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Wi-Fi faces the new wireless ecosystem: a critical review

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Abstract

Over the last three decades, we have become more dependent on wireless connectivity to access services and applications from nearly anywhere. The overstated emergence of the all-encompassing fifth generation (5G) of mobile systems begs the question of the future of the new generation of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) solutions. However, Wi-Fi has certain advantages compared to cellular systems in different ways: (i) a fast-paced standardization process; (ii) a diverse, agile, and highly competitive manufacturer base; and (iii) a broad base of early adopters for both office and house wireless networks. In addition, the rise of enabling technologies, such as software-defined wireless networks, may allow more robust and reliable Wi-Fi networks to bridge gaps in Wi-Fi technology to reach several vertical sectors. This review provides a technical analysis of the relationship between broadband wireless and Wi-Fi technologies. Wi-Fi has taken decisive steps with the evolution of several standards, and there is already evidence that Wi-Fi may partially (or completely) fulfill 5G’s strict service requirements. Next, we discussed the Wi-Fi and 5G convergence, which allow more control over user experiences and provide better service. This review concludes with an analysis of open challenges in the convergence of 5G and Wi-Fi systems. We conclude that Wi-Fi technology has and will continue to have a decisive role as an access technology in the new ecosystem of wireless networks.

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Data Availability

The authors declare that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the paper.

Notes

  1. In the context of this review, the authors define the Wi-Fi community as the set of societies, companies, and individuals who promote the development and adoption of Wi-Fi technologies, such as the Wi-Fi Alliance and Wireless Broadband Alliance.

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Funding

The authors would like to thank the Brazilian agencies CNPq, FAPES (515/2021, 284/2021, and 026/2022), CAPES (Finance Code 001), and FAPESP (20/05182-3 and 18/23097-3) for the financial support granted to this work.

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  1. Víctor M. G. Martínez, Moisés R. N. Ribeiro, and Vinícius F. S. Mota contributed equally to this work.

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  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil

    Víctor M. G. Martínez & Moisés R. N. Ribeiro

  2. Department of Informatics, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil

    Vinícius F. S. Mota

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Martínez, V.M.G., Ribeiro, M.R.N. & Mota, V.F.S. Wi-Fi faces the new wireless ecosystem: a critical review. Ann. Telecommun. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12243-023-00995-2

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