802.11ad - WiGig (Wi-Fi 60 GHz) ================================== .. toctree:: :maxdepth: 1 :hidden: :includehidden: 802_11ad/802_11ad 802_11ad/mac_functions 802_11ad/mac_timings 802_11ad/packet_formats 802_11ad/power_save 802_11ad/interoperability 802_11ad/physical_rates 802_11ad/ppdu 802_11ad/channels 802_11ad/PHYs 802.11ad is a Wi-Fi standard that operates in the 60 GHz band, offering ultra-high-speed short-range wireless communication up to 7 Gbps. .. list-table:: :widths: 20 60 20 :header-rows: 1 * - Category - Description - Use Case * - MAC Functions - Enhanced MAC layer with support for beamforming, directional access, and fast session transfer. - Managing high-speed short-range directional communication * - MAC Timings - Timing parameters tuned for low-latency operations in the 60 GHz band. - Real-time media streaming and low-latency data transfers * - Packet Formats - Defines new frame structures (Control PHY, SC PHY, OFDM PHY, etc.) tailored for 60 GHz. - Efficient encoding and decoding for high-throughput wireless links * - Power Save - Power-saving mechanisms tailored to short burst transmissions and low duty cycles. - Extending battery life in short-range, high-speed wireless devices * - Interoperability - Interworking support with legacy 802.11 standards and fallback to 2.4/5 GHz bands via Fast Session Transfer (FST). - Seamless user experience across multi-band/multi-mode devices * - Physical Rates - Data rates up to 7 Gbps using 60 GHz spectrum with advanced modulation schemes (e.g., π/2-BPSK to 64-QAM). - Gigabit file transfer, wireless docking, and VR streaming * - PPDU - Multiple PHY types with unique PPDU formats optimized for different use cases (e.g., control, data). - Reliable and efficient directional transmission in mmWave bands * - Channels - Operates in 60 GHz band (57–71 GHz), using 2.16 GHz-wide channels (Ch 1–6) with minimal overlap. - Ultra-wideband channel use for high-speed, low-interference communication. * - PHY Overview - Uses SC and OFDM PHYs with beamforming and phased-array antenna support. - High-throughput, low-latency, directional wireless communication over short range. .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad (WiGig) **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Operates in the 60 GHz frequency band - Provides multi-gigabit wireless speeds (up to 7 Gbps) - Short-range communication (typically up to 10 meters) - Uses beamforming for directional signal transmission - Supports fast session transfer between 2.4/5 GHz and 60 GHz bands **Use Cases:** - Wireless docking stations and peripheral connectivity - High-speed data transfer for VR/AR applications - In-room wireless multimedia streaming - Fast syncing and backup between devices **Related Concepts:** - Beamforming and directional antennas - Fast session transfer (FST) between bands - High data rate, short-range communication - Low latency wireless links - Integration with existing Wi-Fi protocols .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the capabilities and use cases of 802.11ad:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section <802_11ad_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <802_11ad_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <802_11ad_step3>` * :ref:`802_11ad Version&IEEE Details <802_11ad_step4>` * :ref:`802_11ad Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <802_11ad_step5>` * :ref:`802_11ad Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <802_11ad_step6>` * :ref:`Reference links <802_11ad_step16>` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/802_11ad.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad Basics" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad MAC Functions **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Supports directional communication and beamforming in 60 GHz band - Introduces new MAC enhancements for high-throughput short-range links - Enables fast session transfer (FST) between 2.4/5 GHz and 60 GHz bands - Incorporates scheduled access and contention-based access mechanisms - Manages directional channel access using Service Periods and Beacon Intervals - Integrates closely with PHY for beam alignment and training **Use Cases:** - Enabling multi-gigabit wireless data transfer (up to 7 Gbps) - Short-range high-speed applications like wireless docking and VR - Reducing contention and increasing efficiency in dense environments **Related Functions:** - Beamforming training and alignment - Directional channel access and scheduling - Fast session transfer (FST) - Enhanced acknowledgment and retransmission mechanisms .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad MAC Functions:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/mac_functions.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad MAC Functions" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad MAC Timings **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Defines timing parameters tailored for directional 60 GHz transmissions - Replaces traditional CSMA/CA timing with scheduled access windows - Uses Beacon Intervals and Service Periods for precise time-slot allocation - Implements Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)-like mechanisms for high efficiency - Reduces contention through Directional Channel Access periods - Optimizes beamforming and training timings for low-latency communication **Use Cases:** - Scheduling high-speed data transfers in short-range 60 GHz networks - Supporting time-sensitive applications like VR streaming and wireless displays - Improving reliability and throughput in dense environments via scheduled access **Related Timing Parameters:** - Beacon Transmission Interval (BTI) - Association Beamforming Training (A-BFT) - Announcement Time (ATI) - Service Period (SP) and Contention-Based Access Period (CBAP) .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad MAC Timings:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/mac_timings.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad MAC Timings" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad Packet Formats **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Defines packet formats optimized for 60 GHz directional communication - Includes MAC headers with extended addressing for short-range high-speed links - Uses specialized headers for beamforming and control signaling - Employs simplified PHY headers for reduced overhead and faster processing - Supports aggregation, segmentation, and directional frame transmission - Tailored for low-latency and high-throughput applications **Use Cases:** - Transmitting large multimedia or data payloads over 60 GHz links - Enabling fast beamforming training and alignment between devices - Reducing overhead while maintaining compatibility in dense wireless environments **Related Frame Types:** - Beacon, DMG Beacon, and Sector Sweep frames - Control frames like RTS/CTS with directional enhancements - Acknowledgment frames including Block ACKs - High-speed Data frames with optional QoS and aggregation .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad Packet Formats:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/packet_formats.