IEEE 802.11ad

Not to be confused with IEEE 802.1ad.

IEEE 802.11ad (also referred to by its subject directional multi-gigabit, i.e., DMG)[1] is an amendment to the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking standard, developed to provide a Multiple Gigabit Wireless System (MGWS) standard in the 60 GHz band, and is a networking standard for WiGig networks. Because it uses the V band of the millimeter wave (mmW) band, the range of IEEE 802.11ad communication would be rather limited (just a few meters and difficult to pass through obstacles/walls) compared to other conventional Wi-Fi systems.[2][3] However, its great bandwidth enables the transmission of data at high data rates up to multiple gigabits per second, enabling usage scenarios like transmission of uncompressed UHD video over the wireless network.[4]

The WiGig standard was announced in 2009 and added to the IEEE 802.11 family in December 2012.

After revision, the 60 GHz band is 57 to 71 GHz. The band is subdivided into 6 (previously 4) different channels in IEEE 802.11ad, each of them occupy 2160 MHz of space and provide 1760 MHz of bandwidth.[5][6]

Channel Center (GHz) Min. (GHz) Max. (GHz) BW (GHz)
1 58.32 57.24 59.40 2.16
2 60.48 59.40 61.56
3 62.64 61.56 63.72
4 64.80 63.72 65.88
5 66.96 65.88 68.04
6 69.12 68.04 70.20

Some of these frequencies might not be available for the use of IEEE 802.11ad networks around the world (reserved for other purposes or requires licenses). Below is a list of available unlicensed spectrums for IEEE 802.11ad in different parts of the world:[7]

Region lower frequency upper frequency usable channels Note
USA 57.05 GHz 71.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Extended to include 64-71GHz in year 2016[8]
Canada 57.05 GHz 64.00 GHz 1, 2, 3 Expected to open up 64-71GHz in late 2021[9]
South Korea 57.00 GHz 64.00 GHz 1, 2, 3
EU 57.00 GHz 66.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4 Future opening up of 66-71GHz recommended[10]
Russia 57.00 GHz 66.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4 [11]
Japan 57.00 GHz 66.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4 57-59 GHz added in year 2011[12]
Australia 57.00 GHz 66.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4 Allowed spectrum expanded in year 2018.[13]
China 59.00 GHz 64.00 GHz 2, 3 See also IEEE 802.11aj
Singapore 57.00 GHz 66.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4 Allowed spectrum as of September 2019.[14]
Pakistan 57.00 GHz 66.00 GHz 1, 2, 3, 4 Allowed spectrum as of June 2022.[15]
  1. ^ "802.11ad". Keysight.
  2. ^ Peter Smulders (2002-08-07). "Exploiting the 60 GHz Band for Local Wireless Multimedia Access: Prospects and Future Directions". IEEE Communications Magazine. 40 (1): 140–147. doi:10.1109/35.978061.
  3. ^ Ernst Ahlers (2013-06-27). "Technische Kniffe beim Gigabit-WLAN". Heise (in German). Archived from the original on 2016-11-17. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  4. ^ "802.11ad - WLAN at 60 GHz A Technology Introduction" (PDF). White Paper by Rohde & Schwarz. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2014-12-09.
  5. ^ INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION Radiocommunication Study Groups Document 5A/TEMP/91(Rev.1) Annex 17 to Document 5A/298-E Annex 17 to Working Party 5A Chairman's Report Working document toward a preliminary draft revision of RECOMMENDATION ITU-R M.2003-1 Multiple Gigabit Wireless Systems in frequencies around 60 GHz 18 November 2016
  6. ^ "On 5G millimetre wave technology and why wireless is the new wired". Archived from the original on 2018-12-07. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  7. ^ "Wireless LAN at 60 GHz - IEEE 802.11ad Explained" (PDF). Application note from Agilent. 2013-05-30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-23. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  8. ^ Expanded Spectrum Greatly Increases Market Potential for Vubiq Networks
  9. ^ "Canada schedules 3500MHz, mmWave auctions for 2020, 2021; unveils low-cost internet scheme". Archived from the original on 2018-07-18. Retrieved 2018-12-07.
  10. ^ The RSPG has adopted recommendations to policymakers on 5G
  11. ^ "ГКРЧ разрешила использование в России стандарта связи 802.11ad" [SCRF allowed the use of 802.11ad communication standard in Russia] (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2020-11-13. Retrieved 2019-12-20.
  12. ^ 電波法施行規則及び無線設備規則の各一部を改正する省令案について（平成２３年８月３日 諮問第２２号）［60GHz帯の特定小電力無線局の周波数拡張に伴う制度整備］
  13. ^ Outdoor PtMP 60GHz Connectivity Now Allowed in Australia
  14. ^ "IMDA Spectrum Management Handbook" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-10-06. Retrieved 2019-10-06.
  15. ^ "Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) & Terrestrial Internet of Things (IoT) Services" (PDF). Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2023.