IEEE 802.11ah is an emerging standard that defines a WLAN system operating in sub 1-GHz, license-exempt bands. This emerging standard is viewed as a key enabler of IoT devices, relying on power efficient, long range and scalable Wi-Fi services. Compared to existing 802.11 standards operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 802.11ah offers a significantly improved transmission range. This makes it ideal for use in large-scale sensor networks, extended range hotspots, power efficient devices, and outdoor Wi-Fi for cellular traffic offloading.
Keysight’s Signal Studio for WLAN reduces the time spent on signal creation. Its application-specific interface supports all physical layer parameters enabling users to create and customise standards-based, performance-validated signals for component, transmitter and receiver test. Designers can use the basic capabilities (Option JFP) of the software to create partially-coded signals for transmitter or component test, while the advanced capabilities, Option UFP, creates fully-coded signals for receiver test.
After the creation of the 802.11ah-compliant reference signals, engineers can download them to a variety of Keysight instruments for real-world testing. The Signal Studio for WLAN software supports Keysight’s bench-top vector signal generators – MXG, EXG, ESG and PSG – the modular M9381A PXI vector signal generator and the E6640A EXM one-box tester