Analysis of Wi-Fi Network Design Problems Considering Transition to Wi-Fi 8 transition

The relevance of this work is driven by the widespread adoption of IEEE 802.11 networks. This article examines the key innovations associated with the transition from the seventh-generation IEEE 802.11be Wi-Fi standard, known as Wi-Fi 7, to the eighth-generation IEEE 802.11bn standard, known as Wi-Fi 8. Specifically, attention is paid to the  throughput improvements, the implementation of more advanced modulation methods, and support for multi-channel transmissions, which significantly improves the speed and stability of connections. The eighth-generation standard is expected to introduce fundamentally new approaches to organizing client-access point interactions. Unlike 802.11be, 802.11bn is expected to enable simultaneous operation of a single client with multiple access points and vice versa. This will fundamentally change most of existing radio environment management mechanisms, but at the same time, it will provide previously unreachable mobility within a distributed wireless infrastructure. Current challenges facing the industry are also considered, including compatibility with previous generations of standards and the complexities that arise during wireless local area networks design.

Purpose: A systematic review of the key features of the latest addition to the IEEE 802.11be standard, known as Wi-Fi 7, and the next generation of IEEE 802.11bn, known as Wi-Fi 8, currently under development,

Methods: Analysis of professional and scientific literature, standards texts, and industry practices.

Results. In addressing the stated objective, this paper presents an overview of the key improvements expected in the IEEE 802.11bn standard. Particular attention is paid to changing approaches to WLAN design in the context of new technologies such as Distributed Multi-Link Operation and Multi-AP Coordination.

Theoretical significance lies in the analysis of the key aspects of the innovations in IEEE 802.11be and IEEE 802.11bn. Research problems requiring solutions that require the revision and sophistication of existing models and methods are identified. These include: dynamic resource allocation in multi-band networks, optimization of spectrum resource use, development of radio resource management algorithms, and development of handover algorithms.

Practical significance: The obtained results can be used when formulating design problems for seventh- and eighth-generation Wi-Fi networks.

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