WLAN IEEE 802.11be testing

Rohde & Schwarz test solutions are designed to help test engineers to work already today on the 7th generation of Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 7) promising extreme high data throughput.

The market for the sixth generation of Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11ax, is just picking up and regulation authorities are opening the 6 GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi 6E. But work is already underway on the next generation, namely IEEE 802.11be, also known as Wi-Fi 7 or extremely high throughput (EHT).

The main target for 802.11be is to increase data throughput to tens of gigabits per second at low latency in order to keep pace with latest application trends such as ultra high definition video streaming, virtual reality or augmented reality applications. Wi-Fi 7 will operate, similarly to Wi-Fi 6E, in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, with some small adaptations on the tone plane.

The key elements to reach higher throughput are increased channel bandwidth of 320 MHz, up to 16 spatial streams and 4096QAM modulation. These advanced features are challenging today’s Wi-Fi test setups. Rohde & Schwarz already offers solutions well suited for Wi-Fi 7 testing.

Extreme high throughput does not come for free

The foundation for extreme high throughput is based on supporting wider channels, more spatial streams and higher modulation schemes. However, they are by far not sufficient to meet future application requirements. This is why a couple of additional features are considered for the task. They include assigning multiple resource units (RU) per user, optimized HARQ process, multi-link operation over all bands, and several kinds of coordinated multi access point operations. For the efficient use of the new spectrum on the 6 GHz band, features like multi-user resource units (MRU) and preamble puncturing are of high relevance. Such features add a new level of complexity and require innovative test solutions.

Key technology elements of Wi-Fi 7

IEEE 802.11be signal analysis of a 320 MHz EHT-MU PDDU with the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer
IEEE 802.11be signal analysis of a 320 MHz EHT-MU PDDU with the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer

Your 802.11be test challenges

The 802.11be standard already defines various transmitter and receiver tests such as EVM, TX power, spectrum emissions and sensitivity. For example, 4096QAM modulation requires signal generation capabilities to transmit signals with very low distortion over a bandwidth of up to 320 MHz as well as spectrum analyzers with the required analysis bandwidth able to perform with a very low residual EVM. Advanced features like multi-RU assignment in multi-user operation will extend the demand for signaling test solutions, allowing verification of parameters like timing error, unused tone error and TX power adjustment. These requirements can be challenging to meet, requiring innovative T&M solutions.

Benefits of Rohde & Schwarz 802.11be test solutions

We are committed to providing a comprehensive solution portfolio covering testing of chipsets, modules, stations and access points. This applies to all application layers, from RF to signaling testing and end-to-end data application testing. Rohde & Schwarz offers already today instruments supporting the next generation Wi-Fi testing in terms of bandwidth and accuracy in research and development.

Related resources

Webinar: The smart way to test Wi-Fi 7

More information

Wi-Fi 7 testing in R&D

Video: Wi-Fi 7 testing in R&D

Watch Video

Webinar: Wi-Fi 7 is now! What you need to know about global regulatory compliance

More information

Poster: Wi-Fi 7 for extreme high throughput (EHT)

More information

Webinar: Unlocking the ultimate Wi-Fi 7 experience

More information

Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) 4x4 true-MIMO testing

Video: Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) 4x4 true-MIMO testing

Watch Video

App card: Hints for IEEE 802.11be EVM Measurements

More information

App card: Verify radio performance of IEEE 802.11be devices

More information

Webinar: Realizing extreme high throughput with Wi-Fi 7

More information

Video: Production testing for Wi-Fi® / NR FR1 / 7.125 GHz

More information

White paper: IEEE 802.11be technology introduction

More information

Article: 802.11be WLAN standard outline (page 19 ff.)

Download now

Poster: The history and future of Wi-Fi

More information

Webinar: Are you ready for Wi-Fi 6E/7 testing? We are!

More information

Related products

R&S®CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester

Multi-channel, multi-technology one-box-tester to test 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi 7 standards for interworking and influencing effects in R&D.

Product information

R&S®CMW270 wireless communication tester

The non-cellular expert covering access point and station testing in signaling and non-signaling mode

Product information

R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator

The fine art of signal generation, supporting Wi-Fi modulation schemes at full bandwidth, allowing MIMO testing with real-time fading.

Product information

R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer

Setting standards in innovation and usability for testing Wi-Fi devices.

Product information

R&S®TS8997 regulatory test system for wireless devices

Supports regulatory testing for wireless devices operating in ISM bands based on ETSI and FCC.

Product information

R&S®CMW100 wireless communication tester

The ultra-compact non-signaling tester optimized for production lines.

Product information

R&S®SMBV100B vector signal generator

The new benchmark in its class with up to 500 MHz modulation bandwidth and excellent EVM performance even at high output power levels.

Product information

R&S®FSV3000 signal analyzer

The right choice for Wi-Fi spectrum and signal analysis in development, supporting 400 MHz analysis bandwidth.

Product information

R&S®DST200 RF diagnostic chamber

Ideal environment for RF analysis during development. Supports a wide range of radiated test applications for WLAN devices.

Product information

Related solutions

WLAN/Wi-Fi testing

More information

IEEE 802.11ax testing

More information

Subscribe
Subscribe to the wireless communications testing newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest news on 5G, 6G and Wi-Fi as well as mobile device and infrastructure equipment testing - and more

Request information

Do you have questions or need additional information? Simply fill out this form and we will get right back to you.

Marketing permission

Your request has been sent successfully. We will contact you shortly.
An error is occurred, please try it again later.