James Kimery from Spirent recently discussed with EEWorld how testing Wi-Fi devices is transitioning into a more comprehensive end-to-end experience. While RF testing has reached maturity, the focus is now shifting towards performance testing.
Wi-Fi technology is constantly evolving, becoming an integral part of our daily routines. The arrival of Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) and the development of Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) present new challenges in testing. With each iteration, Wi-Fi introduces complexities like advanced coding schemes, wider channel bandwidths, and multi-band frequency usage. Achieving test objectives becomes more challenging due to increased integration levels, leading to unique installations where compliance may not guarantee universal functionality.
End users simply expect Wi-Fi to work seamlessly. According to James Kimery, relying solely on RF signal quality testing with RF parameters is no longer sufficient. Devices such as routers, cameras, phones, IoT devices, and semiconductors now require testing under real-world conditions over the air. These real-world scenarios involve fluctuating signal strengths between devices and access points, highlighting the inadequacy of wired testing methods.
In a recent panel discussion focusing on Wi-Fi from end-user and business perspectives, Kimery emphasized the need for deeper engineering insights. When asked about the impact of Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8 on testing from an engineering standpoint, Kimery highlighted the necessity of an ‘end-to-end’ testing approach for access points, routers, and devices. Drawing from Spirent’s experience with (5G) O-RAN equipment, Kimery stressed the importance of measuring metrics like throughput, packet error rate, and user experience, including tail latency, in these tests.
While Kimery’s initial response provided valuable insights, a deeper understanding of the importance of over-the-air (OTA) testing emerged in subsequent discussions. The conversation between Kimery and EEWorld delved into the evolving landscape of Wi-Fi testing, emphasizing the shift towards evaluating system performance beyond traditional RF measurements.
Transcript
EEWorld: Senior Technical Editor Martin Rowe engages in a discussion with James Kimery from Spirent, now part of Keysight, exploring the convergence of Wi-Fi, 5G, and 6G, and its implications for testing practices. Kimery sheds light on the evolving testing requirements from an engineering perspective, emphasizing the need for updated skills, procedures, and tools to adapt to the complexities of modern wireless standards.
Kimery: The increasing complexity of wireless standards, both in Wi-Fi and cellular domains, necessitates a shift in testing focus from RF-centric evaluations to holistic performance assessments. While RF integrity remains crucial, the ultimate goal is to ensure optimal system performance rather than isolated RF measurements. Factors like data throughput, packet loss, and latency are now critical indicators of system functionality from an end-user perspective.
EEWorld: Recognizing the maturity of RF technology, the conversation transitions to higher-layer challenges posed by new Wi-Fi revisions. Kimery acknowledges the subtle RF changes in each iteration and emphasizes the significance of managing Wi-Fi performance at various layers to accommodate diverse environmental conditions and user scenarios.
Kimery: The evolution of wireless systems, from simple SISO configurations to complex MIMO setups with advanced features like beam steering and high-order modulation, underscores the need for comprehensive testing approaches. While RF testing remains essential, the focus has expanded to include real-world performance metrics achievable through over-the-air (OTA) testing methods.
Wi-Fi now supports multiple antennas and 4096 QAM.
To ensure consistent performance under varying conditions, the focus shifts towards testing the actual system behavior, including data throughput, error rates, and user experience, rather than traditional RF measurements. Kimery emphasizes the importance of OTA testing methods that replicate real-world scenarios to evaluate system performance accurately.
EEWorld: The discussion extends to the practical aspects of OTA testing, exploring the simulation of real-world conditions within controlled environments. Kimery elaborates on the testing procedures within test chambers, highlighting the ability to manipulate RF conditions to assess system performance metrics like data throughput, latency, and signal strength indicators.
Kimery further delves into the testing of handovers in mesh-type systems, emphasizing the significance of seamless transitions between access points for uninterrupted connectivity. The conversation underscores the need for advanced testing methodologies to address evolving Wi-Fi features like multi-band roaming and coordinated AP operations, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Wi-Fi technology.
EEWorld: Concluding the insightful discussion, Kimery and Rowe reflect on the evolving testing landscape, emphasizing the critical role of advanced testing tools and methodologies in ensuring optimal performance in modern wireless systems. The conversation sheds light on the intricate testing requirements driven by the convergence of Wi-Fi, cellular, and emerging wireless technologies.
Kimery: Thank you, Martin. It’s been a pleasure sharing insights on the evolving wireless testing landscape and the importance of adapting testing methodologies to meet the demands of modern wireless technologies.
Filed Under: Featured, Industry Standards, RF, Test & Measurement, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
