Wi-Fi Technology Fundamentals

Module-1
Introduction and History of WiFi
Session-1a

Wi-Fi Evolution
Pyramid of Basic Human
Needs

Self- Realization

Self-esteem

Friends, Family

Safety, Security

Food, Water, Shelter

Wi-Fi
Course Objective
While most technology courses may take a bottoms up academic approach of explaining the subject matter with
definitions and formulas, the attempt of this course would be to explain all the concepts in as simple and as practical way
as possible by providing real work examples and industry applications and showing real demos and visualizations of the
concepts where ever possible. Our goal with this course is to make the complex world of WiFi easy to understand for
beginners and also hopefully generate more interest among young engineers and college students to build a successful
career in this amazing and rapidly growing field of WiFi.

Who is this course for?

• Junior/Mid-Level engineers working in any form of technical roles in the WiFi Industry
• Bachelors/Masters Degree students pursing a career in the computer networking / wireless networking industry
• Academicians interested in developing industry focused course work.

Pre-requisites
• Basics of Computer Networking, Any prior academic courses or certifications like CCNA
• Nice to have basic understanding of wireless communications, Digital Communications.
• Nice to have some prior academic knowledge of WiFi standards and protocols or have some industry experience
and a WiFi developer of test engineer.
What Does each Session Cover
• Basic theoretical concepts of each topic.
• Real-world / Industry applications of the topic.
• Practical Demos of the concepts of each topic using any tools available.
• A short fun quiz at the end of each session.
• Each session is expected to be 45min-60mins of duration.

Course Fees and Copyright Policy

• This course is completely free for anyone attending. The material can also be downloaded and can be used
for free.
• Several images in the presentations will be copied from the internet and books and credit will be given to the
source of the information wherever possible.
• The presenter does not intend to use this material for any commercial purposes.

Course Delivery
• The course is entirely delivered online over web conferencing sessions.
• The meeting links and calendar invites will be shared ahead of time.
Instructor Bio
Sitarama Penumetsa has 23 years of academic, research and Industry
experience in the field of WiFi. Starting his career as junior researcher in WLAN
standards and moving onto becoming a Subject Matter Expert, Sitarama
developed a strong interest and deep knowledge in WiFi technology.

Transitioning to the Industry, Sitarama started as a software developer of

WLAN test solutions and over the past 20 years, moved on to Technical
Marketing, Project Management, Business Development roles which allowed
him to work with over 100 companies worldwide building products in the field
of WiFi and through this he developed deep understanding of the industry
applications and ecosystem of WiFi Technology.

Sitarama also has the experience of conducting several WiFi technology

training sessions, bootcamps, seminars etc…to his colleagues and team
members in the industry over the years and through this processed developed
Sitarama Penumetsa and updated lots of training material in the field of WiFi.
CTO, Candela Technologies Inc.
Sitarama currently serves as the CTO of Candela Technologies and also heads
GM, Candela Technologies India Pvt Ltd
the India division of the same company.
Email: [email protected]
Module 1: Introduction and History of WiFi
Session1a: Evolution of WiFi
WiFi Generations, Residential WiFi Applications, Enterprise WiFi Applications, Business Evolution
Week1
Session1b: WiFi Network Topologies
Infrastructure/Mesh/Bridge/Adhoc Modes, Various Backhaul Mechanisms, Various Deployment Use cases
Session1c: WLAN Standards and Amendments Alphabet Soup
IEEE Standards Bodies, WiFi Alliance, Standards and their extensions
Week2 Session1d: Basic Functional building blocks of a WiFi AP/Router
PHY, Baseband, Lower MAC, Upper MAC, various Interfaces, key functional blocks
Module 2: WLAN PHY Layer
Session2a: Frequency Allocation
ISM and UNII Bands, unlicensed spectrum allocation, channels, Channel BW
Week3
Session2b: Modulation/Coding, MIMO Basics
Basics of Digital Modulation and Coding, Multipath, MIMO, OFDMA, Spectral Efficiency
Session2c: MCS Table, PHY Data Rates
PHY Data rates, MCS Table, Theoretical Throughput
Week4
Session2d: PHY Headers and key functions
PHY Headers, PCLP and PMD Sub Layers, Key PHY later functions
Module 3: WLAN MAC Layer
Session3a: Basic AP Management and Control Functions
Beaconing, BSSID, Scanning, Basic Service Set and its Capabilities
Week5
Session3b: MAC Framing, Headers and Key Functions
MAC headers and key functions, Management/Control/Data Frames
Session3c: Carrier Sense and Medium Access
Physical/Virtual Carrier Sensing, DCF, Random Backoff, Interframe Spacing, EDCA Parameters
Week6
Session3d: Basic connection and Data Transfer
Basic Client Connection, BSS Capabilities, Data Transfer Mechanism, Aggregation, Rate Adaptation
Module 4: Security in WiFi
Session4a: Various WiFi Security Protocols
WEP, WPA/WPA2, Enterprise/Personal, Radius, Captive Portal, WPS,
Week7 Session4b: Basics of Authentication and Encryption
EAP Methods, TKIP/CCMP, 802.1x connection, Key Generations, 4-way Handshake

