IPQ6010 and IPQ8072:OFDMA support in Wifi6 Solution
Introduction:
In the dynamic landscape of wireless communication, the techniques employed play a crucial role in optimizing data transmission and overcoming challenges. Two key technologies, FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), are pivotal in this context. This blog aims to unravel the disparities between FDMA and OFDMA, shedding light on their applications and significance in mitigating multipath interference, particularly in the realm of Wi-Fi.
The Need for Multiple Carrier Technologies:
To comprehend the essence of OFDMA, it’s imperative to first delve into the concept of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). OFDM is a multicarrier modulation technique designed to combat multipath interference encountered in wireless communication. Multipath interference occurs when radio waves encounter obstacles, causing reflections and refractions. This phenomenon results in multiple versions of the same signal reaching the receiver, leading to what is known as multipath interference.
The Challenge of Inter-Symbol Interference:
Multipath interference directly contributes to intersymbol interference (ISI). In the realm of wireless communication, ISI poses a challenge where, for a given set of serial signals, the receiver encounters difficulty distinguishing between them. This challenge arises when the time delay between two identical signals is less than the signal’s transmission interval. The outcome is known as inter-symbol interference, making it arduous for the receiver to accurately decipher the intended signals.
OFDM as a Solution:
OFDM addresses this issue by transforming high-speed serial data into parallel low-speed data streams, thereby reducing inter-symbol interference. However, OFDM comes with its own set of drawbacks. In Wi-Fi 4/5, where communication is single-user-centric, each data transmission occupies all available subcarriers. This results in inefficiencies when small data packets, such as instant messages or web browsing, are transmitted, as the entire bandwidth is underutilized.
Introduction of OFDMA:
In response to this inefficiency, Wi-Fi 6 introduced OFDMA, borrowing a page from 5G’s playbook. OFDMA, despite its name’s resemblance to OFDM, is fundamentally a multiple access technique. Multiple access techniques distinguish different users, and common methods include FDMA, TDMA, and CDMA.
FDMA vs. OFDMA:
FDMA relies on allocating different frequency channels to different users. In the analogy of a gathering, it’s akin to separating rooms for distinct conversations. On the other hand, OFDMA divides the channel into Resource Units (RUs), each orthogonal to the others. In our gathering analogy, OFDMA creates individual compartments within a room, facilitating multiple conversations simultaneously.
Enhancing Efficiency with OFDMA:
OFDMA optimizes spectral efficiency by scheduling users in specific resource units instead of utilizing the entire channel for a single user, as seen in traditional OFDM. It introduces a more flexible approach, akin to efficiently utilizing a delivery vehicle by allocating designated compartments for different recipients.
Conclusion:
In summary, while OFDM successfully addresses multipath interference by transforming data streams, OFDMA takes a step further by introducing an innovative multiple access technique. By adopting OFDMA, Wi-Fi 6 has elevated efficiency in point-to-multipoint communication, ensuring that a single cycle completes communication with multiple users. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of wireless communication technologies, continually adapting to enhance performance and meet the demands of evolving applications.
Here are some of Wallys’ 802.11ax products support OFDMA
DR6018:
Qualcomm-Atheros IPQ6010
Quad-core ARM 64bit A53 @1.8GHz Processor
1GB DDRL3L System Memory
32MB NOR Flash, 256MB NAND Flash
Supports Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
2×2 On-board 2.4GHz radio, up to 573Mbps physical Data Rate
2×2 On-board 5GHz radio, up to 1201Mbps physical Data Rate
Support: QUECTEL RM500Q-GL
Support: QCN9074 WiFi 6E Card
Support Openwifi
Support QSDK
DR8072:
Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8072A AR Quad Core CPU
On-board 5GHz radio, up to 2475 Mbps physical data rate,On-board 2.4GHz radio, up to 1147Mbps physical data rate
8 MB NOR Flash, 256MB NAND Flash（NAND Flash can be up to 1GB as optional）
Support 11ax TX Beamforming,Support 11ac/ax MU-MIMO DL and UL,Support OFDMA DL and UL
Supports Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
DDR 1GB DDR3L(Support DDR3L can be up to 2GB as optional)
M.2 connector can support QCN9074 production
DR9074-TRIBAND
Qualcomm Atheros QCN9024
Maxim 23 dBm per chain,up to 4949Mbps
Data Rateup to 4949Mbps
Support Tri Band 2.4GHz&5GHz&6GHz 4×4 WiFi 6E (802.11ax)
4 spatial streams (4SS)
M.2 E Key Interface
PCI Express 3 .0 Interface