Anritsu Corporation introduces an option that evaluates the RF transmit and receive characteristics of 2x2 MIMO as defined in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) for its Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A (WLAN Tester). With this new expanded capability, the MT8862A supports measuring the received sensitivity and transmit power of devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 2x2 MIMO, using the Network Mode*, which allows devices to be evaluated under real-world operating conditions, thus helping to improve the communication quality of WLAN-equipped devices.

Development Background
Although the official release of the Wi-Fi 7 standard is scheduled for 2024, product development based on the draft standard is underway, with leading companies already beginning to bring their products to market. Especially, in devices for applications such as ultra-high-definition video streaming and AR/VR, large amounts of high-speed data are being handled. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology is used to increase transmission speed and the amount of traffic, but the complexity of the evaluation is a challenge. Anritsu has therefore enhanced the functionality of the MT8862A, which can easily measure WLAN-equipped devices under real-world operating conditions, to enable the evaluation of devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 2x2 MIMO, which requires two antennas for each of the transmitter and receiver.

Product Overview

• Evaluating RF TRX characterization of Wi-Fi 7 in Network Mode
  The MT8862A supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz/5 GHz/6 GHz), a 320 MHz channel bandwidth, and 4096 QAM modulation, and the new option allows it to evaluate the RF TRX characteristics of devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 2x2 MIMO in Network Mode.
• Easy to use and measure
  The MT8862A can perform the necessary measurements by simply connecting to the WLAN-equipped device under test. No target control settings are required, and measurements can be taken even by personnel unfamiliar with how to configure the measurement system.

Technical Terms
* Network Mode
Network Mode emulates real-world operations to evaluate RF characteristics. It uses the data link layer communication protocol implemented in both the chip and the tester to establish communication. In addition to evaluating the RF characteristics through testing, Network Mode is especially useful for the Over-The-Air (OTA) wireless performance testing – including antenna characteristics – of finished products.