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PC Worldciting a MediaTek white paper, reports that instead of increasing the physical data transfer rate beyond 23 Gbps offered by Wi-Fi 7, the next generation Wi-Fi 8, based on IEEE 802.11 Billion Ultra High Reliability (UHR) specification, will focus on improving connection reliability and user experience rather than theoretical performance.

Traditionally, new Wi-Fi iterations (as specified by the IEEE 802.11 standards) have focused on maximizing data transfer rates by increasing bandwidth and number of channels and introducing new modulation methods. With Wi-Fi 7, the maximum PHY throughput is 23 Gbps, although no one expects to achieve speeds that high. Additionally, the reliability of high-speed Wi-Fi connections leaves much to be desired. To this end, the next-generation Wi-Fi 8 iteration will not increase theoretical speed but will introduce new features designed to improve real-world performance and increase connection reliability.

At a high level, Wi-Fi 8 (802.11 billion) resembles Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): it uses 2, 4, 5 and 6 GHz bands, the same modulation (4096 QAM), eight streams space, MU-MIMO, multiple OFDMA and a maximum channel bandwidth of 320 MHz.

However, according to the MediaTek article, the new specification introduces several key features designed to improve real-world performance and connection speeds: coordinated spatial reuse (Co-SR), coordinated beamforming (Co-BF), dynamic operation of subchannels (DSO). ) and an improved modulation coding scheme (MCS). Remember, we’re talking about the standard as MediaTek sees it. Some features might be mandatory, while others might end up being optional.

The Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR) feature manages different signal strengths between nearby devices and remote access points in high-density office scenarios. This capability allows access points to adjust and coordinate their power levels dynamically based on the distance between devices and other access points to maintain the correct signal strength. According to MediaTek’s preliminary testing, this can improve overall system efficiency by 15 to 25 percent.

Similarly, Wi-Fi 8’s Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF) advances previous beamforming technology by coordinating signal direction between multiple access points. This technology allows the system to avoid sending signals to areas and devices that are not needed, thereby reducing interference and focusing the signal towards active devices. In MediaTek testing, Co-BF improved throughput by 20-50% in configurations involving shared mesh networks in public spaces and some homes.

Dynamic Sub-Channel Operation (DSO) capability allows the network to assign subchannels based on device requirements and capabilities, thereby increasing efficiency and increasing throughput by up to 80% (for advanced devices) while potentially avoiding bottlenecks.

Wi-Fi 8 will also incorporate fine-tuned data rates with additional levels in the Modulation Coding Scheme (MCS) lookup table, allowing devices to make smoother transitions in connection quality when move to different areas. By adding finer gradations, such as a 16-QAM coding rate, Wi-Fi 8’s MCS promises to reduce sudden drops in data rates, improving overall transmission stability and bandwidth by 5 to 30 %, depending on the exact scenario.

The final Wi-Fi 8 standard is expected to be completed in 2028, and the first products based on the draft specification are expected in early 2028, pending regulatory approvals.