Session4c: Attacks and Vulnerabilities

DoS Attacks, Man in the Middle Attacks, Cracking Security Keys, PMF
Week8
Session4d: Seamless connectivity/OpenRoaming
OpenRoaming Technology, WiFi to Cellular Handover, EAP-SIM/AKA
Module 5: Other Advanced Topics
Session5a: WLAN AP/Controller Architectures
Thick AP, Thin AP models, Physical Controller, Cloud Controller
Week9 Session5b: RRM, QoS, Mobility, Power Save
Load Balancing, Band Steering, ACS, DFS, TPC, Various Roaming Techniques, Legacy/WMM Power Save

Session5c: WiFi6 new features

ODFMA, Mu-MIMO, BSS Coloring, 1024 QAM, WPA3
Week10
Session5d: WiFi6E new features
6GHz spectrum allocation, 320Mhz channels, AFC
Session5e: WiFi7 new features
4K QAM, MLO, Preamble Puncturing
Week11
Session5f: Smart WiFi Features
Traffic Shaping/Policing, Parental Controls, Advanced Analytics, AI/ML
Session5g: WiFi Mesh Networks
Mesh Topologies, Various deployment models, Mesh Access/Backhaul/Roaming
Week12
Session5i: WiFi Monetization
Location Based Analytics, WiFi Sensing, Information Technology to Operational Technology

Module6: Troubleshooting and Tools

Session6a: Wireshark Capture Analysis
Wireshark WLAN filters, Radio tap headers, Information Element Analysis, I/O Charts
Week13
Session6b: Basic test/debug/spectrum analysis tools
iPerf, Ping, WiFi scanner tools, Kali Linux tools, Site Survey/Planning Tools, Heatmapping Tools

