802.11ak PHYs
==============


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        **What does PHY stand for in 802.11ak?**

        PHY stands for Physical Layer, the part of the network responsible for transmitting and receiving data over the air.

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        **How many PHY types are defined in 802.11ak?**

        802.11ak defines three PHY types: Single Carrier (SC), OFDM, and a new Narrowband OFDM.

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        **What is the purpose of the Narrowband OFDM PHY?**

        It supports narrower bandwidth channels (5 MHz and 10 MHz) for extended range and robustness.

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        **Does 802.11ak use the same modulation schemes as 802.11ac?**

        Yes, it supports BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, and 256-QAM, similar to 802.11ac but adapted for narrower bandwidths.

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        **What FFT sizes are used in 802.11ak OFDM PHY?**

        802.11ak uses 64-point FFT for 5 and 10 MHz channels and 256-point FFT for 20 MHz channels.

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        **What symbol durations are used in 802.11ak PHY?**

        Symbol durations vary: 16 µs for 5 MHz and 10 MHz channels and 16 µs for 20 MHz with appropriate guard intervals.

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        **Does 802.11ak support legacy PHYs?**

        Yes, 802.11ak devices are backward compatible with legacy 802.11 PHYs.

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        **What is the coding rate range in 802.11ak PHY?**

        Coding rates supported include 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 5/6, similar to previous 802.11 standards.

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        **What are the data rates supported by 802.11ak PHY?**

        Data rates range from 1.5 Mbps (BPSK 5 MHz) up to 90 Mbps (256-QAM 20 MHz).

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        **How does 802.11ak achieve extended range?**

        By using narrower bandwidths, longer symbol durations, and robust modulation coding schemes.

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        **What guard intervals are used in 802.11ak PHY?**

        Guard intervals are typically one quarter of the symbol duration (e.g., 3.2 µs for 20 MHz).

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        **Does 802.11ak use MIMO technology?**

        802.11ak primarily focuses on single-stream PHY but can be integrated with MIMO in higher layers.

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        **What is the FFT subcarrier spacing in 802.11ak?**

        The subcarrier spacing is 78.125 kHz for 20 MHz channels and proportionally smaller for narrower bandwidths.

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        **How does 802.11ak PHY handle interference?**

        By using narrow channels and robust modulation schemes, it reduces interference impact.

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        **What modulation is used for the highest data rates in 802.11ak?**

        256-QAM with 5/6 coding rate at 20 MHz bandwidth.

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        **Is the PHY in 802.11ak optimized for any specific environment?**

        Yes, it is optimized for industrial and extended range indoor environments.

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        **Does 802.11ak support OFDM pilot subcarriers?**

        Yes, pilot subcarriers are used for channel estimation and synchronization.

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        **Where can I find detailed technical specs of 802.11ak PHY?**

        The IEEE 802.11ak amendment document provides comprehensive PHY details.


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        Topics in this section,

                * :ref:`Reference links <phy_ak_step17>`


.. _phy_ak_step17:

.. tab-set::

    .. tab-item:: Reference links

       * Reference links