Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) features several upgrades from its predecessor Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) including:
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- Better support of simultaneous devices, especially in client-dense environments
- Stronger wireless signal
- Faster wireless speeds
- A more secure network
- Improved device battery life
These features add up to a more consistent and reliable wireless connection, resulting in better end user experiences.
With these end user experiences in mind, operators and suppliers can align with consumer demands by proactively testing the performance of their Wi-Fi 6 devices. To get the full picture of how a device will perform, especially in a mixed-client environment, operators and suppliers should consider testing their Wi-Fi 6 capable devices in controlled test lab environments and semi-controlled test house environments.
Testing a device for Wi-Fi 6 capabilities can be beneficial to both operators and suppliers. Here’s how:
Extension of Internal Test Lab
While operators and suppliers may have their own test labs, an outside third-party lab can help to extend Engineering teams with skills that are in high demand. Test labs like Kyrio have the infrastructure, experience and process to do this quickly and efficiently.
Gain Confidence in Device Capabilities
In today’s market, it is critical that operators and suppliers have confidence that any Wi-Fi 6 capable device they deploy will perform as expected. This can be accomplished by testing in controlled and semi-controlled environments. Comprehensive Wi-Fi 6 testing should report on everything from range of coverage, to how a device interacts with humidity, throughput characterization, to how a device can be affected by positioning.
Assure Real-World Performance
To truly understand the throughput, latency and traffic routing behaviors of a Wi-Fi 6 capable device, operators and suppliers should complement testing in a lab with real-life testing within a test house. There are many advantages to utilizing a test house, the top being having a small cable plant inside the house (Cable Modem Termination System or CMTS) and multiple Wi-Fi clients with a mix of protocols. A well-equipped test house is specifically designed to test how a Wi-Fi 6 device will perform in real-world conditions.
Detailed Testing Insights
For operators and suppliers to fully understand how a device performs, a simple “pass/fail” will not suffice. When device testing is completed with a lab like Kyrio, operators and suppliers will gain comprehensive insights from a detailed report that has been reviewed and cited by a team of seasoned wireless engineers. The lab team will outline the test plan and procedures while providing a complete analysis of the device behaviors, including operational considerations. Raw data outputs are helpful for future troubleshooting, but it’s the executive summary and thorough observations that enable an operator or supplier to deeply understand the conditions in which a device will and will not perform well.
Independent Third-Party Validation
For operators and suppliers looking for outside validation of their Wi-Fi 6 capable devices, testing through a trusted third-party is a must. Utilizing an unbiased third-party can help in understanding the capabilities of one device, or in comparing multiple devices to determine which is the best fit. Operators and suppliers can leverage third-party testing findings to help validate their claims of device performance to create greater confidence in device deployment decisions. These findings can also be used by Marketing departments for product promotion and customer messaging.
At Kyrio, our lab is upgraded and ready to support you in your Wi-Fi 6 testing. Operators and suppliers can depend on our world-class test lab, our test house and experienced wireless professionals to address Wi-Fi 6 testing needs and provide comprehensive test reports.
