Welcome to an exciting exploration of Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and latency in the groundbreaking Wi-Fi 7 technology. This blog will delve into early experimental results that highlight how MLO is set to revolutionize wireless connectivity. With a focus on performance improvements, latency reduction, and real-world applications, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of MLO’s impact on Wireless technology.

Understanding Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

MLO is a standout feature in Wi-Fi 7 that allows devices to simultaneously transmit and receive data across multiple frequency bands. This capability promises to enhance efficiency, reliability, and, most importantly, reduce latency. The Wi-Fi Alliance outlines MLO’s benefits as deterministic latency, increased efficiency, and greater reliability, which are crucial for applications requiring real-time responsiveness, such as online gaming and augmented reality (AR).

Types of Multi-Link Devices

Devices that support MLO are known as Multi-Link Devices (MLDs). There are two main types of MLDs:

• • Multi-Link Multi-Radio (MLMR): These devices have multiple physical radios and can perform simultaneous transmission and reception.

• • Multi-Link Single Radio (MLSR): These devices typically have one radio that switches between links, offering a more traditional approach.

Within these categories, we find various configurations, such as:

• • Simultaneous TX/RX (MLMR STR): Allows both transmission and reception to occur simultaneously on different channels. 
  • Non-Simultaneous TX/RX (MLMR NSTR): Has restrictions on how trasmission and reception occur, limiting flexibility. 
  • Enhanced Multi-Link Multi-Radio (EMLMR): Adds capabilities to listen for control messages on different channels while transmitting or receiving. 

Experimental Setup and Methodology

We conducted tests using an Access Point (AP) that supports both MLMR and EMLSR configurations, with client devices that also support MLO. The testing environment was controlled, with synchronization achieved through the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to ensure accurate latency measurements.

Our experimental framework was designed to assess the performance of MLO under Two conditions

• • Interference on One Link: This involved introducing interference on either the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band while measuring throughput and latency.

Interference on Both Links: In this scenario, interference was applied simultaneously to both links to assess performance under more challenging conditions.

Results: MLO vs. Traditional Link Performance

Our findings demonstrate a clear advantage of MLO in reducing latency and improving throughput compared to traditional single-link setups.

Throughput Performance

At 0% interference, MLO-enabled devices showed a noticeable increase in throughput compared to non-MLO scenarios. As interference levels increased, the performance gap widened:

• • At 80% interference, MLO devices maintained throughput levels significantly higher than traditional setups, showcasing their resilience against congestion. 
  • MLO configurations demonstrated a potential doubling of throughput under severe interference conditions, highlighting their effectiveness in real-world applications. 

Latency Improvements

Latency measurements revealed that MLO significantly reduces response times:

• • For single-link transmissions, latency increased with interference, leading to delays in data reception. 
  • In contrast, MLO configurations managed to maintain lower latency levels, even under high interference, demonstrating their capability to provide deterministic latency. 

Real-World Applications of MLO

The implications of MLO extend beyond theoretical performance metrics. Its benefits are particularly pronounced in environments where real-time data transmission is critical:

Online Gaming and AR/VR

For online gaming and AR/VR applications, where every millisecond counts, MLO can provide an edge. With reduced latency and increased reliability, gamers can enjoy smoother experiences and more immersive environments without the typical lag associated with traditional Wi-Fi setups.

Enterprise and Industrial Use Cases

In enterprise settings, MLO can enhance productivity by ensuring seamless connectivity for multiple devices. Whether in a crowded office or a factory floor, the ability to maintain stable connections while minimizing latency can lead to more efficient operations and improved outcomes.

Future Expectations for MLO and Wi-Fi 7

As we move forward, expectations for MLO are high. We anticipate ongoing enhancements in performance, including:

• • Increased efficiency in data transmission, potentially achieving 2x throughput with two links and even higher with three links. 
  • Further optimizations in network management to handle a growing number of MLO-capable devices. 
  • Enhanced support for a wide range of applications, including smart homes, IoT devices, and advanced multimedia streaming. 

Concluding Thoughts

The early experimental results indicate that MLO is not just a theoretical enhancement; it is a transformative feature that can significantly improve performance in real-world applications. As Wi-Fi 7 continues to roll out, MLO will play a crucial role in shaping the future of wireless connectivity. By leveraging these advancements, users can look forward to faster, more reliable, and efficient networking experiences.

This test is conducted for a single client single AP setup. In future, we will provide MLO results on multi client setups as well.

For more information or inquiries, please reach out to us at:

Email: sales@aletheatech.com 

Email: info@aletheatech.com