1. 802.11 – Looking Ahead to the Future
March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
– Looking Ahead to the Future
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Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

2. March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Abstract
An encouragement to initiate the development of new enhancements to to deliver very high data rates.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

3. March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Background
802.11n represents the most substantial amendment to since the 1999 advent of b and a (collectively now just ).
Looking ahead there will be a time when n itself becomes synonymous with
Learning the lessons from the past, a new effort will take years to complete.
Therefore we should start soon …
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

4. Edholm’s Law of Bandwidth
March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Edholm’s Law of Bandwidth
See the graph in article [1]
Edholm’s Law states:
Telecommunications data rates are increasing exponentially vs. time
Wireline, nomadic and wireless data rates are progressing at different slopes, but are advancing in lockstep
A given application that requires a specific amount of bandwidth can transition from wireline links to nomadic links to wireless links as time progresses and technology advances
Therefore, WLANs need to continue to develop to support future applications, in fact this is expected and anticipated
In some sense Edholm’s Law is similar to Moore’s Law – i.e. in the sense that it cites an exponential relationship between technical advances and uniform time units.
However to directly relate Edholm’s Law to Moore’s Law (as is done in the cited IEEE Spectrum article) is an error. Part of the reason for this is that Moore’s Law, while it is often cited is usually cited in error.
For a great explanation of the real definition of Moore’s Law consult the excellent analysis article at:
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

5. Suggested Path Further enhancements in data rate and MAC capabilities
March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Suggested Path
Further enhancements in data rate and MAC capabilities
Minimum goal?
5x 150 Mbps = 750 Mbps, say 1 Gbps
5x 600 Mbps = Gbps
Based on the n timeline such an effort could reasonably be expected to complete sometime in the 2011/ 2012 timeframe.
If we start soon.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

6. Viability Time marches on …
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Viability
Time marches on …
technological advances continue 
academic research continues 
Some late submissions to n already showed example paths to higher data rates.
At the January 2007 meeting someone in the audience noted that the > 1 Gbps requirement could be met by using n and just doubling up the channels, i.e. 2x 600 Mbps = 1.2 Gbps.
So data rate enhancement is a viable pursuit, but I’m confident that we can devise an even better approach.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

7. Other Aspects to Consider
March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Other Aspects to Consider
(Based on comments received via the reflector and others.)
Strive for even higher data rates?
e.g. 5x current highest data rate = 5x600 Mbps = 3 Gbps++ ?
Reduce latency
Possible bands of operation?
Co-existence with other wireless technologies?
Alternative media access methods? (vs. CSMA/CA)
Separate the control and data planes - i.e. move management and control, and action frames (including all .11v network management frames) out of the data path freeing up bandwidth and capacity for higher throughput and real-time applications on in-band channel operations ?
Possible (loose coupling) to an IMT-Advanced solution?
Development process ? New series?
Leverage the technical and process lessons of the past.
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

8. March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
Straw Poll
Should the Working group start a very high throughput development effort?
Yes: 48
No: 0
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks

9. March 2007
doc.: IEEE /0412r1
March 2007
References
1. Edholm’s Law of Bandwidth, IEEE Spectrum, July 2004 issue
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks
Darwin Engwer, Nortel Networks