802.11ak - Basics ==================== .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is IEEE 802.11ak?** IEEE 802.11ak is an amendment to the Wi-Fi standard that enhances deterministic and low-latency communication capabilities for wireless LANs. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Why was 802.11ak developed?** To provide deterministic, time-sensitive communication for industrial and real-time applications requiring predictable performance. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What are the key features of 802.11ak?** Features include deterministic MAC operation, enhanced PHY scheduling, low latency support, and improved reliability. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ak differ from 802.11ax?** While 802.11ax improves efficiency and throughput, 802.11ak adds deterministic timing and scheduling for time-critical applications. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What industries benefit most from 802.11ak?** Industrial automation, manufacturing, robotics, and any field needing reliable real-time wireless communications. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ak support low-latency communications?** Yes, it is designed specifically to minimize latency and jitter for time-sensitive networking. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11ak backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi standards?** Yes, it is designed to coexist and interoperate with 802.11ax and legacy Wi-Fi standards. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ak achieve deterministic behavior?** Through enhanced MAC scheduling, resource unit assignment, and precise timing synchronization mechanisms. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What role does PHY play in 802.11ak?** PHY supports advanced modulation schemes and resource units for deterministic and reliable transmissions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ak be used in enterprise Wi-Fi networks?** Yes, especially where low-latency and deterministic performance are required alongside typical data traffic. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ak improve network reliability?** By minimizing collisions, providing scheduled access, and reducing interference through precise timing. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What types of applications can benefit from 802.11ak?** Industrial control, real-time video, robotics, AR/VR, and other time-sensitive communications. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Does 802.11ak define new physical rates?** It primarily uses PHY rates from 802.11ax but enhances PHY scheduling for deterministic access. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What is the expected latency improvement with 802.11ak?** Latency can be reduced to milliseconds or less, depending on network setup and application requirements. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ak handle coexistence with legacy devices?** It uses standard Wi-Fi coexistence mechanisms to operate alongside non-802.11ak devices without interference. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Is 802.11ak suitable for outdoor industrial environments?** Yes, it supports robust communications in harsh and noisy environments common in industrial settings. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **What role does resource unit (RU) assignment play in 802.11ak?** RU assignment is critical for scheduled transmissions and ensuring deterministic access in the network. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **How does 802.11ak support time synchronization?** Through precise timing protocols integrated into MAC and PHY layers to coordinate scheduled transmissions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Can 802.11ak be combined with other Wi-Fi amendments like 802.11r or 802.11v?** Yes, it is designed to interoperate smoothly with other amendments to provide seamless and efficient connectivity. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow **Where can I learn more about implementing 802.11ak?** Refer to the IEEE 802.11ak specification and technical resources from vendors supporting industrial Wi-Fi solutions. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: shadow Topics in this section, * :ref:`Learnings in this section <802_11ak_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <802_11ak_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <802_11ak_step3>` * :ref:`802_11ak Version&IEEE Details <802_11ak_step4>` * :ref:`802_11ak Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <802_11ak_step5>` * :ref:`802_11ak Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <802_11ak_step6>` * :ref:`Reference links <802_11ak_step16>` .. _802_11ak_step1: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Learnings in this section * In this section, you are going to learn .. _802_11ak_step2: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Terminology * Terminology .. _802_11ak_step3: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Version Info * Version Info .. _802_11ak_step4: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ak Version&RFC Details * rfc details .. _802_11ak_step5: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ak Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 * setup .. _802_11ak_step6: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ak Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 * setup .. _802_11ak_step16: .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Reference links * Reference links