WiGig

Wi-Fi protocols define wireless communication standards that govern speed, frequency, and range for devices on a wireless local area network (WLAN).

Protocol

Description

Use Case

802.11ad

Uses 60 GHz band for multi-gigabit speeds over short distances with beamforming. Perfect for ultra-high-speed, short-range data transfers.

Wireless docking, VR, fast data sync in-room

802.11ay

Builds on 802.11ad with higher throughput and longer range at 60 GHz using MIMO. Advanced short-range multi-gigabit wireless links.

VR/AR, wireless backhaul, ultra-fast indoor networking

802.11aj

Regional extension of 802.11ad/ay for Chinese millimeter-wave bands (45 GHz & 59-64 GHz) supporting improved propagation and coexistence.

Enables high-speed wireless communication tailored for China’s spectrum regulations and specialized applications.

IEEE Standard: IEEE 802.11ad-2012

Main Features:

  • Operates in 60 GHz millimeter wave band

  • Supports multi-gigabit speeds up to 7 Gbps

  • Uses beamforming for directional transmission

  • Short range (typically < 10 meters) due to high frequency attenuation

  • Ideal for in-room high bandwidth applications

Use Cases:

  • Wireless docking stations

  • Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) streaming

  • Ultra-fast data syncing between devices in close proximity

Alternative or Related Protocols:

  • 802.11ay – Enhanced 60 GHz with MIMO and extended range

  • 802.11ac – 5 GHz high throughput

  • 802.11ax – OFDMA and dense deployments

Let us learn more about 802.11ad:

Jump to “802.11ad”

IEEE Standard: IEEE 802.11ay-2021

Main Features:

  • Builds upon 802.11ad with MIMO and channel bonding at 60 GHz

  • Supports throughput up to 100 Gbps with improved range and reliability

  • Uses beamforming and directional antennas for efficient communication

  • Suitable for multi-gigabit wireless links and backhaul

Use Cases:

  • Wireless VR/AR applications requiring ultra-high speed

  • Wireless backhaul for 5G and enterprise networks

  • High-speed indoor data transfers over short to medium range

Alternative or Related Protocols:

  • 802.11ad – Predecessor with single-stream 60 GHz

  • 802.11ax – High-efficiency Wi-Fi in lower bands

  • 802.11be – Future ultra-high throughput Wi-Fi

Let us learn more about 802.11ay:

Jump to “802.11ay”

IEEE Standard: IEEE 802.11aj-2018

Main Features:

  • Operates in the 45 GHz and 59-64 GHz millimeter wave bands (China-specific)

  • Extends 802.11ad for improved propagation and coexistence in regional spectrum

  • Supports high data rates similar to 802.11ad with adaptations for regulatory compliance

  • Enables directional communication with beamforming in specialized frequency bands

  • Focused on enabling high-speed indoor and outdoor wireless links in China

Use Cases:

  • High-speed fixed wireless access in Chinese mmWave bands

  • Industrial automation and smart factory communications

  • Ultra-fast wireless data transfer in regulated frequency environments

Alternative or Related Protocols:

  • 802.11ad – 60 GHz multi-gigabit wireless standard

  • 802.11ay – Enhanced 802.11ad with MIMO and longer range

  • 802.11ax – High-efficiency WLAN for dense deployments

Let us learn more about 802.11aj:

Jump to “802.11aj”