Page 82 - SAMENA Trends - August 2020

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

ARTICLE

Progression and Potential: The DSA Highlights the

Importance of the 6 GHz Band for Unlicensed Access

and Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 will increase network efficiency by
more than four times and deliver up to 40%

higher peak data rates for a single client
device. Such technologies will also bring
with them important security improvements,
battery life extension in client devices and the
possibility to handle many more devices in the
same network.

According to Ofcom UK, the growing use of Wi-Fi is causing heightened
expectations from consumers as to the capacity of their broadband as
they begin to access ultrafast and full-fibre technology. This comes as
a result of the arrival of innovative applications such as Augmented
Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Ultra High Definition video in
residential, corporate and public environments. As the popularity of
wireless devices increases among society, so too does the demand
for connectivity, high throughput and low latency. The 6 GHz band
presents a golden opportunity to address such demand immediately.
Making this band available for Wi-Fi and other related wireless
technologies on a license-exempt basis is crucial to enable new,
innovative applications and address some existing problems of slow
speeds and congestion. For example, Wi-Fi 6 will increase network
efficiency by more than four times and deliver up to 40% higher peak
Martha Suárez data rates for a single client device. Such technologies will also bring
President with them important security improvements, battery life extension in
client devices and the possibility to handle many more devices in the
DSA same network.

Laying Foundations for the Next Generation
Wi-Fi currently carries over 70% of data traffic. To keep up with such
demand and technological advancements, Wireless and Radio Local
Area Networks (WLAN/RLANs) can now utilize wider channels to
1
provide wireless gigabit broadband inside homes and buildings, which
was not possible with previous generation wireless technologies. In
doing so, WLAN/RLAN will offload data from cellular 5G technologies; a
process that is expected to increase from 74% to 79% by 2022. This will

1 WLAN/RLAN refers to Wi-Fi 5, the new Wi-Fi 6 and 5G NRU.

82 AUGUST 2020