Session6c: Suppliant logs, AP logs, basic debug commands

Week14 APIs and Interfaces to AP config, Serial/Telnet/restAPIs, Supplicant and AP debug logs
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 Country Percent
Registration Breakdown INDIA
USA
84.8%
4.4%
UK 1.7%
THAILAND 1.5%
BRAZIL 1.3%
Profession Percentage Work Exp Percentage RUSSIA 1.1%
Working Professionals 56% TURKEY 0.8%
0 - 1 years 53% AUSTRALIA 0.7%
Students 27%
1 - 4 Years 25% CANADA 0.3%
Unknown 16% EGYPT 0.3%
Faculty 1% 4 - 10 years 16% GERMANY 0.3%
PAKISTAN 0.3%
10+ years 6% FRANCE 0.2%
INDONESIA 0.2%
UAE 0.2%
ALGERIA 0.1%
Majority of Registrants: BELGIUM 0.1%
CHILE 0.1%
• Junior Engineers from India
• Engineering Students from India 1000 IRAN
JAPAN
KENYA
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
Registere MALAYSIA 0.1%
PANAMA 0.1%
d PERU 0.1%
PHILIPPINES 0.1%
PORTUGAL 0.1%
SOUTH AFRICA 0.1%
SRI LANKA 0.1%
SWEDEN 0.1%
TUNISIA 0.1%
YEMEN 0.1%
 Module-1
Introduction and History of WiFi
Session-1a
Wi-Fi Evolution
 20 Years of WiFi Success Story 2022
5G Speeds FOR
BILLIONS WITH
2007 Wi-Fi
1994 BUSINESS Wi-Fi 6 global
Wi-Fi GOES TO ESSENTIAL annual chipset
1985 1990 COLLEGE 1999 Laptops replace shipments will
WIRELESS Desktops as the exceed 1 billion.
JUNK BANDS
The FCC makes an PAYMENTS
Carnegie Mellon
University begins
LOOK MA,
NO WIRES!
go-to work 2010 2017
ABI Research, 2018
computer, making
unprecedented move, INTRODUCED installing the first campus- TABLETS EVEN MORE Wi-Fi
Steve Jobs unveils Wi-Fi a critical NEW REALITIES
opening up three spectrum WaveLAN, an early wide Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi-only tablets
Apple’s iBook, the business
bands for unlicenced use were introduced, The first self- 57% of internet
version of Wi-Fi, I first commercial technology
anyone who follows the rules Carnegie Mellon setting off the global contained virtual traffic will run
installed in cash registers laptop able to IHS Markit, 2008
can use them . This spectrum University, 2011 mobile computing reality headset over Wi-Fi,
a critical first step for surf web
was previously used for digital payments and the revolution in homes, launches, Cisco, 2018
wirelessly.
government radar. wireless economy offices and businesses. powered entirely
Cult of Mac, 2016 by Wi-Fi.
FCC, 2002 EE Times, 2015
Fast Company, 2010 Oculus, 2019

1985
FROM TRASH TO 1991 2015 2018
LITTLE TREASURES CUTTING THE 2005 BILLION SOLD Wi-Fi
This spectrum is CORD MILLIONS SOLD 10 billion Wi-Fi
$UPERCHARGES
almost immediately Vtech releases the More than 120 devices have been
THE ECONOMY
put to use for home
appliances like 1988-1989 first 900 MHZ
cordless phone
1997 million Wi-Fi sold , from cell
phones to tablets to Wi-Fi generated
microwaves, garage WIRELESS ROUTERS using the former A NEW chipsets shipped.
Wi-Fi Alliance,
2008 sensors at railyards more than $500 2023
door openers and ARRIVE junk spectrum STANDARD SMART PHONES and wirless airport billion in economy SPOILER: THIS
2005 gates operations to value in the
baby monitors The first wireless Chicago Tribune, The first set of WILL BE BIG
Apple’s iPhone 3G
FCC OET Working routers, the Proxim 900 1993 standards for Wi-Fi medical telemetry United States
launches with Wi- Wi-Fi is expected to
Paper, 2003 MHz RangeLAN and the IEEE 802.11 units and point of WifiForward, 2018
Fi, kicking off the generate nearly $1
ARLAN-SST. Were protocol is released. sale devices in retail
smartphone era trillion for the U.S
specialty devices to It carries data at stores, Wi-Fi powers
and a boom in Wi- economy in 2023
connect computers in 2MB/S our daily lives
Fi devices and Wi-FI Alliance, 2018
warehouses and track
The Verge, 2019 traffic.
retail inventories Wi-Fi Alliance,
Apple, 2008
IEEE,2008 Jan 2015 Source: WiFi Forward
Some Initial WiFi Hardware

a Some historical pioneering shoe box size WLANS designed by Motorola, Persoft, Aironet, and WINDATA, b the
wireless PC cards and its access points in Roamabout designed by Digital Equipment Corporation
WiFi Technology Evolution (Hardware to Software)
10Gbps 50Gbps
Mesh, Increase Coverage Connected
1Gbps
Parental Controls Home/Home
Operator Deployments
OTT, Video Streaming Automation
High Security
11Mbps High Density
Voice, Video
DSL Backhaul AR/VR
Low Security
Email, Text

