinate resource usage, reducing latency, improving throughput, and ensuring fair medium access. Seamless roaming is enhanced for multi-link devices (MLDs) through the Seamless Mobility Domain (SMD), allowing STAs to transition between APs with minimal latency and packet loss. These features together improve overall network performance and user experience in multi-AP environments.

IEEE 802.11bn physical layer testing

IEEE 802.11bn physical layer testing builds on the transmitter and receiver requirements defined in IEEE 802.11be, with updates for the new MCS levels, DRU, and ELR PPDU. Transmitter tests exclude UEQM and 2xLDPC, while receiver tests also include a requirement for accurate Received Channel Power Indication (RCPI). These updates ensure devices meet the enhanced performance, reliability, and range objectives of Wi-Fi 8.

Smart testing for ultra-high reliability

Wi-Fi 8’s focus on ultra-high reliability and stable performance demands smarter, more accurate testing across the product lifecycle. Rohde & Schwarz provides advanced solutions – like the R&S®SMW200A, FSW, CMP180, and CMX500 – that support RF, multi-link, and end-to-end performance testing, as well as regulatory compliance. High automation, fast measurement speed, and low residual EVM enable efficient lab validation, device testing, and manufacturing calibration. These capabilities ensure devices meet the demanding performance, reliability, and compliance requirements of Wi-Fi 8 and future standards.

White paper: In-depth overview of Wi-Fi 8 - Setting new performance standards with IEEE 802.11bn

IEEE 802.11bn, the foundation of Wi-Fi 8, moves beyond throughput to provide ultra-reliable, low-latency, and efficient connectivity, supporting modern applications from AR/VR to IoT. This white paper explores the key features and enhancements that make Wi-Fi 8 ready for next-generation networks.