Very high frequency WLAN technologies will enable very high data rates and low latency for short-range communications applications such as multimedia streaming and wireless displays. Multi-gigabit data rates can be achieved because of the broad bandwidth and a less power-restricted spectrum available in the 60 GHz band. In addition, the millimeter wavelengths make it possible to have very small radio architectures with multiple antennas. This enables beamforming, which may compensate the propagation loss at these higher frequencies, enhance the channel capacity and largely improve the quality of experience.
WLAN IEEE 802.11ad/ay testing
Rohde & Schwarz offers outstanding solutions to test today's and tomorrow's multi-gigabit WLANs.
From IEEE 802.11ad to IEEE 802.11ay
The IEEE 802.11ad standard uses license-exempt spectra in the 60 GHz band. The standard, also known as wireless gigabit (WiGig), is being further developed and specified in the IEEE 802.11ay specification. The 802.11ad capabilities were finaly limited (802.11md) to a 2.16 GHz channel bandwidth, single carrier modulation, beamforming and BPSK modulation. 802.11ay related activities focus on supporting a maximum throughput of at least 20 Gbit/s and adressing new use cases such as mobile backhaul or fixed-mobile access. The modifications include a channel bandwidth of up to 8.64 GHz, channel bonding, up to eight spatial streams and multi-user MIMO.
IEEE 802.11ad and 802.11ay key parameters
| Properties | Directional multi-gigabit 802.11ad (DMG) |
Enhanced DMG 802.11ay (EDMG) |
|---|---|---|
| Channel bandwidth | 2.16 GHz |
2.16 GHz 4.32 GHz 6.48 GHz* 8.64 GHz* |
| Channel bonding | n.a. |
2.16+2.16 GHz* 4.32+4.32 GHz* |
| Single carrier (SC) | x | x |
| OFDM | n.a. |
*optional |
| Modulation |
π/2-BPSK π/2-QPSK* π/2-16QAM* π/2-64QAM* |
π/2-BPSK π/2-QPSK π/2-16QAM π/2-64QAM π/2-64NUC* π/2-8PSK* |
| Spatial streams | 1 | 1 [up to 8]* |
| Beamforming | x | x |
| MU-MIMO | n.a. | *optional |
Accurate 802.11ay signal analysis using the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer.
Accurate 802.11ay signal analysis using the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer.
Open Lightbox
Your 802.11ad/ay test challenges
In general, the design, integration and testing of wideband radio in mmWave bands is challenging. RF testing requires instruments able to accurately analyze and generate signals at this high frequency over the required bandwidth of up to eight GHz. The introduction of beamforming technologies means that the majority of measurements need to be performed over the air. High path loss at 60 GHz might be an additional challenge for the setup. Testing beam steering and MU-MIMO functionalities and data throughput of tens of Gbit/s requires optimized test setups. The experienced team of experts at Rohde & Schwarz will help you establish which test solution you need to bring your application to market with the desired quality and performance.
Benefits of Rohde & Schwarz 802.11ad/ay test solutions
- Test solutions covering tests for RF components, chipsets, modules, stations and access points, including mmWave over wide bandwidths
- Test solutions for every purpose – from R&D to production – developed together with the key players in the ecosystem
- Best-in-class solutions for transmitter tests providing the required bandwidth, accuracy and efficiency