Residential

1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

Enterprise

11Mbps
Standalone AP
Low Security 1Gbps
Email, Text Controller based APs
Large Scale
10Gbps
Deployments 50Gbps
Cloud Managed APs
High Security AI/ML in WiFi
Centralized Control
Web conferencing, Network as a Service
Analytics and Business
VOIP AR/VR
Intelligence
Video, Web Conferencing
WiFi in Key Industries

Healthcare Smart Cities Hospitality Public WiFi

Education Apartments Oil and Gas Retail

Offices Transportation Agriculture Smart Home

Mining Defense Manufacturing Public Safety

 WiFi Technology Life Cycle / Industry Ecosystem

Use Cases Pre-Silicon Design Verification Develop WiFi APs/Routers Certifications Deployment
PAR, Basic concepts Verify designs through Develop and Test WiFi Various certifications for Operators, Service
submitted to Standards simulations, IDE tools. Routers/AP compliance Providers, System
Bodies based on Companies: Synopsis, Companies: Cisco, Aruba, Companies: FCC, TUV, Integrators
business case. Cadence, Mentor Graphics etc.. Netgear, Asus, TPlink, UL, WiFi Alliance Companies: Airtel, Comcast,
Ubiquiti etc… Telefonica etc..

Standards/ Pre- Develop WiFi Chipsets Proof of Concept/Plug fests Manufacturing Post Deployment
Standards Develop WiFi Chipset and Initial trails and testing of OEMs/ODMs that mass Network Management,
produce WiFi SoCs, troubleshooting
IEEE and all SoCs Beta hardware and
Modules and Routers Companies: Tanaza,
Member Companies: Qualcomm, standard implementation SolarWinds, 7Signal,
Companies: Askey,
Companies Broadcom, Intel, Mediatek Companies: WiFi Alliance, Pegatron, VVDN, Aprecomm etc..
etc. WBA, BBF etc.. Arcadyan etc..
 WiFi Devices
Home Healthcare Retail/Industrial Transportation Enterprise Hospitality

✓ Patient Monitor ✓ Printer ✓ Trains ✓ Laptops

✓ Gaming Devices ✓ Wireless TVs
✓ Infusion Pump ✓ Scanner ✓ Planes ✓ Smartphones
✓ Camera ✓ Digital Tables
✓ Defibrillator ✓ POS ✓ Ships ✓ Tablets
✓ Printer ✓ Rental Cars
✓ Weigh Machine ✓ Warehouse equipment ✓ Cars ✓ Video conferencing
✓ Home Media Server
✓ Asset Tracking ✓ Shipping lines ✓ Drones Devices
✓ Set-top Box
✓ Blood Pressure ✓ Asset Tracking ✓ Surveillance
✓ Wireless TV
Machine ✓ Industrial Robots ✓ Digital Whiteboards
✓ Refrigerator
✓ Power Meters
✓ Oven
✓ Surveillance
✓ Washer/Dryer
✓ Temp Pressure
✓ Vacuum Cleaner
Monitoring Systems
✓ Light bulbs
✓ Security systems
✓ Digital Photo Frames
✓ Home Robot
WiFi Technology Generations
Wi-Fi 4 Wi-Fi 5 Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 7
(IEEE 802.11n) (IEEE 802.11ac) (IEEE 802.11ax) (IEEE 802.11ax) (IEEE 802.11be)

