RFUnderstanding 802.11ax RU and 802.11be MRU
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Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) have introduced advanced features to improve the efficiency and performance of wireless communication. Two such features are Resource Units (RUs) in WiFi 6 and Multi-RUs (MRUs) in WiFi 7.
802.11ax Resource Unit (RU)
Resource Units (RUs) are a key feature of WiFi 6 that allow more efficient use of the available spectrum through Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). OFDMA divides a channel into smaller sub-channels or RUs, which can then be allocated to different users or devices. This results in the following benefits:
- Improved efficiency: By dividing the channel, multiple users can simultaneously communicate, reducing latency and increasing throughput.
- Flexible channel allocation: RUs can vary in size (e.g., 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, 996 tones), allowing dynamic allocation based on the traffic demand.
802.11be Multi-RU (MRU)
WiFi 7 builds upon Wi-Fi 6 by introducing Multi-RU (MRU), which enhances the flexibility of resource allocation.
- Multiple Resource Units per User: Unlike Wi-Fi 6, where a single RU is allocated to a user, Wi-Fi 7 allows multiple RUs to be combined and allocated to a single user. This can significantly increase the throughput for high-demand users.
- Increased Efficiency: MRUs help in utilizing non-contiguous frequency chunks, which may result from interference or varying spectrum availability. This leads to better spectrum efficiency and less interference.
- Support for Wider Channels: MRUs can span across wider channels (e.g., 160 MHz and 320 MHz) to maximize data transmission rates.
Differences Between 802.11ax RU and 802.11be MRU
| Features | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) RU | 802.11be (WiFi 7) MRU |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Divides channel into sub-channels (RUs) for users | Combines multiple RUs for a single user |
| Resource allocation | Allocates a single RU per user | Allows multiple RUs per user |
| Channel sizes | Supports 20, 40, 80, 160 MHz channels | Supports 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 MHz channels |
| RU sizes | 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, 996 tones | Multiple RUs with non-contiguous frequency blocks |
| Efficiency | Improves efficiency for multiple users | Enhances efficiency and throughput for high-demand users |
| Application | Suitable for balanced load scenarios | Ideal for dynamic traffic and high-density environments |
| Interference handling | Limited to contiguous RUs | Can use non-contiguous frequency blocks to avoid interference |
| Maximum throughput | Limited by single RU allocation | Higher throughput with MRU combining |
Conclusion
The evolution from RUs in Wi-Fi 6 to MRUs in Wi-Fi 7 reflects the increasing demand for high-efficiency, high-capacity wireless networks. WiFi 7’s MRU feature allows for greater flexibility, increased throughput, and better handling of complex and congested environments, making it a superior choice for future wireless communication needs.
