What are some emerging WLAN technologies and standards to watch out for?

2 Wi-Fi 7 and beyond

Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of the Wi-Fi standard, also known as 802.11be. It is expected to be finalized by 2024 and to offer significant improvements over Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. Some of the features that Wi-Fi 7 may include are 16 spatial streams, 4096-QAM modulation, multi-band operation, enhanced OFDMA, and coordinated multi-point transmission (CoMP). These features can enable Wi-Fi 7 to achieve speeds of up to 30 Gbps, support up to 256 devices per access point, and provide better coverage and reliability. Wi-Fi 7 may also incorporate new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to optimize network performance and security. Beyond Wi-Fi 7, there are already research and development efforts underway to explore the possibilities of Wi-Fi 8 and Wi-Fi 9, which may use terahertz frequencies, massive MIMO, and quantum cryptography.

3 WPA3 and OWE

WPA3 is the latest version of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol, which provides security and encryption for wireless networks. WPA3 replaces WPA2, which has been in use since 2004 and has been vulnerable to various attacks. WPA3 offers stronger protection against offline dictionary attacks, forward secrecy, and individualized encryption. WPA3 also introduces a new mode called WPA3-SAE, which simplifies the process of connecting devices to a network without a password, such as smart home devices and IoT sensors. WPA3-SAE uses a technique called simultaneous authentication of equals (SAE), which establishes a secure link between two devices using a common name or a QR code. Another security enhancement for wireless networks is Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE), which provides encryption for open networks that do not require a password, such as public hotspots. OWE prevents eavesdropping and spoofing by encrypting the traffic between a device and an access point without any authentication.

4 Wi-Fi Alliance EasyMesh and EasyConnect

Wi-Fi Alliance EasyMesh and EasyConnect are two initiatives that aim to make wireless networks more interoperable and user-friendly. Wi-Fi Alliance EasyMesh is a standard that enables different brands and models of mesh routers to work together seamlessly. Mesh routers are devices that create a wireless network by connecting multiple access points in different locations, which can extend the coverage and performance of a network. Wi-Fi Alliance EasyMesh allows users to mix and match mesh routers from different vendors and manage them from a single interface, without compromising the network quality or security. Wi-Fi Alliance EasyConnect is a standard that simplifies the process of adding new devices to a network using QR codes or NFC tags. Wi-Fi Alliance EasyConnect allows users to scan a QR code or tap a NFC tag on a device to connect it to a network securely, without entering a password or configuring any settings.

5 Li-Fi and VLC

Li-Fi and VLC are two emerging wireless technologies that use light instead of radio waves to transmit data. Li-Fi stands for light fidelity, and VLC stands for visible light communication. Li-Fi and VLC use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to modulate light signals that can be received by photodetectors on devices. Li-Fi and VLC can offer several advantages over Wi-Fi and other radio-based technologies, such as higher data rates, lower latency, lower power consumption, and lower interference. Li-Fi and VLC can also provide more security and privacy, as light signals cannot penetrate walls or be intercepted easily. Li-Fi and VLC can be used for various applications, such as indoor positioning, smart lighting, augmented reality, and wireless charging.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?