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Category: Wi-Fi Networks

  • Wi-Fi Networks Disrupted by Windows 11 Update

    Wi-Fi Networks Disrupted by Windows 11 Update

    Have You Installed the December 2023 Windows 11 Update? Here’s How It Affects Wi-Fi Networks

    If you’ve installed the December 2023 Windows 11 update, you might notice that it causes issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. Keep reading to understand these problems and learn how to fix broken Wi-Fi networks in Windows 11.

    What’s in the December 2023 Windows 11 Update?

    This update includes new Intel, AMD, and Realtek drivers. However, the patch notes lack detailed explanations of these changes, leaving many tech professionals speculating about their impact. If you don’t require the graphics driver updates, it may be wise to delay this update to avoid potential Wi-Fi issues.

    That said, the update also includes some security improvements. Microsoft refers to these updates as “miscellaneous” but does not provide specifics in the documentation.

    Wi-Fi Problems Caused by the Update

    The update affects your adapter’s ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks, but the issues aren’t uniform across all networks. For example, while you might connect to your home Wi-Fi without trouble, your adapter may struggle on enterprise, public, or educational networks.

    The problem is particularly pronounced for networks using 802.1x authentication, a common standard in enterprise and institutional environments. Many professionals suspect the root cause lies with outdated Qualcomm wireless adapters, widely used in devices in educational institutions and public organizations.

    Fixing Windows 11 Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

    If you encounter Wi-Fi problems after the update, try these two troubleshooting methods:

    1. Disable 802.11r

    The 802.11r feature allows faster roaming between networks when signals drop. However, it appears linked to the connectivity problems caused by the December update. Disabling 802.11r on affected networks may resolve the issue.

    Keep in mind: Disabling 802.11r can cause other problems, such as poor roaming performance on mobile devices. Given the minor improvements it offers in this situation, this solution is not ideal.

    2. Use Known Issue Rollback (KIR)

    Microsoft offers a better solution through its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature, designed to address non-security bugs introduced by updates.

    How KIR works:

    • KIR stores the previous version’s code, allowing Windows to revert to it if issues arise.
    • The system dynamically determines whether to use the old or new code based on updated policies.

    For end users, this process happens automatically: Microsoft updates the settings in the cloud, and the fix is applied the next time you restart your computer. Note that the rollback may take up to 24 hours to fully resolve the issue.

    For enterprise users: Administrators can deploy a special group configuration to expedite the resolution.

    Conclusion

    Although the December 2023 Windows 11 update introduces Wi-Fi issues, these problems can be resolved. You can disable 802.11r for a quick but imperfect fix, or rely on Microsoft’s Known Issue Rollback feature for a more robust solution. A simple system restart, with some patience, should restore your Wi-Fi connectivity.

  • Wi-Fi 7 Receives a Boost with Qualcomm’s AI-Optimized Chipset

    Wi-Fi 7 Receives a Boost with Qualcomm’s AI-Optimized Chipset

    Qualcomm’s latest AI-enhanced chipset is set to accelerate the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 products. This week, the company introduced its FastConnect 7900 chipset at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, paving the way for products supporting the newest Wi-Fi standard.

    According to Qualcomm, the FastConnect 7900 chipset will be available later this year and is designed to elevate performance, reduce latency, and improve power efficiency. It achieves this by combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies into a single chip, enabling features like digital keys, object tracking, and indoor navigation.

    The chipset is expected to contribute significantly to the broader adoption of Wi-Fi 7, following the launch of the Wi-Fi 7 Certified program by the Wi-Fi Alliance. This certification ensures products meet the new standard’s specifications.

    “AI in this chipset likely optimizes signal quality and overall performance between devices and customer-premises equipment (CPE),” explained Jeff Heynen, VP of Broadband Access and Home Networking at Dell’Oro Group. “We’re just beginning to understand how AI can enhance Wi-Fi.”

    The FastConnect 7900 also includes capabilities like Target Wake Time to improve IoT device support and optimizes Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing devices to use all three spectrum bands for optimal throughput. “This is an ideal application for AI, as it can learn, adapt, and fine-tune MLO for each device’s unique capabilities,” Heynen added.

    This represents just the beginning of how manufacturers can integrate AI into their products to improve efficiency, reduce power consumption, and deliver stronger connectivity, Heynen noted.

    Wi-Fi 7 on the Horizon

    Wi-Fi 7 products are expected to arrive soon as service providers adopt the technology to stand out in an increasingly competitive wireless market.

    Compared to Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 offers improved performance for enterprise environments, supporting more users in high-density areas. It is designed to meet the demands of applications like streaming while requiring fewer devices per deployment, easing management and maintenance challenges.

    Wi-Fi 7’s appeal lies in its versatility. Based on the IEEE 802.11be standard, it operates across multiple frequency bands, including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. It also boasts impressive speeds, offering links of up to 40,000 Mbps.

    Expanding Wi-Fi 7 Product Line

    In 2023, several companies, including Qualcomm, Broadcom, Intel, MediaTek, TP-Link, and CommScope, introduced Wi-Fi 7-compatible chips, modules, and devices. Keysight Technologies also showcased its Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity testing platform at MWC 2024.

    The Wi-Fi Alliance predicts that over 233 million Wi-Fi 7 devices will enter the market in 2024, with that number growing to 2.1 billion by 2028.

    Industry experts believe Wi-Fi 7 will better handle dense device usage and demanding applications like streaming, offering significant improvements over Wi-Fi 6E while maintaining backward compatibility. Many organizations, including large entertainment venues, are already leveraging Wi-Fi 6 and preparing for the shift to Wi-Fi 7.

    The Future of Wireless Connectivity

    The global market for Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 chipsets was valued at $22.55 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

    As the demand for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity continues to grow, Wi-Fi 7 is set to play a central role in shaping the future of wireless technology.