How to Generate Wi-Fi 6 and 6E Signals

MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator
+ MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator

Generating standard-compliant signals for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E

Generating Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E signals requires a signal generator and software capable of complex modulations including 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and transmission of 10 bits per symbol to support the 802.11ax IEEE standard for wireless local-area networks (WLANs). Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E use 1024 QAM and orthogonal frequency domain multiple access (OFDMA) to enable target throughput rates and transmission by multiple users at the same time.

Compliant signals need a higher modulation scheme (1024 QAM) and better error vector magnitude (EVM) with < -35 dB performance in the transmitter and receiver. Generating OFDMA waveforms requires support for different peak-to-average power ratios, EVM, and spectrum characteristics. To comply with the 802.11ax standard specification, use software that can generate different packet configurations, including variable channel bandwidth, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power level, and MIMO settings.

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E signal generation solution

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E signal generation solution

Generating 802.11ax standard-compliant signals for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E requires signal generator with at least 160 MHz nominal bandwidth and 802.11ax-compliant signal generation software. The Keysight PathWave Signal Studio software provides signals with full channel coding, flexible configuration of media access control (MAC) headers, spatial stream mapping, and the application of channel models to evaluate your Wi-Fi 6 and 6E test efforts. Pair it with the Keysight signal generator to create reference signals that comply with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards.

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