Frequency bands 2.4GHz (2.402 - 2.494) 5GHz (5.030 - 2.4GHz (2.402 - 2.494) 2.4GHz (2.402 - 2.494) 5GHz (5.030 - 2.4GHz (2.402 - 2.494) 5GHz (5.030 -
operations 5GHz (5.030 - 5.990) 5.990) 5GHz (5.030 - 5.990) 5.990) 6GHz (5.925 7.125) 5.990) 6GHz (5.925 7.125)

Maximum bandwidth per 2.4GHz: 40MHz 5GHz: 2.4GHz: 40MHz 2.4GHz: 40MHz 5GHz: 2.4GHz: 40MHz 5GHz: 160MHz 2.4GHz: 40MHz 5GHz: 160MHz 6GHz:
channel 40MHz 5GHz: 80MHz 160MHz 6GHz: 160MHz 320MHz

Maximum number of non- 2.4GHz: 3 5GHz: 2.4GHz: 2 (40MHz) 2.4GHz: 2 (40MHz) Channel:1,5,9,13 2.4GHz: Channel 1,5,9,13 (40MHz)
overlapping channels Channel:1,6,11 Channels:36,52 Channel:1,11 5GHz: Channel 36: 5.180 GHz to 5GHz: 2 (160MHz) or
(80MHz) 5GHz: Channel 36: 5.180 5.340 GHz (160 MHz width) Channel 36,149 (80MHz)
GHz to 5.340 GHz (160 Channel 36,52,100,116,132 (80MHz) 6GHz: Channel 31, 63, 95, 127, 159, 191
MHz width) 6GHz: 7 (160MHz) (320MHz)
or
Channel:36,52,100,116,13
2(80 MHz)

Maximum MIMO 4x4 4x4 8x8 8x8 16x16

configuration

Highest modulation 64 QAM 256 QAM 1024 QAM (1K QAM) 1024 QAM (1K QAM) 4096 QAM (4K QAM)

Maximum PHY datarate 600 Mbps 1.73 Gbps 9.6 Gbps 9.6 Gbps 46.1 Gbps

Multi user MIMO (MU- N/A Downlink (Wave 2 Downlink Uplink Downlink Uplink Downlink Uplink
MIMO) only)

Multi user OFDMA N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes

(bandwidth sharing)

Target Wake Time (TWT) N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes (improved)

Multi Link Operation / Multi N/A N/A N/A N/A Yes

Resource Unit
Why WiFi Technology is so successful?

Low Cost Enterprise Grade Security

Extremely low cost of installation (CAPEX) and Full enterprise grade security, seamless mobility,
maintenance (OPEX) when compared to cellular excellent user/policy/network management.

IP Network Compatible Easy to Deploy

A seamless network edge extension of the No heavy equipment of infrastructure needed. Easy to
ubiquitous IP networking. install both indoor and outdoor when compared to cellular

Uses Unlicensed Spectrum Scalability

Use of Unlicensed spectrum significantly decrease Can scale to 1000s of Access Points and lots of
barriers for entry. users and can be managed from single dashboard

High Data Rates Open Technology

Extremely high dates for short/medium range fixed WLAN standards are designed to be open , giving
wireless when compared to all other technologies implementors a lot of flexibility to customize for applications.
Some References

Evolution and Impact of Wi-Fi Technology and Applications: A Historical Perspective

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10776-020-00501-8

The Evolution of Wi-Fi networks: from IEEE 802.11 to Wi-Fi 6E

https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-networks-from-ieee-80211-to-wi-fi-6e

The Evolution of Wi-Fi Technology and Standards

https://standards.ieee.org/beyond-standards/the-evolution-of-wi-fi-technology-and-standards/

Beyond Everywhere : How Wi-Fi became the world’s most beloved

https://www.gregennis.net/ technology

The Wi-Fi Evolution An integral part of the wireless landscape

https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/Web_WiFi_Evolution_Tech_Exe_04022013.pdf

Steve Jobs introduces WiFi to the masses with a hula hoop!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFngngjy4fk