Sony’s PS5 Pro is not to be launched in India as India has not yet allowed 6GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7).
About the 6GHz WiFi Spectrum
- The 6 GHz spectrum is a 1200 MHz wide band of radio waves used for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
- WiFi 6 technology uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies simultaneously, with greater efficiency, resulting in better speeds.
- Spectrum: The spectrum lies between the band size of 5,925MHz and 7,125MHz.
- Maximum Speed: Theoretically the technology can support maximum speeds upto to 9.6Gbps.
- Connection: Devices need to connect to a wireless access point (AP) that supports the 6.0 GHz band to access Wi-Fi 6GHz.
- Access points are the central hub of a wireless network, enabling devices to connect and communicate with each other.
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- Introduction: The WiFi 6E Spectrum was delicensed for use by 2021 by several regulatory authorities around the world like
- Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, the U.K., and the U.S. began delicensing a third band of spectrum for WiFi.
- Features:
- Expanded Bandwidth: The 6GHz band provides more than double the bandwidth of the combined 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands allowing for faster data transmission and improved performance.
- Reduced Latency: Both Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer lower latency, which is crucial for real-time applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and virtual reality.
- Less Network Congestion: The 6GHz band is less congested than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, leading to less interference and better performance.
- Wide Channel: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 provide more channels for data transmission with higher bandwidth reducing the risk of overlapping and interference and improving overall network performance.
- Faster Speed: It provides 1200 MHz of unlicensed spectrum, enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and less congestion.
- Incorporates Advanced Technologies: It supports advanced technologies like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, enhancing network capacity and efficiency resulting in a superior, more reliable wireless experience.
- Future-Proofing: Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E and preparing for Wi-Fi 7 the network is being equipped for future technological advancements.
- Suitable for High Density Areas: The 6GHz band operates at a shorter range than lower frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz which is suitable in high-density areas where network congestion is a concern.
- By operating at a shorter range, 6GHz Wi-Fi access points can provide better coverage indoors, ensuring a reliable connection for users.
Wi-Fi 6E
- It is an extension of the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless standard into the 6-GHz radio-frequency band.
- Wi-Fi 6E builds on Wi-Fi 6 (the latest generation of the Wi-Fi standard) but only Wi-Fi 6E devices and applications can operate in the 6-GHz band
- Introduction: WiFi 6E was introduced in 2021 first by The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approving for unlicensed use in the United States
- Features:
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- Fast Lane: Wi-Fi 6E creates a “fast lane” for compatible devices and applications as only WiFi 6E devices are compatible with the network resulting in faster wireless speeds and lower latency.
- Wi-Fi 6E is not backward-compatible with earlier Wi-Fi standards unlike WiFi 6.
- New Infrastructure: Wi-Fi 6E requires users to assess their current wireless infrastructure and to upgrade routers, switches, access points, and other critical elements.
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India’s Stand on the allocation of 6GHz Spectrum for WiFi
- The 6GHz band is currently entirely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for satellite use cases
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has postponed the allocation of the 6GHz spectrum amidst a growing dispute between telecom operators and technology firms as the spectrum is considered ideal for both 5G and WiFi services
- Conflict:
- Telecom Operators: They advocate for the spectrum to be solely allocated for the expansion of 5G services.
- Technology Companies: Represented by the Broadband India Forum (Google, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft) are pushing for the spectrum to be designated exclusively for WiFi services.
- Working Group: The DoT has formed three working groups to develop a revised frequency allocation plan the outcome of which will be included in the report prepared by the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) committee, led by the government’s wireless advisor.
- India has until 2027 to make a final decision on the allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum from the World Radiocommunications Conference.
- Issues With the Allocation:
- Interference With Isro Satellite Operation: There is a concern of probable interference with Isro’s satellite operations with Isro itself against allocation of the spectrum for telecom services.
- However, WiFi, due to its lower power, is unlikely to interfere with satellite operations.
- Increased Imports: Allocating the band to telecom services could lead to increased imports from non-trusted sources of the WiFi 6 supporting devices like routers etc posing a national security risk.
- Allocating the 6 GHz spectrum for WiFi without auction could result in a significant financial loss for the national exchequer.
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About Wi-Fi:
- It is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers,mobile devices, and other equipment to interface with the Internet through a wireless router by exchanging information and creating a network.
- Standards: Wireless access points support different IEEE standards operating on varying frequencies, deliver different bandwidth, and support different numbers of channels.
- The IEEE 802.11 Standard: It defines the protocols that enable communications with current Wi-Fi-enabled wireless devices, including wireless routers and wireless access points.
- Components:
- Wireless Access Points: An access point takes the bandwidth coming from a router and stretches it for nearby devices to go on the network. An Access point can also give useful data about the devices on the network, provide proactive security etc
- Wireless Router: Usually referred to wireless local area network (WLAN) device, these are the hardware devices that Internet service providers use to connect to the cable or xDSL Internet network.
- Frequency Bands: WiFi mainly uses two key bands of frequency ie 2.4GHz and 5GHz with the 3rd band i. 6GHz being in the pipeline in several countries.
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28 Nov 2024
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