Next-Gen WiFi and Networking Recommendations: 5.5G, 6G, WiFi7, and 400GE

The World Broadband Association (WBBA) has recently released Technical Recommendations aimed at enhancing wired networks to support data rates of up to 10Gbit/s for businesses, campuses, and homes in preparation for the advent of 5.5G and 6G wireless technologies.

Network 5.5G (Net5.5G) is envisioned as the next-generation data communication network infrastructure that will pave the way for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing as 6G technology approaches. This framework aims to establish a future-proof digital IP transport foundation that ensures secure operations, reduces construction costs, and enhances overall network efficiency.

According to Tayeb Ben Meriem, Vice Chair of IPv6 Forum and Co-Chair of the WBBA Working Group, the increasing demands from both business enterprises and consumers, driven by advancements in AI computing and the metaverse, necessitate a significant upgrade in IP transport networks to meet the evolving requirements of modern applications.

Net5.5G represents a significant evolution from existing 5G mobile network technologies, offering impressive downlink speeds of 10Gbps and uplink speeds of 1Gbps. This advancement will empower end users to establish IoT networks within their residential properties, utilizing smartphones and other connected devices as gateways.

For Telecommunication companies (Telcos), Net5.5G presents opportunities for enhanced monitoring and analytics capabilities, enabling service providers to offer managed services tailored for smart homes. Moreover, data center operators stand to benefit from the increased bandwidth, which can support larger AI training models for various business applications.

Looking ahead to the future, ZhongHua Chen, Senior Engineer and Project Manager at China Telecom, and Chair of the WBBA Working Group, emphasizes the importance of ubiquitous 10Gbps ultra-broadband deployments driven by remote-sensing technologies, AI applications, and supercomputing. The need for high-bandwidth, low-latency networks managed by intelligent digital maps will be crucial to support these emerging scenarios.

Net5.5G and the upcoming 6G technology promise high-speed, high-quality communication that will underpin new trends such as WiFi 7 and computing-aware networks. Collaboration among service providers, government bodies, regulators, and vendors is essential to leverage the capabilities of Net5.5G-enabled cloud-network convergence, as highlighted by Sameer Malik, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia.

The 'Network Evolution for the 5.5G and 6G Era' Technical Recommendations can be accessed on the WBBA's website at worldbroadbandassociation.com.