The Wi-Fi Alliance has unveiled the finalized specifications for Wi-Fi 7, accompanied by a new certified logo. These specifications ensure that certified devices will offer a range of innovative features:
Wi-Fi 7 Specifications
1. Enhanced Channel Width
Wi-Fi 7 introduces 320 MHz channels, available in regions permitting Wi-Fi usage within the 6 GHz band. This expanded spectrum provides improved data transmission capabilities.
2. Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
Enabling devices to simultaneously transmit and receive data across multiple links, MLO significantly boosts throughput, minimizes latency, and enhances overall reliability.
3. Advanced Modulation Techniques
The utilization of 4K QAM modulation leads to a 20% higher bit rate compared to the previous 1024 QAM, ensuring faster and more efficient data transmission.
These specifications also include features like 512 Compressed block-ack for enhanced efficiency, Multi-RU for improved resource scheduling, Triggered Uplink Access optimizing latency-sensitive flows, and Emergency Preparedness Consistency (EPCS) for uninterrupted operation of essential Wi-Fi functions, prioritizing security and emergency preparedness services.
Furthermore, the certification guarantees backward compatibility and supports up to 16 antennas. Intel’s Wi-Fi 7 BE200 wireless adapter has already obtained certification and was showcased at the Wi-Fi 7 test bench. Representatives from leading tech companies underscored the significance of this certification, including Intel, Qualcomm, Mediatek, and TP-Link.
Despite the certification’s delayed market introduction, several compatible devices are already available, such as OnePlus 12 smartphones, select computers, and the anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 on January 17.
Additionally, at CES 2024, VESA unveiled the DisplayPort 2.1a specification. The DP54 UHBR cables, compliant with this standard, can achieve a maximum throughput of 54 Gbps within a length of up to 2 meters. This specification effectively doubles the passive cable length for source-to-UHBR13.5 display connections, previously supported only by DP80 UHBR cables, notes NIX Solutions.
Moreover, VESA introduced the Automotive Extension Services protocol for DisplayPort 2.1a and the latest version of the Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) specification, VESA 1.5a. Notably, VESA established a specification for vehicle displays to meet the ISO 26262 ASIL-D security standard.