Multi-Link Operation: The Game-Changer in Wi-Fi 7

As the demand for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity continues to rise, Wi-Fi technology has been evolving to meet these needs. The latest advancement, Wi-Fi 7, is set to revolutionize how we connect, thanks to one of its most innovative features: Multi-Link Operation (MLO). This cutting-edge technology is poised to be a game-changer in the world of wireless networks, offering unprecedented speed, efficiency, and reliability.

What is MLO?

Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is a Wi-Fi technology that allows devices connected to a Wi-Fi access point (AP) to simultaneously transmit or receive data across multiple frequency bands and channels. MLO is a key feature introduced in Wi-Fi 7, designed to enhance the user experience by optimizing wireless connections.

In earlier Wi-Fi generations, such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5, a device could only connect to a single Wi-Fi band at a time—either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. Wi-Fi 6E devices also connect to the 6 GHz band, but still only one band can be used at a time. For instance, a standard Wi-Fi 6 router operates on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, but a smartphone can connect to only one of these bands at a time. As a result, one band remains idle, or the device might experience reduced speeds if it connects to the slower band.

Wi-Fi 7 MLO addresses this issue by aggregating multiple channels across different frequency bands simultaneously, ensuring smooth network traffic even in the presence of interference or congestion. This significantly boosts speeds, enables more efficient mesh networks, and incorporates advanced interference mitigation techniques to keep wireless devices connected quickly and reliably, even in crowded network environments. With MLO, Wi-Fi 7 can establish multiple connections between a device (such as a smartphone) and a Wi-Fi access point (like a router), utilizing the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands concurrently. This leads to higher throughput, lower latency, and greater reliability, making it ideal for applications like VR/AR, online gaming, remote work, and cloud computing.

Benefits of Using Wi-Fi 7 MLO

• Increased Throughput: Multi-Channel Aggregation with Simultaneous Transmission and Reception

One effective method to boost data rates is by transmitting and receiving distinct data streams simultaneously across multiple channels. This approach caters to the needs of data-intensive, real-time applications like video conferencing and OTT streaming.

• Predictable Latency: Traffic Prioritization

The availability of multiple channels allows for reserving one specifically for high-priority data, ensuring consistent and predictable latency for applications that require it, such as immersive reality, gaming, and automotive robotics. To make this possible, the Wi-Fi standard employs techniques like traffic classification, packet marking, and bandwidth allocation, which are essential for the efficiency of multi-link operations.

• Improved Reliability: Data Duplication

Wi-Fi 7 is designed not only for high-bandwidth or low-latency applications but also for long-range, low-power IoT scenarios where link reliability is critical. In these situations, the same data can be sent across multiple links to ensure it is received accurately with minimal errors.

• Reduced Channel Congestion: Dynamic Frequency Selection

When network congestion or coexistence issues arise, especially in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands due to interference from other technologies like Bluetooth or radar, the availability of multiple links allows for real-time channel switching. This improves transmission opportunities and prioritizes data transfer to mitigate congestion.

Enhanced Latency Through Link Selection

Among the modes of multi-link operation, link selection is emerging as the most versatile and beneficial. This concept involves the transmitting device evaluating the recent performance of the available channels across different frequency bands, and then choosing the optimal channel for data transmission.

Surprisingly, the chosen channel might not always align with typical expectations. For example, although 2.4 GHz is often considered slower, it could be the best option in certain conditions where other bands are congested. The priority is to select the channel that maximizes the chances of successful data transmission on the first attempt, leading to lower latency and higher data rates, which are what truly matter to users.

With the rise of technologies like AR/VR, online gaming, IoT, and cloud computing, end users and their devices care only about achieving the best possible user experience with minimal latency—they are indifferent to the technical details behind it. Many professionals see this feature as a potential key to achieving stable Wi-Fi connections.

This approach balances the strengths of previous modes while offering several additional benefits:

• Resiliency: By choosing the best available channel, the device maximizes its chances of successful data transmission.

• Throughput: Successful data transmission frees up the channel for other devices, making the network more responsive.

• Latency: Minimizing retransmissions results in the lowest possible latency.

• Capacity: By using only one channel, other channels remain available for other devices, increasing the overall capacity of the network.

• Efficiency: Allowing more devices to operate with a single AP across multiple bands leads to a more efficient network.

• Intelligence: With devices actively assessing channels before transmitting, there is potential for them to become more cooperative within the network, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing issues that previously frustrated Wi-Fi professionals.

How Does MLO Rank Among Wi-Fi 7 Features?

Among the four key advancements in Wi-Fi 7, Multi-link operation stands out as the most promising. It provides a glimpse into what 802.11bn could bring and hints at the future of Wi-Fi over the next 8 to 10 years. With capabilities like simultaneous transmission using synchronous mode, the ability to choose different links for various traffic types, and client device monitoring for congestion, Multi-link operation sets a new benchmark for the future of internet connectivity.

Prepare for the Future with FS Wi-Fi 7 APs

As Wi-Fi 7 introduces revolutionary features like MLO to enhance connectivity, it's crucial to stay ahead with the latest technology. FS Wi-Fi 7 Access Points (APs) are designed to harness the full potential of MLO, delivering unparalleled speed, reliability, and efficiency. Whether you're supporting high-density environments, demanding applications like VR/AR, or ensuring seamless connectivity in remote work scenarios, FS Wi-Fi 7 APs provide the robust performance needed for today's and tomorrow's wireless networks. Equip your network with FS Wi-Fi 7 APs and experience the future of wireless communication today.

Conclusion

Embracing the advancements of Wi-Fi 7 now ensures that your network is ready to handle the challenges of tomorrow, providing the best possible user experience across a wide range of applications. As we move forward, the impact of MLO on wireless technology will only grow, making it an essential component of any modern network infrastructure. By choosing FS Wi-Fi 7 APs, you're not just investing in the latest technology; you're preparing your network to thrive in an increasingly connected world.