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad Packet Formats" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad Power Saving **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Implements power-saving techniques suited for 60 GHz directional links - Devices use **Doze** and **Wake** states coordinated by the PCP/AP - Supports scheduled service periods and contention-based access periods - Reduces power use during idle or beamforming phases - Utilizes **Beacon Interval** structures to manage power-aware access - Enables efficient power use in high-speed short-range applications **Use Cases:** - Conserving battery in mobile or wearable devices using 60 GHz Wi-Fi - Reducing active transmission time for low-duty cycle applications - Supporting efficient power control during beamformed sessions **Related Mechanisms:** - Scheduled Service Periods (SPs) - Beacon Interval and Access Period timing - Doze/Wake transitions - PCP/AP coordination of power-saving states .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad Power Saving mechanisms:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/power_save.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad Power Saving" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad Interoperability **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Enables coexistence with legacy 802.11 devices through multi-band operation (e.g., dual-band or tri-band) - Operates primarily in the 60 GHz band but supports seamless fallback to 2.4/5 GHz - Uses **Fast Session Transfer (FST)** to switch between 60 GHz and legacy bands - Maintains standardized frame formats for control and management - Provides mechanisms for discovery, association, and fallback across different PHYs - Supports integration with 802.11a/n/ac/ad devices in unified network environments **Use Cases:** - Supporting multi-band Wi-Fi networks with both high-speed (802.11ad) and legacy clients - Enabling session continuity between 60 GHz and lower bands - Facilitating high-throughput applications in hybrid environments **Related Mechanisms:** - Fast Session Transfer (FST) - Beacon and Probe-based discovery - Multi-band MAC coordination - Legacy support via dual-radio devices .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad Interoperability mechanisms:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/interoperability.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad Interoperability" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad Physical Rates **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Supports extremely high data rates up to 7 Gbps in the 60 GHz band - Utilizes single-carrier and OFDM modulation schemes for flexibility - Offers multiple Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) for rate adaptation - Employs wide channel bandwidths (up to 2.16 GHz) for ultra-fast throughput - Uses beamforming to enhance link reliability and range - Adapts rates dynamically based on signal quality and environmental conditions **Use Cases:** - Ultra-high-speed data transfer for VR/AR, HD video streaming, and gaming - Wireless docking and peripheral connectivity with gigabit speeds - Short-range, high-throughput wireless links in dense environments **Related Concepts:** - Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) - Beamforming and antenna arrays - Wide channel bonding (up to 2.16 GHz) - Rate adaptation algorithms .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad Physical Rates:** * :ref:`physical_rates in 802.11ad ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/physical_rates.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad Physical Rates" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad PPDU **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Defines the Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) formats used in 802.11ad - Supports multiple PPDU types: Control PHY (CPHY), Single Carrier PHY (SCPHY), OFDM PHY (OFDMPHY), and Low-Power Single Carrier PHY (LPSCPHY) - Includes preambles for synchronization, channel estimation, and beamforming training - Payload carries MAC frames encoded with single carrier or OFDM modulation - Supports data rates up to 7 Gbps using wide bandwidths in the 60 GHz band - Enables high-speed, reliable wireless communication with adaptive modulation and coding **Use Cases:** - Ultra-fast data encapsulation and transmission in short-range 60 GHz links - Synchronization and beamforming between devices for directional communication - High-throughput applications like VR/AR streaming and wireless docking **Related Concepts:** - Single carrier and OFDM symbol structures - Beamforming training fields in the PPDU - Modulation and coding schemes (MCS) - Channel bonding and spatial multiplexing .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad PPDU:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/ppdu.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad PPDU" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad Channels **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Operates in the 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) band - Defines 6 non-overlapping channels, each 2.16 GHz wide - Extremely high channel bandwidth allows multi-gigabit data rates - Uses directional communication and beamforming to mitigate high path loss - Designed for short-range, high-throughput wireless applications - Does not require DFS due to limited interference in 60 GHz band **Use Cases:** - Wireless docking stations and high-speed device-to-device links - Cable-free 4K video streaming and uncompressed media transmission - Rapid wireless file transfer and wireless PCIe/USB extension **Related Concepts:** - Directional beamforming and sector-level sweeps - SC PHY and OFDM PHY operation - Channel bonding not used, but large inherent channel widths (2.16 GHz) .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad Channels:** * :ref:`List of channels ` * :ref:`List of channel widths ` * :ref:`List of Bands ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/channels.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad Channels" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 802.11ad PHY **Standard:** IEEE 802.11ad (2012) **Main Features:** - Operates in the 60 GHz band with millimeter-wave (mmWave) transmission - Supports both Single Carrier (SC) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) PHYs - Provides data rates up to 6.75 Gbps with various modulation schemes (π/2-BPSK to 64-QAM) - Employs beamforming and sector-level sweep techniques for directional communication - Uses 2.16 GHz channel bandwidth for ultra-high throughput - SC PHY optimized for low power and low latency; OFDM PHY for high throughput **Use Cases:** - Ultra-fast wireless docking stations, video streaming, and peripheral connectivity - Low-latency links for high-speed device-to-device (D2D) communication - Wireless HDMI, DisplayPort, and rapid file transfers in dense indoor environments **Related Concepts:** - Directional beamforming and channel estimation - Golay sequences used in training fields for synchronization - SC PHY: simpler, lower power; OFDM PHY: higher throughput with multipath resilience - Preamble structure: STF, CEF, Header, Data fields .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: What You Will Learn in This Section **Explore the details of 802.11ad PHY:** * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./802_11ad/PHYs.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "802.11ad PHY"