Cisco 6 GHz and Wi-Fi 7 Update with Nicholas Swiatecki

Summary

The transcript delves into the technical aspects of Wi-Fi 7, particularly its Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and deployment challenges in enterprise environments. It discusses the early-stage compatibility issues with clients, configuration controls available on the controller, and power requirements for tri-band access points. Key topics include client support for MLO modes, managing multiple links, and handling SSID settings. Additionally, the importance of spectral capture for network monitoring and troubleshooting is highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the need for more advanced features and robust power infrastructure to fully leverage Wi-Fi 7's capabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wi-Fi 7 is in its early stages, with ongoing work to fix compatibility issues and enhance performance for enterprise environments.
• 😀 Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7 enables devices to connect using multiple links, but client support is still varied.
• 😀 Wi-Fi 7 APs offer advanced capabilities like 4K QAM, but some clients may struggle with these features, requiring additional testing and tuning.
• 😀 Enterprise deployments may need APs with more than 30 watts of power due to the increased processing demands of Wi-Fi 7's features.
• 😀 The Meraki dashboard allows basic control over enabling or disabling Wi-Fi 7 features, such as disabling certain bands or reducing capabilities like QAM.
• 😀 MLO on Wi-Fi 7 is still evolving, and while it offers faster connections, client compatibility remains a challenge for deployment.
• 😀 To optimize Wi-Fi 7 deployment, network administrators may need to manage SSIDs, bands, and power settings more carefully.
• 😀 Some clients may not support Wi-Fi 7’s advanced modes, and it’s essential to check client capabilities before expecting optimal performance.
• 😀 Spectral capture tools are becoming more integrated into Wi-Fi 7 controllers, helping with troubleshooting and optimizing networks.
• 😀 PoE (Power over Ethernet) support is crucial for enterprise deployments of Wi-Fi 7, especially when using tri-band APs that require higher power for multi-link operations.

Q & A

What is Multi-Link Operation (MLO) in Wi-Fi 7, and how does it work?

MLO in Wi-Fi 7 allows devices to simultaneously connect over multiple frequency bands (such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to improve performance. This technology helps in increasing throughput, reducing latency, and providing a more stable connection by using multiple links at the same time.

What challenges are being faced with Wi-Fi 7 deployment in early stages?

In the early stages of Wi-Fi 7 deployment, there are issues with client compatibility. Many devices have trouble connecting when transitioning between different Wi-Fi 7 modes, such as Multi-Link and Single-Link. Some clients also struggle with the transition mode and do not fully support advanced features like Multi-Link Aggregation (MLA).

How can network administrators control MLO and Wi-Fi 7 settings?

Network administrators can control MLO and Wi-Fi 7 settings through the network controller dashboard. Basic controls include disabling specific bands or protocols (e.g., turning off 11b or limiting the use of certain bands for MLO). More advanced settings, such as rejecting MLO clients or tweaking SSIDs, can also be managed, but finer controls may require more detailed configurations.

What is the significance of turning off 11b on the Wi-Fi radio in an MLO setup?

Turning off the 11b protocol on the radio in an MLO setup can help optimize performance, as 11b is outdated and may cause interference or performance degradation. Disabling it ensures that only newer, more efficient Wi-Fi standards are used, improving overall network efficiency and stability.

What information can the controller dashboard provide about MLO clients?

The controller dashboard can provide information about whether a client is MLO-capable or MLR-capable, helping network administrators understand which devices can handle Multi-Link or Multi-Link Aggregation. This information is useful for troubleshooting and optimizing network configurations.

How will Cisco present MLO client information to users in the dashboard?

Cisco plans to present MLO client information in a simplified and user-friendly manner on the 9800 dashboard. The dashboard will provide relevant details about client capabilities (such as whether they support MLO or MLR), but it will be designed to highlight only the most important data to make it easier for network administrators to act on this information.

What power requirements should enterprises consider when deploying Wi-Fi 7 access points?

Wi-Fi 7 access points, especially tri-band models, require more than 30 watts of peak power due to the additional processing and simultaneous use of multiple frequency links. Enterprises should ensure that their switches can supply this level of power, as inadequate power could lead to performance issues.

What role does spectral capture play in Wi-Fi 7 networks?

Spectral capture is a feature that allows network administrators to monitor and analyze the radio spectrum to detect and troubleshoot interference and other network issues. It helps ensure optimal network performance by providing detailed insights into the frequency bands and their usage, which is available through the controller dashboard.

Why is it important to buy switches with more than 30 watts of power for Wi-Fi 7 deployment?

Switches with more than 30 watts of power are necessary for supporting the complex processing requirements of Wi-Fi 7 access points, which operate with multiple links and bands simultaneously. Insufficient power could result in network instability or degraded performance.

How does MLO contribute to network performance in Wi-Fi 7?

MLO contributes to better network performance by enabling devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This enhances data throughput, reduces latency, and improves overall network reliability, especially in high-demand environments such as enterprise networks.